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Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

To close or not to close an atrial septal defect in ischemic cardiomyopathy

Thomas Bartel1, Silvana Müller

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria. thomas.bartel@i-med.ac.at

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions : Official Journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A patient with severe heart failure and an atrial septal defect (ASD) underwent successful defect closure. Preconditioning and testing minimized risks, improving the patient's heart function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • A 67-year-old male presented with significant heart failure (NYHA class III-IV) and a low left ventricular ejection fraction (21%).
  • The patient had an atrial septal defect (ASD) identified as a major contributor to his heart failure.
  • Closure of the ASD posed a potential risk of exacerbating the patient's already compromised clinical status.

Observation:

  • Diagnostic procedures including preconditioning and echocardiographic testing were performed.
  • A temporary test closure of the ASD was conducted to assess hemodynamic impact.
  • These measures were implemented to mitigate risks associated with definitive ASD closure.

Findings:

  • The atrial septal defect was successfully closed.
  • The interventions successfully minimized the risks associated with the procedure.
  • The patient's condition improved following the successful ASD closure.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the successful management of complex heart failure patients with ASD.
  • Preconditioning and test closure are valuable strategies for risk mitigation in ASD interventions.
  • Successful ASD closure can significantly improve cardiac function and heart failure symptoms in select patients.

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