Percutaneous closure with Amplatzer device is a safe and efficient alternative to surgery in adults with large atrial septal defects

BACKGROUND: In adults with atrial septal defect (ASD) and large right-to-left shunt, closure of the defect is recommended. Percutaneous closure is still rarely used in this population. This study presents the results of transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer occluder in such patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 44 consecutive adult patients with a secundum ASD and 2 of the 3 following criteria: QP/QS >/=2 by oximetry, echocardiographic right ventricle overload, and ASD size >20 mm. Forty-two patients had a successful implantation. In 1 patient an unstable device was withdrawn; in another one, the device embolized in the pulmonary artery. At 6-month median follow-up, 95% had a complete closure; 2 patients with an additional defect had a small residual shunt. Major complications were the aforementioned embolization and a cerebrovascular accident in a patient with atrial fibrillation treated with aspirin. Others were minor and transitory: premature atrial beats in 3 patients, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and pulmonary edema in 1 patient each. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of large ASDs with the Amplatzer device is efficient with less morbidity than surgical closure.     

Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defect with a new self-expanding nitinol double disk device (Amplatzer device): experience in Nanjing

PURPOSE: Various devices have been developed for the transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD II) to avoid the morbidity, discomfort, and thoracotomy scar associated with surgical closure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer septal occluder for transcatheter closure of ASD II. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Only patients who were clinically diagnosed with ASD II were selected. The anatomy of ASD had to meet certain echocardiographic criteria. Under the guidance of echocardiography and fluoroscopy, the implantation of the device was accomplished as recommended by the manufacturer. RESULTS: Thirty patients (median age 18.4 years) with an ASD II underwent transcatheter closure. Procedure time ranged from 30-200 minutes and fluoroscopy time from 10-50 minutes. The diameter of the ASD measured by echocardiography ranged from 13-25 mm, while both the stretched diameters of the ASDs and the sizes of the devices ranged from 18-34 mm. The successful placement rate was 100%. The residual shunt rate was 100% immediately after device implantation and 10% after 24 hours. After 3 months, 3.3% of the patients had a (trivial) residual shunt. The device did not affect the surrounding structures of ASD. No embolization of the device occurred. CONCLUSION: The Amplatzer device designed for the closure of ASD II can be implanted easily and also is retrievable. Due to a low ratio of residual shunt and few complications, this device is a good choice for transcatheter closure of ASD II. Long-term follow-up will be required for widespread clinical use.     

Occlusion of interatrial communications with the Amplatzer device: experience in 48 consecutive patients

Both secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) have been closed interventionally using several different occluding devices. At a single institution we strived for interventional occlusion of interatrial communications using the Amplatzer device exclusively. During a study period of 22 months, we studied 48 patients ranging in age from 1 to 48 years with an ASD (n = 45) or a PFO (n = 3). Successful implantation of an Amplatzer device was possible in 92% of the patients, and 95% of these patients had a complete early closure of their defect. There were no complications related to the procedure. We conclude that interventional closure of interatrial communications with the Amplatzer device is feasible and safe for selected patients.     

Comparison of the Sideris and Amplatzer septal occlusion devices

The results of transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) occlusion with 2 different devices (Sideris adjustable buttoned device vs Amplatzer Septal Occluder) were compared in 2 consecutive series of patients. Comparative outcomes were assessed by whether a device was implanted or not, by complications and fluoroscopy time of implantation, and by the incidence of residual shunting on transthoracic echocardiography at follow-up. The patient and defect characteristics were similar in both groups. Twenty-eight of 33 Sideris devices and 37 of 39 Amplatzer devices were implanted. The fluoroscopy time for the Amplatzer implants was 13.4 minutes (range 8 to 41) compared with 23.7 minutes (range 11 to 60.6) for the Sideris implants (p <0.001). The complete occlusion rate for the Amplatzer device was 93% compared with 44% for the Sideris device at 1 year (p <0.001). In conclusion, the Amplatzer device produces higher occlusion rates of ASDs with shorter fluoroscopy times.     

Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects with the new self-centering Amplatzer Septal Occluder.

