Closure Of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Research Articles

Transjugular closure of secundum atrial septal defects.

This study reports the results of a steerable delivery system under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the treatment of transjugular closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD). From July 2015 to May 2016, 33 patients underwent transjugular closure of a secundum ASD under general anesthesia with TEE guidance. The right internal jugular vein was punctured and a FuStar™ steerable sheath was implanted into the right atrium and aligned vertically with the septum, and a closure device was deployed to close the defect. Thirty-two patients with an ASD were successfully occluded; one patient required ASD closure on cardiopulmonary bypass. Procedure time ranged from 5 to 15 (8.2 ± 3.8) min. The length of stay was three to five days after the operation. The follow-up time ranged from 1.1 to 11.0 (5.5 ± 1.5) months. There was no valve regurgitation, no malignant arrhythmias, no device dislocation, or other serious complications. A steerable delivery system under the guidance of TEE is a safe, effective, and cosmetic method for the transjugular closure of secundum ASDs.

Delayed spontaneous perforation of polyvinyl alcohol membrane—Covered atrial septal defect closure devices

Percutaneous device closure has become the first choice for secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) closure when feasible in case of favorable anatomy. The Ultrasept II ASD occluder® device (Cardia Inc, Eagan, MN) is made of two nitinol disc frames covered with polyvinyl alcohol membranes, a synthetic polymer with a large application in the biomedical field. Four relatively early malfunctions of the polyvinyl alcohol membrane were observed in a series of six consecutive patients treated with ASD Ultrasept II closure device in our institution. Operators have to be aware of this apparently rare complication that is likely to be underestimated, associated with such devices. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

TRANSCATHETER DEVICE CLOSURE OF SECUNDUM ASD A 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE - A SINGLE CENTRE STUDY

Objective: To analyze the results of transcatheter closure of Secundum AtrialSeptal Defect (ASD)with special focus on immediate complications encounteredduring the procedure. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at Armed ForcesInstitute of cardiology / National institute of Heart Diseases from 1st June 2005 to31st August 2015. The participants of the study underwent transcatheter closureof Secundum ASD. All patients were evaluated with 2-D echocardiography beforethe procedure. The age of patients varied from 15 months to 75 years and 60%(n=493) were female. The sizing balloon was used in 4% and generalanaesthesia was given in 55% of patients. Results: Among 822 patients, 96.4% had successful closure of ASD. Theprocedural failure rate was 3.6% (30) which included large defect (19), atrialfibrillation (2) and device embolization (9). In four patients there wasmalpositioning of device that was retrieved and successfully redeployed in stableposition. There was no emergency surgical exploration during this period. Theminor complications including transient arrhythmias were seen in 2.5 %(19)patients and residual leak was also found in one patient. All patients weredischarged home in next morning. No death occurred during this period. Conclusion: Transcatheter device closure of secundum atrial septal defect is aneffective and safe procedure with minimal complications. However it requires acareful assessment of the defect by skilled and professional hands.

Both Systemic and Pulmonary Artery Stiffness Predict Ventricular Functional Recovery after Successful Percutaneous Closure of Atrial Septal Defects in Adults.

Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) has become the preferred method in treatment of the majority of cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the echocardiographic effects of percutaneous closure of secundum ASD in adults and assess which parameters predict good response to closure. We prospectively included 42 patients with secundum ASD treated successfully with percutaneous device closure. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography examination with tissue Doppler imaging before, 24 hours after and within 3 months of intervention. Measurements of arterial stiffness were carried out using a Mobil-O-Graph arteriography system. Remodeling of heart chambers occurred immediately and persisted at 3 months after ASD closure. Significant decreases were observed in right ventricle (RV) end-diastolic diameter, right atrium volume index, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion both after the procedure and at 3 months (P < .01 for all). The RV and left ventricle (LV) tissue Doppler-myocardial performance index demonstrated to decline during follow up (P = .0001). Significant correlations were found between pulse-wave velocity, augmentation index, pulmonary artery stiffness, and LV-RV tissue Doppler-myocardial performance index at third month. Linear regression analyses showed that pulse-wave velocity is the most effective parameter of LV and pulmonary artery stiffness is the most effective parameter of RV functional recovery, respectively, assessed by tissue Doppler-myocardial performance index. Percutaneous closure of secundum ASD in adults has various sustained benefits on multiple echocardiographic parameters within 3 months. The changes in RV and LV function after device closure were significantly correlated with the degree of pulmonary artery stiffness and pulse-wave velocity, respectively.

