Successful Closure Research Articles

Successful Endoscopic Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy for Esophageal Perforation: A Case Report

Esophageal perforation can lead to serious complications, and rapid diagnosis and treatment significantly affect the prognosis. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EndoVAC) therapy is widely accepted as a safe, well-tolerated, effective, versatile and practical procedure for the management of esophageal perforation in selected patients. We report the successful use of EndoVAC therapy for management of an esophageal perforation secondary to foreign body removal. A 56-year-old man presented to the emergency department for evaluation of chest pain after swallowing the plastic shell of a pill. Emergency endoscopy revealed an esophageal wall laceration (approximately 3 cm) and microperforation. The esophageal laceration and microperforation were limited to the mid-esophagus. The patient underwent EndoVAC therapy, which was repeated every 3–4 days for a total of six sessions over a period of 21 days. We observed improvement in the esophageal injury with granulation tissue formation during the fifth session. Subsequent follow-up evaluation, including esophagography and chest computed tomography confirmed complete healing of the esophageal injury. Following resumption of diet, the patienton a was discharged without any complications.

Three-Decade Experience With Management of Coronary Artery Fistulas in Children

BackgroundThe treatment approach for coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) is debatable, and long-term outcomes are unknown. MethodsThis was a retrospective institutional data review of children in whom echocardiographically suspected CAFs were confirmed during cardiac catheterisation from 1997 to 2023. Treatment approach and outcomes were assessed. ResultsWe identified 94 CAFs in 78 patients (42.3% male), median age 3.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.9-6.6 y). Twenty-five patients (32%) had other congenital anomalies; 41 (78.8%) of the 52 patients with isolated CAFs were asymptomatic. The most common site of CAF origin and drainage was the left system (62.8%) and right cardiac cavities (80.8%). Overall median follow-up was 101 months (IQR 41-185 mo); 23 patients (29.5%) with 35 (37.2%) small or nonshunting CAFs had conservative management, and 20 (87%) of those 23 patients had an uneventful follow-up; 8 patients (10.2%) with 9 (9.6%) complex CAFs were directly sent for surgery; 1 patient had early surgical patch failure needing surgical reintervention; 47 patients (60.3%) had catheter closure of 50 (53.2%) medium- or large-sized CAFs with the use of coils (30%), vascular plugs (20%), nitinol duct occluders (40%), or material combination (10%). Six serious complications occurred. Two of the 3 patients with unsuccessful catheter procedures had subsequent surgeries. Two of the 3 patients with mild shunts had successful redo closures. One asymptomatic patient had recanalisation after 12 years and is under watchful observation. ConclusionsCAFs have various anatomies and clinical presentations. Transcatheter closure is effective in carefully selected patients but is not complication free. Surgery is a valuable up-front option in complex CAFs or bailout of unsuccessful transcatheter closures, although it is not frequently used.

Endoscopic Closure of Duodenal Perforation using Intracavitary Endoscopic Negative Pressure Therapy

Regardless of the cause of a duodenal perforation, operative treatment remains a fundamental therapeutic choice. The endoscopic closure of leaks is helpful only for fresh defects without an accompanying infection and is limited by the size of the defect. However, the operative treatment of duodenal perforations in the population of older and multimorbid patients is associated with a high morbidity, as well as mortality. Here, we describe a successful case of an endoscopic closure of a duodenal perforation in the bulbus using intracavitary endoscopic negative pressure therapy in a 68-year-old patient initially operated because of an acute cholecystitis with focal gallbladder perforation involving the duodenal wall. Over the course of time a secondary perforation of the duodenum was diagnosed, and a reoperation with a suturing of the duodenum did not lead to complete closure of the defect. Three weeks of intracavitary endoscopic negative pressure therapy led to the successful closure of the duodenal defect. This type of therapy can be an excellent alternative to surgery, for treating duodenal perforations in selected patients.

Duration after Macular Hole Surgery for Stabilisation of Visual Acuity: A Long-term Retrospective Review

