Abstract 15278: Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect Over the Age of 60

Abstract

Introduction: The long-term benefits of transcatheter device closure of a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) over 60 remain controversial. The aim of the study was to assess the predictors of death late after device closure in these elderly patients. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 87 patients with successful ASD transcatheter closure over 60 and at least 1 year follow-up after closure. The mean age was 73.3±5 years, and 74 of them were female (85%). All patients had an isolated secundum ASD with a mean defect size of 18±4 (9-30) mm. At the time of closure 10 patients were known with pulmonary hypertension (11%), 52 with atrial arrhythmia (61%), 56 with heart failure (64%), and 15 with coronary artery disease (17%). Demographic, clinical and echo data were compared between values at the time of closure, and at the last follow-up. Predictors of death were analyzed with multivariate Cox regression. Results: After the mean follow-up of 5±4 years 11 patients developed high LV filling pressure, 15 patients had new atrial arrhythmia and 10 patients right heart failure. At the last FU a significant decrease in right ventricular (45±5 vs 38±8 mm, p=0.032) and right atrium dimension (62±10 vs. 59 ±10mm, p=0.045) were seen, together with right ventricular systolic pressure improvement (51±18 vs. 40±19 mmHg, p=0.038). The left atrium showed significant further dilatation after closure (60±9 vs. 62±9.5, p=0.048). The presence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular dilatation and tricuspid regurgitation correlated with the right heart failure after closure, and the atrial dimension, tricuspid regurgitation, and high filling pressure with new atrial arrhythmia. Fourteen patients died during follow-up. On multivariate analysis the main predictor of death was right heart failure (HR: 10; 95% CI 2,15-41). Conclusions: In terms of right heart remodeling, elderly patients still benefit from late ASD catheter closure. However, those who develop right heart failure after closure are at a high risk of death (HR:10). Diastolic dysfunction after the defect closure was not a predictor of death.