Percutaneous closure of interatrial defects: the Free State experience.

OBJECTIVE

Atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale can now be closed percutaneously. This report describes our initial and follow-up experience, especially in relation to efficacy and complications.

METHODS

During a 2-year period, seven atrial septal defects and one patent foramen ovale were closed. The Amplatzer artrial septal defect occluder was used in five, the Cardioseal device in two and the Amplatzer patent foramen ovale occluder in one. A compliant sizing balloon was used to assess the stretched diameter of the defects.

RESULTS

Percutaneous closure was successful in all patients. The median age was 5.4 years (range: 3.7-16.6 years) and median weight was 18 kg (range: 14-65 kg). The mean duration of the procedure was 2.3 hours. There were no acute complications. Patients were followed up for a mean of 1.1 years. One child experienced severe headaches and another developed an atrial flutter and a small leak 7 months after implantation, both of which resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale is effective and safe. In selected children, this may be offered as an alternative to surgery.