The purpose of the study is to determine the median duration for visual recovery to achieve visual stability and visual acuity gain after macular hole surgery in our local population. This was a retrospective study. Patients with full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) from surgical logs were included between January 2009 and December 2019. The patients' medical records were reviewed for pre-, intra-, and post-operative data collection. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and analysed. Data collected from the medical record pre-operatively, which included baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), interval of symptoms development to surgery, any ocular co-morbidities, optical coherence tomography (OCT) for size and stage of macular hole and central subfield thickness (CST). Intra-operative notes included whether vitrectomy with or without phacoemulsification and with the internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel or ILM flaps, types of dye, and tamponade agent used. Post-operative data included BCVA and CST on each visit, types of macular hole closure, or any complications. Data were analysed using SPSS.Thirty-one patients were diagnosed with FTMH. Sixteen patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) were included and analysed. Fifteen patients (93.75%) achieved successful macular hole closure after the primary operation. The median duration BCVA reached at stability was 19.5 months (IQR 9 – 26.25), and visual acuity gained by 0.44 LogMAR (IQR 0.165 – 0.565). Ten patients (62.5%) underwent combined PPV with phacoemulsification. CST showed improvement from baseline, 444 (IQR 347.5 – 519.75) to 273 (IQR 232 -285.5), 230 (IQR 221.5-255), and 270 (IQR 254-322) at the period interval of 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, and 6 to 12 months respectively. Gas C3F8 and membrane blue were commonly used as tamponade agents and dyes, and PPV with ILM peel was the common surgery performed. Six patients (40%) achieved type 1 macular hole closure within 12 months of follow-up. Despite the small sample size, our study provided practical information regarding patient’s expectations of when their vision can become stable after macula hole surgery in our local population.

Role of speckle tracking echocardiography in assessing right ventricle function after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect

Background; Atrial septal defect (ASD) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is closely related to patient outcome in open and closed ASD closure. Aim of work; to quantify RV function in patients with chronic RV volume overload due to an ASD before and after its percutaneous closure. Subjects & methods; In this prospective study which included 40 patients with secundum type ASD and normal sinus rhythm who underwent successful percutaneous ASD closure procedure at Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University; and Cardiology Department, national-heart-institute. All patients underwent full history taking, clinical examination, ecg & echocardiography including assessment of LA, LV, RA & RV functions & dimensions with special emphasis on TAPSE, RV MPI & 2D speckle tracking. Result: LA diameters (mm) were decreased significantly after ASD closure; Antero-posterior, Medio-lateral, and Apico-basal. RA diameters (mm) were decreased significantly after ASD closure; PASP was decreased significantly after ASD closure. LVEF% was increased significantly after ASD closure. TAPSE was increased significantly after ASD closure. RV end diastolic diameters were decreased significantly after ASD closure. Pulsed Doppler RV MPI was decreased significantly after ASD closure. RV longitudinal strain (%) was increased significantly after ASD closure. there was a positive correlation among delta RVSTE and delta LVEF and TAPSE. Also, there was a negative correlation among delta RVSTE and delta RV MPI, RV end diastolic diameter, RA diameters, and PASP. Conclusion; Our study demonstrated significant improvements in multiple echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function including reduced LA/RA diameters, decreased PASP, increased LVEF, higher TAPSE, reduced RVEDD, lower RV MPI, and increased RV longitudinal strain at one month post-procedure. These changes indicate reversal of the chronic volume and pressure overload on the right heart caused by the left-to-right shunt, resulting in measurable reverse remodeling and improved mechanics of the right ventricle.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using a novel occlusion device for thromboembolic prevention: 3-year procedural experience

Abstract Background Stroke due to atrial fibrillation has been associated with a high risk of disability and mortality. Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has been established as a treatment strategy for stroke prevention in patients not eligible for oral anticoagulation as well as in patients after electrical isolation of the LAA and subsequent increased risk of thrombus formation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and initial experience of LAA closure using a novel nitinol-based, self-expanding system in an unselected patient cohort. Methods and Results One hundred and two patients (39% female, median age 75 [71;80], median CHA2DS2-VASc score 5 [4;6]) underwent LAA closure with the novel system between October 2020 and October 2023. 61/102 (61%) patients underwent previous electrical LAA isolation, 30/102 (29%) patients had high bleeding risk as an indication for LAA closure. Median procedure time was 45 [38;59] minutes and median fluoroscopy time was 10 [7;12] minutes. Successful LAA closure was achieved in all patients, despite different LAA anatomies. Median umbrella and cover disc diameter were 22 [20;24] millimeter and 28 [20;24] millimeter, respectively. Procedure-related adverse events occurred in 2/111 (1.8%) patients. One patient had a vascular complication at the puncture site and another patient had non-hemodynamically significant pericardial effusion. Overall, the patients stayed for a median of 2 [1;4] days in hospital. Conclusion Left atrial appendage closure with a novel nitinol-based, self-expanding system is feasible and safe. LAA isolation was the most common indication for LAA closure at our institution. Further studies are needed, to identify differences and potential advantages of different LAA closure systems.

