Evaluation of minimally invasive peratrial device closure of secundum atrial septal defects in children

Abstract

To introduce peratrial device closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children, and to summarize the clinical experiences. A total of 115 children with secundum ASD (the occlusion group) underwent peratrial device closure of atrial septal defects through a small sternotomy under TEE guidance without cardiopulmonary bypass. Children were followed up closely for 1-13 months. Another 59 children (the bypass group) had closed atrial septal defects under cardiopulmonary bypass during the same period. The differences in the operation duration, convalescence and complication between the 2 groups were compared. Except 1 patient was operated under the CPB, the rest 114 patients in the occlusion group were successfully closed by the occluders. The duration of the operation, mechanical ventilation, intensive care and hospitalization, and the rate of blood-transfusion in the occlusion group were significantly lower than those in the bypass group (P<0.01), with no difference in complications in the 2 groups (P>0.05). Minimally invasive peratrial device closure of ASD without CPB is a relatively simple, safe and effective operation under the guidance of TEE for children. The short and mid-term clinical outcomes are promising. Long-term follow-up is indispensable.