[3D visualization for simulating percutaneous transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect:a pilot clinical study]

To evaluate the clinical value of 3D visualization method for simulating percutaneous transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD).

3D volume render method was used for visualizing ASD and surrounding structures and 3D modeling method was applied for simulate the shape of occlusion device. The size and the distance between the lower edge of device and atria-ventricular valve of simulation occluder and actual selected atrial septal occluder (ASO) were compared in 30 patients underwent successful transcatheter closure of ASD.

The location, geometry, size, extent of ASDs in children were displayed in 3D visualization. No significant difference was found between simulation occluder and ASO size measured from left atrium [(26.07 +/- 5.32) cm vs. (25.91 +/- 5.32) cm] and right atrium [(22.13 +/- 5.31) cm vs. (22.08 +/- 5.26) cm, all P > 0.05]. The distances from simulation occluder to mitral valves [(5.76 +/- 2.39) cm] and to tricuspid valves [(8.25 +/- 2.40) cm] were similar as ASO to atria-ventricular valves [(5.61 +/- 2.26) cm and (8.02 +/- 2.48) cm, respectively, all P > 0.05].

The simulating percutaneous transcatheter closure of ASD by 3D visualization technique could be a helpful noninvasive approach for ASO selection before the procedure of transcatheter occlusion of ASD.