AIMS: The study was set up to find out whether a new self-centering prosthesis for transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects could overcome the disadvantages of previously described devices. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-two consecutive patients with a significant atrial septal defect were considered for transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder. The device, made of a Nitinol and polyester fabric mesh, provides a different approach to defect occlusion by stenting the atrial septal defect up to a stretched diameter of 26 mm. Three infants whose large defects were demonstrated on a transthoracic echocardiogram were excluded from transcatheter treatment. On transoesophageal echocardiography, 49 defects ranged from 6-26 mm, in one adult the defect measured 28 mm and this patient was excluded from attempted transcatheter closure. At cardiac catheterization in five further patients, devices were not implanted, in two because the stretched diameter exceeded 26 mm and in three the device was withdrawn because it was unstable or compromised the mitral valve. Thus, device closure was performed in 43 patients. At follow-up after 3 months the complete closure rate was 97%. CONCLUSION: The self-centering Amplatzer Septal Occluder is very efficient and user-friendly and offers interventional closure in 83% of an unselected group of patients presented with an atrial septal defect.     

经胸超声心动图监测下用Amplatzer封堵器治疗房间隔缺损

目的：评价在经胸超声心动图(TTE)监测下用Amplatzer封堵器介入治疗房间隔缺损(ASD)的可行性及实用价值。方法：全组共18例继发孔型ASD患者，均在常规C型臂X线机透视和TTE指导下经导管置入Amplatzer封堵器。结果：18例患者中有2例未放置成功而改为开胸手术；16例均成功置入Amplatzer封堵器，即刻完全堵闭，术后随访3个月至2年，TTE示ASD仍被完全封闭，未见残余分流。随访期间无任何并发症。结论：在TTE和X线透视指导下用Amplatzer封堵器治疗继发孔型ASD安全可行，具有一定实用价值。     

Advanced symptomatic atrioventricular block as a complication after transcatheter occlusion of secundum atrial septal defect in a 40-year-old woman with prior left bundle branch block

We report a case of a woman with a left bundle branch block and secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) who underwent transcatheter occlusion using Amplatzer device. The patient was treated with antiarrhythmic drugs because of paroxysmal atrial flutter. One and a half month later the patient developed a second degree atrioventricular block. Temporary pacing was introduced, followed by a dual-chamber pacemaker implantation due to recurrent symptomatic atrioventricular block. An association between conduction disorders, the use of antiarrhythmic drugs and the complications after ASD closure is discussed.     

经胸超声心动图在Amplatzer封堵器治疗成人巨大房间隔缺损中的应用

目的　评价经胸超声心动图监测 (TTE)Amplatzer封堵器介入治疗巨大房间隔缺损(ASD)的安全性和可行性。方法　 2 1例住院患者 ,男 12例 ,女 9例 ;年龄 17～ 4 5岁 ;均经临床及超声心动图证实的继发孔型ASD ,以充盈球囊最大伸展直径加 2～ 4mm为原则选择封堵器型号 ,TTE监测下放置Amplatzer封堵器。随访有无残余分流及是否影响周围瓣膜和静脉功能 ,记录临床事件 (血栓栓塞、心功能不全、心律失常等 )。结果　 2 1例全部封堵成功 ,TTE监测放置Amplatzer封堵成功 ,手术成功率 10 0 % ;术后即刻及 1天、3天、3个月、6个月、1年复查TTE观察无明显残余分流及影响周围瓣膜功能 ,也无腔、肺静脉狭窄 ,无血栓栓塞事件发生 ,无封堵器移位和脱落 ,心功能有不同程度的好转。1例发生频发房性心律失常 ,经心律平 4 5 0mg d治疗 1个月后消失 ,无其他并发症发生。结论　Amp latzer封堵器介入治疗成人巨大ASD是一种安全、有效的治疗方法 ,TTE监测ASD介入封堵治疗整个过程 ,可以提高一次释放成功率     

继发孔型房间隔缺损介入性封堵术27例临床报告

目的 评价应用ＡＧＡ Ａｍｐｌａｔｚｅｒ闭合器对非开胸手术闭合继发孔型房间隔缺损的疗效。方法 ２７例ＡＳＤ住院患者,男７例,女２０例。年龄３￣４９岁,平均３１．９岁。体重１８￣８８ｋｇ,平均５８．２ｋｇ。ＡＳＤ病理分型;中央型２４例,中央偏上型２例,下腔型１例。其中单一ＡＳＤ２５例,多发性ＡＳＤ２例（２处缺损１例,３处缺损１例）,合并肺动脉瓣狭窄（ＰＳ）和合并房间隔膨出瘤各１例,ＡＳＤ直径１．０￣     

彩色超声心动图监测经导管蘑菇伞堵闭房间隔缺损的作用评价

目的 使用彩色超声心动图监测经导管蘑菇伞堵闭先天性心脏病房间隔缺损(ASD)。方法 使用彩色超声心动图仪器对14岁以下小儿经食道,成人经胸术中监测,指导操作者安置封堵器的合适方位。当双盘蘑菇伞腰部卡在ASD内,两盘则分别在左、右房侧时,彩色超声心动图监测无残余分流后结束堵闭术,术后24小时再次进行彩色超声心动图检查。结果 37例中,36例1次堵闭成功,1例失败。结论 在经导管蘑菇伞堵闭ASD中,彩色超声心动图监测很重要。     

