The Effect of Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure on Left Heart Function in Pediatric Patients

Ayşe Sülü1, Derya Aydın Şahin2, Osman Başpınar3

  • 1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey.

Insights

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) improved cardiac function in children. Tissue Doppler imaging confirmed enhanced left ventricular diastolic and left atrial systolic function post-procedure without adverse device effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiac Physiology

Background:

  • Secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) can impact cardiac function.
  • Transcatheter closure is a common treatment for ASDs.
  • Evaluating cardiac function post-procedure is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess left atrial systolic and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) after transcatheter ASD closure.
  • To evaluate changes in left atrial ejection force in pediatric patients following ASD repair.

Main Methods:

  • TDI measurements of left atrial ejection force, mitral valve, and left atrial volume were performed.
  • Evaluations were conducted pre-procedure and at multiple time points post-procedure (1st day, 10th day, 1st month, 3rd month).
  • A cohort of 56 pediatric patients and 28 healthy controls were included.

Main Results:

  • A transient decrease in septal and lateral a' velocities was observed on the first day post-procedure.
  • Septal e'/a' parameters significantly improved by the third month.
  • Left atrial ejection force was initially lower in ASD patients but significantly increased post-procedure, nearing control group levels.

Conclusions:

  • Transcatheter ASD closure leads to improvements in LV diastolic and left atrial systolic function in children.
  • The devices used for transcatheter ASD closure demonstrated no negative impact on cardiac function.
Abstract