BackgroundThis study sought to investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in children.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent percutaneous ASD closure at our center from August 2016 to December 2017. For a total of 88 patients who were identified as having a single-hole defect and were undergoing percutaneous transcatheter ASD closure, a procedure completely guided by TEE was performed. There were 31 male patients and 57 female patients. The patients’ mean age was 60.09 ± 36.42 months (13–182 months), and their mean body weight was 20.16 ± 10.04 kg (9–77 kg). Patients were followed up by performing transthoracic echocardiography and obtaining chest X-rays and electrocardiograms.ResultsThe transcatheter closure of ASDs was successful in all patients. The mean ASD size was 11.58 ± 5.31 mm (3–28 mm), and the mean size of the occlusion device was 16.07 ± 5.29 mm (6–36 mm). The mean procedural times were 13.33 ± 2.82 minutes (6–16 minutes). The mean hospitalization costs were 27,259.66 ± 2507.04 RMB (25,200.00–33,911.45 RMB). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.22 ± 0.53 days (3–5 days). Residual shunt, occlusion device shedding or displacement, and pericardial effusion were not observed during or after the operation.ConclusionPercutaneous transcatheter ASD closure completely guided by TEE is a feasible, safe, non-invasive and easy procedure.