Late Electrical and Mechanical Remodeling After Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Children: Surgical Versus Percutaneous Approach

Conflicting data were reported about normalization of sizes of right chambers, systolic and diastolic function and prevalence of arrhythmias after ostium secundum atrial septal defect closure. We sought to compare surgical and percutaneous approaches in terms of arrhythmias, right chamber volumes, and function at long-term follow-up. In all, 107 patients were enrolled, all corrected at pediatric age. Forty-four of them were treated surgically with a right thoracotomy approach and 63 were treated percutaneously. All patients underwent a standard echocardiogram and electrocardiographic Holter examinations. No difference was detected between the two groups regarding right atrial or ventricular volumes. The global right ventricular function assessed by fractional area change was similar between the two groups. However, the longitudinal function and the diastolic function were significantly impaired in the surgical group (tricuspid annulus peak systolic excursion 23.7 ± 4.5 mm versus 18.7 ± 3.5 mm, p < 0.001; S' wave 13.7 ± 3.1 cm/s versus 9.8 ± 2.4 cm/s, p < 0.001; E/E' 4.7 ± 1.7 versus 7.1 ± 2.9, p < 0.001). There was a low incidence of supraventricular couples or runs, but slightly higher in the surgical group (6.8% versus 1.6%), although not statistically significant. No echocardiographic variable related to ventricular or supraventricular arrhythmic events. Either surgical or percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect have a similar efficacy on the volume normalization of the right chamber. Modern surgical techniques have a limited impact on the systolic and diastolic function as well as on the arrhythmic risk; however, the right ventricular longitudinal and diastolic function seems to be better preserved in the percutaneous group.

Heart rate variability improvement in children using transcatheter atrial septal defect closure.

Objective:We evaluated autonomic behavior by examining heart rate variability (HRV) in the time domain and frequency domain in pediatric patients who underwent transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD).Methods:A prospective study design was used. Holter ECG was performed in a control group of 30 healthy subjects and a group of 47 patients who underwent transcatheter ASD closure. ECG was taken one day before, one day after, and six months after the procedure to evaluate changes in the time domain [SDNN, rMSSD, NN, pNN50(%), and SDANN] and frequency domain (VLF, LF, HF, VHF, and LF/HF) in the patient group. Student’s t-test was used to evaluate changes prior to and after the procedure.Results:There were 28 females (60%) in the patient group and 21 females (70%) in the control group. The mean age and weight of the participants in the patient group were 9.61±4.72 years and 32.40±19.60 kg, respectively; the mean age and weight of the control subjects were 10.43±5.31 years and 32.83±13.00 kg, respectively. In both the time domain and frequency domain analyses, the patient group values were found to be lower than those in the control group prior to the procedure; the values in the patient group were found to approach the values in the control group following the procedure. By the sixth month, the values in the patient group reached the control levels with no statistically significant difference (SDNN: 145±0.84, 137.50±42.50; r MSSD: 72.18±48.22, 58.14±28.49; SDANN: 125.13±13.50, 122.40±41.06; VLF: 112.85±29.07, 114.41±98.39; LF: 50.40±24.09, 45.69±15.13; HF: 39.28±19.86, 44.29±13.14; VHF: 10.29±4.24, 9.99±6.47; LF/HF: 1.90±1.44, 1.24±0.81; p>0.05).Conclusion:The transcatheter closure of secundum ASDs was found to have a positive effect on HRV. Consequently, it may contribute to reduced mortality and morbidity. We can conclude that in children, HRV recovers approximately six months after transcatheter ASD closure.

