Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect guided by live three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Amit Bhan1, Stamatis Kapetanakis, Peter Pearson
1Department of Cardiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Insights
This case study highlights the effectiveness of live 3D transesophageal echocardiography in assessing atrial septal defects. It demonstrates the procedure
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cryptogenic stroke in a 55-year-old male prompted investigation.
- Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are a potential cause of embolic events.
- Accurate defect assessment is crucial for guiding treatment strategies.
Observation:
- Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a small secundum atrial septal defect.
- Transesophageal echocardiography provided detailed anatomical assessment.
- The defect was identified as suitable for percutaneous closure.
Findings:
- Live three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) proved valuable for detailed ASD assessment.
- 3D-TEE facilitated precise evaluation of defect morphology and suitability for intervention.
- Percutaneous closure was successfully performed, guided by advanced imaging.
Implications:
- Live 3D-TEE enhances the evaluation of secundum atrial septal defects.
- This imaging modality improves guidance for transcatheter closure procedures.
- Minimally invasive closure offers benefits for patients with specific cardiac defects.
Abstract:
A 55-year-old man with a history of cryptogenic stroke presented to the authors' department for investigation. On transthoracic echocardiography, he was found to have a small secundum atrial septal defect, and transesophageal echocardiography was performed for a more detailed assessment. Following this, the defect was deemed suitable for percutaneous closure. The case demonstrates the utility and benefits of live three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography for the assessment of this type of defect and guidance of transcatheter closure.