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect in young children: results and follow-up

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to analyze the safety, efficacy, and follow-up results of percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) in young children. BACKGROUND: Results of ASD transcatheter closure in adults are widely reported but there are no large published series concerning young children. METHODS: Between December 1996 and February 2002, 48 of 553 patients percutaneously treated at our institution were children age 相似文献   

The role of transesophageal echocardiography in transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects by the Amplatzer septal occluder

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to determine the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the closure of atrial septal defects by the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (AGA Medical, Golden Valley, Minn). METHODS: A total of 240 patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) secundum were examined by transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography (TTE) and TEE to determine the ASD morphologic features, diameter, and rims. During transcatheter closure TEE was used for determination of the ASD diameter and guidance of the ASO implantation. RESULTS: Sixteen (6%) patients were found not suitable for transcatheter closure with TTE, 35 (14%) with TEE, and 2 during catheterization. Twenty-eight patients (18%) had partial or total deficiency of the posterior, inferoanterior, or inferoposterior rim, 54 (27%) had a centrally positioned ASD, 92 (46%) had insufficient superoanterior rim, and 9 had multiple ASDs, whereas 8 had a septal aneurysm associated with a single defect and 4 a multiperforated aneurysm. A total of 170 patients underwent implantation of ASO. The ASO was correctly positioned in 144 at the first attempt. In the remainder TEE revealed unstable position of the left atrial disk (12), opening of both atrial disks in the left atrium (5), deployment of the device through the smaller defect in patients with multiple ASDs (3), and, in 1 patient, the device was too small and had to be replaced by a larger one. CONCLUSIONS: Morphologic variations of the ASD are common. TEE is crucial for the determination of the ASD morphologic features, diameter, and rims, which are crucial for proper patient selection. TEE allows precise guiding and positioning of the ASO, which is essential for safe and effective transcatheter ASD closure.     

Left ventricular conditioning in the elderly patient to prevent congestive heart failure after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is a safe and effective treatment. Over the past years, an increasing number of elderly patients (age > 60 years) have been admitted for transcatheter closure to prevent ongoing congestive heart failure from volume overload. However, recent data point to the risk of serious acute left ventricular dysfunction leading to pulmonary edema immediately after surgical or transcatheter ASD closure in some patients. In this study, we used a technique described before to recognize in advance patients at risk of left heart failure after ASD closure. Those patients at risk were then treated with preventive conditioning medication for 48-72 hr before definitive transcatheter ASD closure was performed. Fifty-nine patients aged over 60 years (range, 60-81.8 years; median, 68 years) were admitted to our institution for transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect. All patients received evaluation of atrial pressures before and during temporary balloon occlusion of the ASD. Patients with left ventricular restriction due to increased mean atrial pressures (> 10 mm Hg) during ASD occlusion received anticongestive conditioning medication with i.v. dopamine, milrinone, and furosemide for 48-72 hr before definitive ASD closure with an Amplatzer septal occluder was performed. In 44 patients without any signs of left ventricular restriction, ASD closure was performed within the first session. Fifteen (25%) out of 59 patients showed left ventricular restriction. In the majority of patients with LV restriction, the mean left atrial pressures with occluded ASD were significantly decreased after 48-72 hr of conditioning medication. Definitive ASD closure was then performed in a second session. Only two patients received a fenestrated 32 mm Amplatzer occluder due to persistent increased atrial pressures > 10 mm Hg even after conditioning medication. There were no significant differences in shunt, device size, or defect size between the two groups. Balloon occlusion of atrial septal defects identifies patients with left ventricular restrictive physiology before ASD closure. Intravenous anticongestive conditioning medication seems to be highly effective in preventing congestive heart failure after interventional closure of an ASD in the elderly patient with a restrictive left ventricle.     

