Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Transthoracic echocardiography monitoring during ASD closure using an artificial hand system
Yun-Ching Fu1, Shen Kou Tsai2, Wen-Yen Jian3
1Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, China Medical University, No. 2, Yude Road, North District, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
Aim:
Continuous real-time echocardiographic monitoring is essential for guidance during ASD closure. However, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can only be implemented intermittently during fluoroscopy. We evaluate a novel approach to provide real-time imaging during the entire procedure.
Finding:
We developed a custom-made TTE monitoring apparatus using artificial hand (AH-TTE) that enables real-time TTE images during atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. Thirty-two patients underwent successful device implantation using AH-TTE monitoring without complications. The median duration for real-time AH-TTE monitoring was 22 min and the median fluoroscopy time was 7.2 min. One case of pericardial effusion and one of transient bradycardia event due to air embolism was detected. All patients had uneventful recoveries.
Conclusions:
Our simple and novel monitoring technique with AH-TTE provides TEE-like monitoring and may be a new alternative method for ASD closure. It gives real-time stable TTE images and minimizes radiation exposure for the interventional team during fluoroscopy.
