Fate of a modified fenestration of atrial septal occluder device after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in elderly patients

Background: Data on closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) in elderly patients with a fenestrated Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) device is limited. Methods: A hemodynamically significant ASD was closed with a fenestrated ASO in 3 patients with ages >62 years. Prior to implant a 4‐mm fenestration was created by balloon dilatation without additional suture fixation just adjacent to the stent part of the device. Indications for fenestration were restrictive left ventricular physiology and/or pulmonary hypertension. Heparin had been administered during and for 48 hours after the procedure. Two patients were maintained on phenprocoumon because of chronic atrial fibrillation, the remaining patient on aspirin and clopidogrel for 3 months after implant. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and hemodynamic evaluation were performed 4–18 months after ASD closure. Results: A trace or small fenestration through the ASO with left‐to‐right shunt was detected by TEE in all 3 patients without any hemodynamic significance. No thrombus formation was observed. Pulmonary hypertension improved in the affected patient. Pulmonary arterial wedge pressure and cardiac index improved in the second patient with improvement in heart failure symptoms and of quality of life in both. The third patient, after initial improvement for 6 months, developed significant comorbidities and clinical deterioration at 18 months follow‐up. Conclusion: The modified fenestration of the ASO decreased significantly in size at follow‐up. Applying this technique to selected patients judged to be at risk for ASD closure avoids acute decompensation and allows gradual diminuition of right ventricular volume overload during mid‐term follow‐up. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:485–490)