Assessment of transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistula by transthoracic echocardiography

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistula (CAF) by transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) and the role of TTE in this therapy. Methods CAF were occluded with transcatheter closure techniques in 17 patients. TTE was performed before and after the treatments. The key points were retrospectively analyzed including: the sites of CAF, the position and diameter of CAF,the shape and position of the devices after the intervention,the residual shunt,and cardiac chamber size. Results Before the therapy,TTE made definite diagnosis of CAF. All patients had lesions in single coronary artery, and the diameter of CAF was 2-14 (6.4 ± 3.5)mm. All patients underwent transcatheter closure successfully. TTE revealed the shunts disappear 1-4 days after the occlusion. During a follow-up period of 1- 29 (11.7± 7.9)months,no residual shunts, no complications, and normal size of thecardiac chambers were recognized by TTE. Conclusions The transcatheter closure of CAF has emerged as a less invasive, safe and effective strategy. Echocardiography has important role in primary screening of patients and the follow-up after the treatments. Key words: Echocardiography; Coronary vessel anomalies; Coronary artery fistula