房间隔缺损并发心房纤颤患者应用Amplatzer伞封堵房缺后心房纤颤的电复律治疗

目的 :初步评价房间隔缺损并发心房纤颤患者应用 Am platzer伞封堵房间隔缺损后心房纤颤的电复律疗效。方法 :2例患者 （5 1～ 5 3岁 ）。在透视及食管超声心动图监视下经导管置入 Amplatzer伞封堵房间隔缺损。术后即时行超声心动图 ,术后 2 4h,和 1,3,6月 ,分别行经胸超声心动图评价房间隔缺损治疗效果。术后 6月行电复律。结果 :2例患者疗效均佳 ,房间隔未见残余分流 ,电复律成功 ,患者转为窦性心律 ,复律后无并发症及 Amplatzer伞移位。结论 :应用 Am platzer伞封堵房间隔缺损并发心房纤颤患者 ,电复律易成功 ,是一种安全有效的复律方法。     

用Amplatzer封堵器介入治疗房间隔缺损及动脉导管未闭(附23例报告)

目的　探讨应用Amplatzer封堵器治疗先天性心脏病心房间隔缺损 (atrialseptaldefect,ASD)及动脉导管未闭 (patentductusarteriosus ,PDA)的方法并评价其疗效。方法　 2 3例患者 (ASD 19例 ,PDA 4例 )。所有病例均在X线透视、造影及食道超声心动图监视下经导管置入Amplatzer封堵器治疗ASD及PDA。结果　全组技术成功率 10 0 %。 2 3例患者术后 2 4h、1周行经胸超声心动图 (TTE)检查 ,有 2例存在残余分流 ,术后即刻完全封堵率 91 2 %。术后 6个月随访TTE检查示所有病例均封堵完全 ,无残余分流 ;X线检查全部显示肺血减少 ,心胸比例不同程度缩小。结论　经导管置入Amp latzer封堵器是治疗ASD和PDA的一种操作简便、技术成功率高、疗效可靠的介入方法。     

Closure of defects of the atrial septum in adults using the Amplatzer device: 100 consecutive patients in a single center

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) is an alternative to surgery, but experience is limited in adults, especially in those with large (> 26 mm) defects. HYPOTHESIS: We investigated the safety, efficacy, and learning curve for closure of ASD and patent foramen ovale (PFO) using the Amplatzer device. METHODS: In all, 101 procedures were carried out in 100 consecutive adult patients in a single cardiac center between July 1998 and August 2002. RESULTS: Preprocedure diagnosis was ASD and PFO in 50 patients each. A device was deployed in 94 of 101 attempts (93%) in 94 of 100 patients (94%). Atrial septal defect device sizes were 10-38 mm, median 24 mm, and 40% were > 26 mm. Major complications occurred in 2 of 100 patients (2%). One ASD device displaced requiring surgery within 24 h and one patient with PFO experienced pericardial tamponade; there were no deaths. Local vascular complications occurred in 4 of 100 (4%) and late complications in 4 of 100 (4%) patients. Patent foramen ovale closure was quicker (p<0.001), required less radiation (p=0.04), and was associated with fewer local vascular complications than ASD closure (p=0.04). Deployment of ASD devices > 26 mm was not associated with increased complications, length of procedure, or radiation compared with devices < or = 26 mm (all p>0.05). Complications in the first 35 patients were more frequent than in subsequent patients: 7 of 35 (20%) versus 3 of 65 (4.6%) (p=0.04); procedure and fluoroscopy times (both p<0.001) and radiation doses (p=0.001) were also higher. CONCLUSION: The Amplatzer device is an effective method for transcatheter closure of interatrial defects in adults, including large ASDs up to 38 mm. Major complications are uncommon. A learning curve of approximately 35 cases was suggested by the decline of complications, procedure times, and radiation exposure.     

Closure of a moderately large atrial septal defect with a self-fabricated fenestrated Amplatzer septal occluder in an 85-year-old patient with reduced diastolic elasticity of the left ventricle.

Percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) in the elderly with reduced diastolic elasticity of the left ventricle poses a significant management challenge. We report on the case of an 85-year-old patient who was admitted for percutaneous device closure of a moderately large secundum atrial septal defect. Hemodynamic evaluation documented an increase in left atrial pressure from a mean of 12 mm Hg to a mean of 32 mm Hg after balloon test occlusion of the ASD. Two months later, after adequate pretreatment with diuretics and afterload-reducing substances, he underwent successful closure of the ASD using a self-fabricated fenestrated Amplatzer septal occluder, which resulted in a postimplantation left atrial pressure of a mean of 18 mm Hg. Recovery was unremarkable and the fenestration has remained patent for 3 months since implantation of the device. This unique case highlights the feasibility of using a self-fabricated fenestrated Amplatzer septal occluder to close interatrial communications in elderly patients with diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle.     