0397: Cardiac remodeling and factors determining occurrence of atrial arrhythmia after surgical closure of atrial septal defect in adults

the purpose of this study was to assess cardiac remodeling and to determine factors predicting the occurrence of atrial arrhythmia after surgical closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in adults. Retrospective study including 33 adult patients (>20 years old, mean age: 34±11 years, 26 women) who underwent surgical closure of secundum or sinus venosus ASD. Before operation, all patients had dyspnea and 15% were in NYHA III-IV. Sinus rythm was present in 85% of patients. The ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow was calculated, yielding a mean of 2,8±1 and pulmonary artery hypertension(PAH) was observed in 80% of patients with a mean value of 41,3±10 mmHg. The ASD were closed by pericardial or Dacron patch in 97% of cases. operative death was observed in 2 cases. In survival patient, with a follow-up of 97± 57 months, regression of right ventricular dilatation and PAH occurred in the first post-operative month and was maintained at late follow-up. Atrial arrhythmia occurred in 4 patients and were determined by older operative age (p=0.003) and the absence of cardiac remodeling after surgery. surgical correction of ASD in adults is safe and efficacious. Cardiac remodeling after ASD closure in the adult is a common and an early event and prevents late morbidity which is in most cases due to arrhythmias. The mode of closure does not seem to significantly impact remodeling.

Experience with large ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) closure by transcatheter percutaneous device (device) at J.J.Hospital

Experience with large ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) closure by transcatheter percutaneous device (device) at J.J.Hospital

Device therapy for atrial septal defects in a multicenter cohort: acute outcomes and adverse events.

Secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) closure devices were granted approval based on industry-sponsored, prospective, nonrandomized, single device studies, demonstrating acceptable efficacy and safety in selected patients. We sought to report community practice and outcomes. Procedure specific data was collected on cases considered for ASD closure in the congenital cardiac catheterization project on outcomes (C3PO) between February 1, 2007 and June 31, 2010. Eight centers contributed data during this time period. All adverse events (AE) were independently reviewed and classified by a five level severity scale. In 40 months (2/07-6/10), 653 of 688 ASDs were occluded with a single device using an AMPLATZER(®) Septal Occluder (ASO) in 566 (87%), GORE(®) HELEX(®) Septal Occluder (HSO) in 33 (5%), and a CardioSEAL(®) or STARFlex™ device (CSD) in 54 (8%). Most patients had an isolated ASD (93%). 85% were >2 years of age. The ASD median diameter was 12 mm [8,16] for ASO, with smaller diameters in HSO 8 mm [7,10] and CSD 8 mm [5,10] (P < 0.001). AE (n = 82) were recorded in 76 cases, 11.5% (95% CI 9.2%, 14.1%) and classified as high severity in 4.7% (95% CI 3.2%, 6.5%), with no mortality. A new conduction abnormality was detected during 15 cases and did not resolve in one. Transcatheter device retrieval was possible in 7 of 10 device embolizations. Device erosion occurred in 3 of 566, 0.5% (95% CI 0.1%, 1.5%), ASO implants. Although device closure of ASDs is associated with low morbidity and rare mortality, ongoing assessment of device safety profiles are warranted, and registries offer opportunities to facilitate the required surveillance.

Post-pericardiotomy syndrome in pediatric patients following surgical closure of secundum atrial septal defects: incidence and risk factors.

Surgical repair for atrial septal defects (ASD) generally occurs during childhood. Post-pericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) after cardiac surgery has a reported incidence of 1-40%. We focused exclusively on secundum ASD repair to evaluate the incidence of PPS. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of PPS after surgical repair of secundum ASD and investigate what risk factors may be predictive of its development. A retrospective study was performed, and 97 patients who underwent surgical closure of a secundum ASD were identified. 27 (28%) were diagnosed with PPS within the first postoperative year. Diagnosis was made if they had evidence of new or worsening pericardial effusion and the presence of ≥2 of the following criteria: fever >72h postoperatively, irritability, pleuritic chest pain, or pericardial friction rub. Closure of secundum ASDs was performed at a median age of 3.8years (Interquartile Range (IQR): 2.2-6.0years) and a median weight of 14.3kilograms (IQR: 10.9-19.3kilograms). The median time for development of PPS was 8days post-op (IQR: 5-14). Significantly, 19 (27%) of 70 patients in the non-PPS group had a small pericardial effusion on their discharge echocardiogram, while of the 27 patients who developed PPS, 17 (63%) had a small pericardial effusion on their discharge echocardiogram (p=0.001). PPS is relatively common following surgical closure of secundum ASDs. A small pericardial effusion on discharge echocardiogram is predictive of development of PPS postoperatively. In patients who develop PPS, there is a good response to therapy with a benign course.

