Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect Associated With Pulmonary Artery Hypertension using Fenestrated Devices

In patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) associated with atrial septal defect (ASD), closure of ASD may carry significant risks. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of ASD in selected patients with PAH using a fenestrated device followed by pulmonary vasodilator therapy. During the 14.8-year period, 51 ASD patients (10 males, age 46 ± 18 years) with a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) ≥ 35 mm Hg and/or systolic PAP ≥ 60 mm Hg, underwent closure with a fenestrated device. Of them, mean Qp/Qs ratio, systolic PAP and mean PAP were 2.6 ± 1.2, 73 ± 14 mm Hg, and 44 ± 8 mm Hg, respectively. A total of 35 patients received pulmonary vasodilator therapy. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improved at 3 to 6 months follow-up. (p < 0.001) Nineteen patients underwent repeated catheterization. A comparison of the hemodynamic parameters between baseline and repeated catheterization revealed significant decreases in both systolic and mean PAP (77 ± 11 vs 55 ± 14 mm Hg, p < 0.0001 & 48 ± 7 vs 37 ± 8 mm Hg, p = 0.001, respectively), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (5.1 ± 2.3 vs 4.0 ± 1.7 WU, p = 0.011) and PVRi (7.7 ± 3.3 vs 6.2 ± 2.4 WU*m2, p = 0.024). After a follow-up period of 84 ± 45 months, 6 mortalities were noted in which 2 were due to cardiac causes. In conclusion, catheter closure of ASD in patients with PAH using a fenestrated device followed by vasodilator therapy is safe and effective.