Catheter closure of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale in patients with an atrial septal aneurysm using different devices

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal aneurysm is frequently associated with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defects (ASD). Moreover, a relationship between atrial septal aneurysm and embolic cerebrovascular events has been suggested. The aims of this study were to analyze morphological and functional characteristics of atrial septal aneurysm in PFO and ASD patients and to assess the feasibility and efficacy of different devices for transcatheter closure and the influence of atrial septal aneurysm. METHODS: Between March 1997 and May 2000 transcatheter ASD or PFO closure was attempted in 63 patients (mean age 47 +/- 13 years) with an atrial septal aneurysm using one of the following devices: Angelwings (n = 3), Cardioseal (n = 5), Cardioseal-Starflex (n = 7), Amplatzer (n = 11), Amplatzer-PFO (n = 5), PFO-Star (n = 25), or Helex (n = 7). RESULTS: Implantation was primarily successful (after the first or second attempt) in all patients. One PFO-Star device embolized 12 hours after the procedure. During follow-up (0.6-37 months, mean 10.4 +/- 9.2) a residual shunt could be detected by transesophageal echocardiography after 2 weeks in four patients and after 6 months in one patient. Three PFO patients had cerebrovascular events after implantation. Two patients had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and one patient a stroke. A thrombus formation on the device detected in three patients disappeared after antithrombotic therapy. CONCLUSION: We conclude that ASDs and PFOs with an associated atrial septal aneurysm can be closed with different available devices. There seem to be no additional risks compared with patients without atrial septal aneurysm.     

Transcatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects. Initial results and value of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography.

AIMS: To examine the feasibility of transcatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects using two Amplatzer devices simultaneously and to describe the importance and the role of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography in the selection and closure of such defects. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with more than one atrial septal defect underwent an attempt at transcatheter closure of their atrial septal defects at a mean+/-SD age of 30. 8+/-18.6 years (range 3.7-65.9 years) and mean weight of 56.6+/-25.5 kg (range 12.9-99 kg) using two Amplatzer devices implanted simultaneously via two separate delivery systems. During catheterization, two dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was performed in all but one patient, during and after transcatheter closure, while three dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was performed in six patients before and after transcatheter closure. RESULTS: Forty-four devices were deployed in all patients to close 45 defects (one patient with three defects closed by two devices). Two dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was helpful in selection and in guiding correct deployment of the devices. The mean size of the larger defect, as measured by transoesophageal echocardiography was 12.8+/-5.9 mm and the mean size of the smaller defect was 6.6+/-3.0 mm. The mean size of the larger devices was 15+/-7.5 mm, and 8.4+/-3.7 mm for the smaller. Three dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography provided superior imaging and demonstrated the number, shape and the surrounding structures of the atrial septal defects in one single view. The median fluoroscopy time was 28.7 min. Device embolization with successful catheter retrieval occurred in one patient. Forty-four devices were evaluated by colour Doppler transoesophageal echocardiography immediately after the catheterization with a successful closure rate of 97.7%. On follow-up colour Doppler transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated successful closure in 97.5% at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of more than one Amplatzer septal occluder to close multiple atrial septal defects is safe and effective. The use of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography provided useful information for transcatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects using two devices. Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography enhanced our ability to image and understand the spatial relationship of the atrial septal defect anatomy.     

房间隔缺损并发畸形的介入治疗

目的 :评价同期应用介入治疗房间隔缺损 （ASD）及其并发心脏其它畸形的可行性和治疗效果。方法 :全组 7例 ,年龄 2～ 6 5 （34± 2 8）岁。经临床、心电图、X线及超声心动图诊断为 ASD并发其他心脏畸形 ,其中 3例为肺动脉瓣狭窄 ,2例为二尖瓣狭窄 （L utembacher综合征 ） ,2例为动脉导管未闭 （PDA ）。应用 Amplatzer封堵器经导管关闭ASD前 ,先纠正其它畸形 （包括瓣膜成形术及 PDA封堵术 ）。术后 3d,1～ 6月分别行经胸超声心动图 （TTE）、心电图、X线检查评价治疗效果。结果 :7例同期介入治疗均获得成功 ,术中未发生任何重要并发症。术后 3d,1～ 6月TTE显示房间隔无残余分流。并发肺动脉瓣狭窄患者 ,术后即刻跨肺动脉瓣压差得到满意的下降 ;L utembacher综合征患者 ,二尖瓣瓣口面积分别由术前 1.0 ,1.2 cm2增加到术后 1.9,2 .0 cm2 ,左房平均压分别由 2 9,2 6 m m Hg（1mm Hg=0 .133k Pa）降至 8,7m m Hg;并发 PDA患者 ,应用 Amplatzer封堵器 PDA关闭术后 10 min降主动脉侧位造影 ,无残余分流。术后 6月 X线检查显示肺血减少 ,心脏房、室缩小。结论 :同期介入治疗 ASD并发某些心脏畸形是一种有效、安全、简便可行的方法。