Accuracy of Transthoracic Echocardiography in Assessing Retro-aortic Rim prior to Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defects.

Deficient retro-aortic rim has been identified as a risk factor for device erosion following trans-catheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the primary screening method for subjects for possible device closure of ASD, but its reliability in measuring retro-aortic rim size has not been assessed previously. A single-institution cross-sectional analysis of children and adults referred for trans-catheter device closure of single ostium secundum ASD from January 1, 2005 to April 1, 2012 with reviewable TTE and trans-esophageal echocardiogram images was performed. Inter-rater reliability of measurements was tested in a 24% sample. Accuracy of TTE measurement of retro-aortic rim was assessed using a Bland-Altman plot with trans-esophageal echocardiogram measurement as the gold standard. Test characteristics of TTE detection of deficient retro-aortic rim were calculated. Risk factors for misclassification of deficient retro-aortic rim were assessed using receiver operator characteristic curves. Risk factors for measurement error were assessed through multivariate linear regression. In total, 163 subjects of median age 5 years (range: 0.3-46 years) were included. Trans-thoracic echocardiography had 90% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 90% positive predictive value, and 83% negative predictive value to detect deficient retro-aortic rim. Bland-Altman plot demonstrated no fixed bias (P = .23), but errors in measurement increased on average as the aortic rim increased in size (P < .001). Prespecified patient level risk factors did not affect receiver operator characteristic curve area under the curve, nor were any patient-level risk factors independently associated with increased measurement error on TTE. TTE is a sensitive and specific screening test for deficient retro-aortic rim across a range of patient ages and sizes.

Effects of percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect on left atrial mechanical and conduction functions.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases in adults. We prospectively evaluated early and mid-term effects of the percutaneous closure of secundum ASD on atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) and left atrial (LA) mechanical functions at the first day and sixth month in patients undergoing percutaneous closure. Forty-one patients were included in this study. Twenty-six (63.4%) of the 41 patients were female and the mean age was 41 ± 13 years. All the patients had echocardiographic examination before the procedure and at the first day and sixth month after the procedure. LA volumes (maximal, minimal, and presystolic) and EMD (lateral, septal, and tricuspid) were measured. Left and right intra- and inter-AEMD were not changed at the first day but both were significantly shorter at the sixth month. There was no change in the total emptying volume and fraction before and after the procedure. LA maximal, minimal, and pre-systolic volumes, active emptying volume, and fractions were decreased at the first day and at the sixth month compared with pre-procedural volumes. LA passive emptying volume, passive emptying fraction, and conduit volume were increased at the first day and at the sixth month compared with pre-procedural volumes. Our results revealed that there was no change in the LA mechanical reservoir functions, but improved conduit function and impaired contractility functions early and in the mid-term after percutaneous closure of ASD and decreased AEMD only in the mid-term.

Ball Thrombus in the Right Atrium after Patch Closure of Atrial Septal Defect

An 18 year-old woman who underwent secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) closure with a dacron patch 10 months prior returned for follow-up examinations. She received no anticoagulation therapy and remained asymptomatic after surgery. The patient was in normal sinus rhythm and there was no abnormality in physical examination or coagulation testing. Transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) showed a globular, moderate echoic, homogenous mass (2 cm 2 cm) attached to the anterolateral wall of the right atrium by a narrow stalk, moving back and forth during the cardiac cycle without changing shape or protruding into the right ventricle (Fig. 1A, Video 1). Delayed gadolinium-enhanced

Long-term cost-effectiveness of transcatheter versus surgical closure of secundum atrial septal defect in adults

BackgroundThe most common congenital anomaly in adults is secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), which can be closed using a surgical or transcatheter approach. Despite the growing use of transcatheter ASD closure, few studies have examined the cost-effectiveness of this strategy. We sought to compare the long-term cost effectiveness of transcatheter and surgical closure of secundum ASD in adults. MethodsA decision-analytic model was used with all clinical outcome parameter estimates obtained from the province-wide Québec Congenital Heart Disease Database. Costs were obtained from a single academic centre (Canadian dollars). A cost-effectiveness analysis using a discrete event Monte Carlo simulation model from the perspective of a single third party payer and multiple sensitivity analyses were performed. Patients were followed for a maximum of 5years after ASD closure. ResultsBetween l998 and 2005, we identified 718 adults (n=335 transcatheter; n=383 surgical) who underwent ASD closure in Quebec. The 5-year cost of surgical closure was $15,304 SD $4581 versus $11,060 SD $5169 for the transcatheter alternative. At 5years, transcatheter closure was marginally more effective than surgery (4.683 SD 0.379 life-years versus 4.618 SD 0.638 life-years). Probabilistic sensitivity analyses demonstrated that transcatheter ASD closure was a dominant strategy with an 80% probability of cost savings and equal or greater efficacy compared to surgical treatment. ConclusionAlthough definitive conclusions are limited given the observational nature of the primary data sources, transcatheter ASD closure appeared to be a cost-effective strategy associated with slightly improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs compared to surgical closure at 5-years follow-up.

Impact of ostium secundum atrial septal defect closure on the resolution of falsely positive electrocardiographic criteria for myocardial scarring

BackgroundElectrocardiographic (ECG) Selvester QRS score criteria with false indication of anteroseptal scarring consistent with myocardial infarction have been found in patients with ostium secundum atrial septal defect (OS-ASD). The objective of this study was to evaluate ECGs pre and post percutaneous transcatheter OS-ASD closure to test the hypothesis that the falsely positive criteria for anteroseptal scar decline 1 day post procedure. MethodsPatients (n=34, mean age 48 ±17 years, 79% female) that underwent OS-ASD closure and had undergone pre procedure cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showing no left ventricular (LV) scarring were included in this study. ECGs pre and 1 day post procedure were assessed according to the QRS Selvester scoring system and compared. ResultsMean Selvester score in anteroseptal regions pre procedure was 6.6 (0.0–6.8) % LV scar and decreased to 4.3 (0.0–6.0) % LV scar one day after the procedure (p=0.01). Mean Selvester score in lateral regions pre procedure was 3.7 (0.0–3.0) %LV scar and decreased to 2.8 (0.0–0.0) % LV scar one day post procedure (p=0.25). DiscussionOS-ASD patients with falsely positive anteroseptal scar criteria by the Selvester QRS score pre procedure have a significant decrease in anteroseptal Selvester score 1 day post procedure. The falsely positive anteroseptal scar criteria did not completely resolve 1 day post procedure. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between ECG criteria for anteroseptal scar and right ventricular volume overload in late follow up.

Transcatheter Interatrial Septal Defect Closure in a Large Cohort: Midterm Follow-up Results

We evaluated immediate and midterm results of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) using various closure devices. The study included four hundred fourteen patients (one hundred eighty-two men, two hundred thirty-two women; mean age 39 ± 12.3 years; range 17-67 years) who underwent transcatheter closure of secundum ASD (n = 193) or PFO (n = 221). All the patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography before the procedure. Transcatheter closure was performed by using Amplatzer (n = 184), Occlutech Figulla (n = 209), or BioSTAR (n = 21) devices. Closure of ASDs was performed under general anesthesia with transesophageal echocardiography guidance, and closure of PFOs was performed under local anesthesia with transthoracic echocardiography guidance. Follow-up controls were at 1, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter. The median follow-up periods of ASD and PFO patients were 43 and 30 months. The mean device size was 19.3 ± 6.2 mm for ASD patients and 24.6 ± 2.6 mm for PFO patients. The mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 22.3 ± 4.7 and 4.1 ± 1.9 minutes for ASD closure and 12.4 ± 3.2 and 3.1 ± 1.2 minutes for PFO closure, respectively. Procedural device embolization occurred in only two patients (0.48%). During follow-up, recurrent embolic events occurred in four patients (1.8%) after PFO closure, and no residual shunts were seen after ASD closure. Device thrombosis developed in two ASD patients during the procedure and in one PFO patient at 12th month of the follow-up (0.72%). Transcatheter closure of PFOs and secundum-type ASDs using the Amplatzer, Occlutech Figulla, and BioSTAR devices is an efficacious and safe therapeutic option.

Surgical treatment of a left atrial rupture during transcatheter atrial septal defect closure: a case study

In this article, we report a 37-year-old male case who underwent an emergency surgery of injured left atrium by transcatheteral closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). The patient underwent an urgent surgery when he developed tamponade during the transcatheteral closure of the secundum ASD at the coronary angiography laboratory. After median sternotomy, pericardium was opened. The exploration revealed ruptured left atrial roof and active bleeding at this region. One centimeter diameter ruptured left atrial ceiling was primarily closed by 4/0 prolene, followed by the primary closure of the secundum ASD. Postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day.

Mid-term Outcomes of the Helex Septal Occluder for Percutaneous Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defects

The HELEX Septal Occluder (HSO) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) in 2006. However, little mid-term follow-up information is available. The object of this study was to examine mid-term outcomes after HSO implantation A retrospective chart review was performed on the first 74 patients who underwent ASD closure with the HSO between 4/00-10/04. Only patients who left the catheterization laboratory after successful implantation and had a minimum follow-up of 5 years were selected for analysis. Thirty-three patients met entry criteria. At implantation the mean age was 10.9 years and the median ASD size was 15.1 mm. At a median follow-up of 88 months, 26 patients had complete ASD closure, 6 had trivial left-right shunts, and 1 had a significant residual shunt having a reintervention. Fluoroscopy, performed in 27 patients revealed a frame fracture in 3 patients (9%), all of whom were asymptomatic and had effective ASD closure. All 3 devices were 30 mm or 35 mm HSO and were left in place. One patient developed first-degree heart block and remained asymptomatic with no progression. There were no instances of late device embolization, cardiac perforation, erosion, or death. Following successful implantation, HSO results in effective closure of secundum ASD in mid-term follow-up. Late complications appear to be rare with the exception of frame fracture, which in this series did not result in clinical sequelae.

Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects without balloon sizing in adults: Experience of a tertiary referral center

Objective: We aimed to evaluate our clinical experience and short-term results of percutaneous closure of secunsdum type atrial septal defects (ASD) in adults. Methods: We studied 71 patients (49 female, 22 male, mean age 35p14 years) undergoing percutaneous clossure of ASD between January 2010-October 2012 in our clinic. All procedures were performed under sedoanalgessia without balloon sizing. Clinical characteristics of pastients, properties of percutaneous closure intervention, complications and short-term results are evaluated. Results: Defect diameter measured by transesophageal echocardiographic examination was 19.8p6.4 mm. Desvice size used for percutaneous closure was 24.7p6.7 mm. Procedure was successfully performed in 67 patients (94%). Four patients were referred for surgery because of procedural failure. During procedure, a patient developed transient 2nd degree AV block, and another developed device thrombosis. Residual shunt was detected in three patients at first day control echocardiographic examinastion. In the follow-up of 13p8 months, no residual shunt, embolic or arrhythmic complications were observed. Conclusion: Percutaneous closure of secundum ASD is a safe and effective method with high success and low complication rates in experienced centers. J Clin Exp Insvest 2013; 4 (1): 67-72

299: Cardiac remodeling and factors determining occurrence of atrial arrhythmia after surgical closure of atrial septal defect in adults

The purpose of this study is to assess cardiac remodeling and to determine factors predicting the occurrence of atrial arrhythmia after surgical closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in adults. Retrospective study including 33 adult patients (>20 years old, mean age: 34±11 years, 26 women) who underwent surgical closure of secundum or sinus venosus ASD. Before operation, all patients had dyspnea and 15% were in NYHA III-IV. Sinus rythm was present in 85% of patients. The ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow was calculated, yielding a mean of 2,8±1 and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) was observed in 80% of patients with a mean value of 41,3±10 mmHg. The ASD were closed by pericardial or Dacron patch in 97% of cases. Operative death was observed in 2 cases. In survival patient, with a follow-up of 97+/−57 months, regression of right ventricular dilatation and PAH occurred in the first post-operative month and was maintained at late follow-up. Atrial arrhythmia occurred in 4 patients and were determined by older operative age (p=0.003) and the absence of cardiac remodeling after surgery. Surgical correction of ASD in adults is safe and efficacious. Cardiac remodeling after ASD closure in the adult is a common and an early event and prevents late morbidity which is in most cases due to arrhythmias. The mode of closure does not seem to significantly impact remodeling.