Efficacy of four different left atrial appendage closure techniques during cardiac surgery—A transesophageal echocardiography follow-up study

ObjectiveClosure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a routine part of atrial fibrillation ablation surgery and significantly reduces stroke rates. Different LAA-closure techniques are used in cardiac surgery with variable results reported. We therefore evaluated the efficacy of 4 different LAA-closure techniques in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. MethodsIn total, 149 patients who underwent concomitant LAA closure during cardiac surgery between 2015 and 2019 were included in this retrospective transesophageal echocardiography study. Four different LAA-closure techniques were evaluated: LAA clipping (n = 62), suture ligation (n = 28), stapler resection (n = 30), and surgical LAA excision (n = 29). Successful LAA closure was defined as absence of LAA perfusion and absence of a stump greater than 10 mm. ResultsThe mean patients age was 68.7 ± 9.4 years; 61.7% were male. No complications related to LAA closure were observed. Mean follow-up was 36.5 ± 8 months. Transesophageal echocardiography follow-up showed the following LAA closure success rates: LAA clip 98.4%, surgical excision 93.1%, stapler resection 76.6%, and suture ligation 39.2%. Suture ligation resulted in a high rate of recanalization (50%) and residual stumps (10.8%), whereas stapler resection resulted in a high rate of residual stumps (23.4%). Overall, 4 patients (2.7%) had a stroke during follow-up. In detail, 2 of 27 (7.4%) patients with unsuccessful LAA closure had a stroke, whereas 2 of the 122 (1.6%) patients with successful LAA closure had a stroke. ConclusionsIn our study, LAA clipping and surgical LAA excision proved to be both successful LAA-closure methods. External LAA ligation and stapler resection resulted in low rates of successful LAA closure and should be avoided.

Strategic Use of Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) in Wound Healing: A Case Series in Asian Patients.

Skin and soft tissue reconstruction has long been based on the reconstructive ladder. However, a skin substitute has become popular due to its predictable outcomes, without donor-site morbidity. The biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM; NovoSorb, PolyNovo Ltd., Port Melbourne, Australia) is a synthetic skin substitute that has recently gained its clinical application. Compared with those of other dermal templates, the clinical efficacy and performance of the BTM are not well established, especially among the Asian population. This study aims to share our experience and strategy of using BTM in various wound conditions. The data of patients who underwent skin and soft tissue reconstruction with BTM at a single institution between January 2022 and December 2023 were reviewed. The patient demographics, wound characteristics, surgical details, secondary procedures, and complications were recorded and analyzed. Postoperative 6-month photographs were collected and independently evaluated by two plastic surgeons and two wound care center nurses using the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS). This study included 37 patients, consisting of 22 males and 15 females with a mean age of 51.8 years (range, 18-86 years old). The wound etiologies included trauma (67.6%), necrotizing soft tissue infection (16.2%), burns (10.8%), toe gangrene (2.7%), and scar excision (2.7%). The average wound area covered by BTM was 50.6 ± 47.6 cm2. Among the patients, eight received concomitant flap surgery and BTM implantation, 20 (54.1%) underwent subsequent split-thickness skin grafts (STSG), and 17 had small wounds (mean: 21.6 cm2) healed by secondary intention. Infection was the most common complication, affecting six patients (n = 6 [16.2%]), five of whom were treated conservatively, and only one required debridement. Thirty-three patients (89.2%) had good BTM take, and only four had BTM failure, requiring further reconstruction. At the last follow-up, 35 out of the 37 patients (94.6%) achieved successful wound closure, and the total MSS score was 10.44 ± 2.94, indicating a satisfactory scar condition. The patients who underwent BTM grafting without STSG had better scar scores than those who received STSG (8.71 ± 2.60 vs. 11.18 ± 2.84, p = 0.039). In conclusion, the BTM is effective and feasible in treating various wounds, with relatively low complication rates, and it can thus be considered as an alternative for skin and soft tissue reconstruction. When combined with adipofasical flap reconstruction, it achieves a more comprehensive anatomical restoration.

Loss and recovery of percutaneous femoral access during transcatheter aortic valve replacement. A case report

Loss and recovery of percutaneous femoral access during transcatheter aortic valve replacement. A case report

Value of Intracardiac Echocardiography in the Interventional Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale with Adjacent Atrial Septal Defect

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the application value of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) combined with an adjacent atrial septal defect (ASD). Methods. This retrospective study included five patients with PFO combined with adjacent ASD who underwent transcatheter closure and were admitted to the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from June to September 2023. General conditions, ultrasound and ICE findings, and operative data were recorded and followed up for 2–6 months. Results. Of the five patients, two and three had embolic stroke of undetermined source and migraine, respectively, aged 45.6 ± 12.0 years. All patients underwent successful transcatheter closure via the PFO tunnel under the guidance of ICE, without complications or new stroke, and showed significantly reduced migraine at the follow-up. Conclusion. In patients with PFO combined with adjacent ASD, closure of a PFO tunnel could be successfully achieved under ICE guidance; its clinical efficacy was accurate and worthy of promotion.

Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography as Guidance for Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Device Closure: A Case Report

Background: Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a prevalent congenital heart defect characterized by the persistence of an open arterial connection between the aorta and the pulmonary. Percutaneous PDA closure involves deploying occlusion devices through catheter- based procedures. Case Presentation: We report a 1-year and 6-month-old girl diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus, presented with persistent complaints of failed to thrive , shortness of breath and recurrent cough. Physical examination revealed a continuous murmur at the upper left sternal border, and the Echocardiography examination confirmed a PDA with size of 4-7 mm, with diastolic shortening and dilatation of the Main Pulmonary Artery (MPA). The successful percutaneous PDA device closure procedure was performed using Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography (3DRA), following an attempt with Two-Dimensional Angiography, which failed to determine the actual defect size in the patient. Conclusions: Confirming the morphology and size of a PDA can be difficult due to its location between the aorta and pulmonary blood vessels, making it a challenging congenital anomaly to assess accurately. 3DRA precisely delineates the PDA structure located between the aortic and pulmonary blood vessels and acts as a guidance tool for percutaneous PDA device closure.

Multidisciplinary approach to evaluation of rectovaginal fistulas

Thorough evaluation of a rectovaginal fistula is essential to optimize surgical repair. The underlying cause should be addressed and treated, which can affect the timing and the approach to repair. It is imperative to be well prepared because the highest chance of successful closure occurs during the initial repair attempt. Our objective was to demonstrate how multidisciplinary colorectal surgery and urogynecology teams use specific methods during the examination under anesthesia to evaluate a complex rectovaginal fistula and to optimize the surgical approach to repair. Anesthesia may be provided with monitored anesthesia care and a posterior perineal block. This pain control allows for a wide range of techniques to evaluate the fistula using anoscopy, fistula probe, hydrogen peroxide, and sigmoidoscopy. In addition, the teams show how curettage and subsequent seton placement can encourage closure by secondary intention and decrease the risk of abscess formation, respectively.

Percutaneous closure of aortopulmonary window in a preterm infant

ABSTRACT Aorto-pulmonary window (APW) is a rare congenital heart disease. The non-restrictive types of APWs present at an early age and require early surgical correction. The transcatheter device closure in young infants pose significant challenges that include hemodynamic instability during arteriovenous loop formation and due to potential encroachment of the occlusive device on vital adjacent structures, and sizing of introducer sheaths and delivery systems. We report a successful transcatheter closure of an AP window in a 1.35 Kg preterm infant with heart failure requiring mechanical ventilation. To the best of our knowledge this is the smallest and youngest baby , wherein transcatheter device closure has been attempted for a non-restrictive aorto-pulmonary window. The procedure was done through a 4 French right femoral venous access, thus avoiding an arterial access. A 0.025 Terumo wire was maneuvered through the pulmonary artery across the APW without formation of an arteriovenous loop. The APW was successfully occluded with a Konar multi-functional device delivered via a 4-French delivery system. The baby could be successfully weaned off the ventilator and could be discharge. On 1 month follow up, baby was in good health and gaining adequate weight. Thus we conclude that careful selection of patients allows successful closure of APW, even in the smallest baby.

Andrew Browning discusses the principles behind using a skin-on flap for cure of continuing massive urine loss after successful obstetric fistula closure. By permission of Andrew Browning.

Andrew Browning discusses the principles behind using a skin-on flap for cure of continuing massive urine loss after successful obstetric fistula closure. By permission of Andrew Browning.

Feasibility of Amulet occluder implantation after failed left atrial appendage occlusion attempt: Insights from the EMERGE LAA postapproval study

BackgroundAlthough expertise in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has grown, certain intricate anatomies may pose challenges, rendering them unsuitable for LAAO with the selected device. ObjectiveThis analysis aimed to characterize outcomes of patients with prior failed percutaneous LAAO procedures who underwent a subsequent attempt with an Amulet occluder in the EMERGE LAA postapproval study. MethodsPatients enrolled in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry LAAO Registry who had an Amulet occluder implantation attempt between Food and Drug Administration approval (August 14, 2021) and June 30, 2023, were evaluated. A safety end point through 7 days or hospital discharge (whichever was later) and major adverse events through 45 days were reported. ResultsA total of 8591 patients underwent attempted Amulet occluder implantation, of whom 244 patients had prior failed LAAO. Implantation success was 88.9% and 96.2% in patients with prior failed LAAO and index LAAO, respectively (P < .001). The safety composite end point was low, occurring in 1.6% and 0.8% of patients with prior failed LAAO and index LAAO, respectively (P = .148). Any major adverse event through 45 days occurred in 7.4% and 6.3% of prior failed LAAO and index LAAO patient cohorts, respectively (P = .497); most adverse events were similar between the groups (P > .05). At 45 days, peridevice leak ≤3 mm was achieved in >90% of patients in either group. ConclusionA high degree of implantation success with a low rate of adverse events can be achieved with the Amulet occluder. The findings imply that the dual occlusive mechanism Amulet occluder facilitates successful closure, even in challenging anatomic scenarios.

Endoscopic closure of large gastric defects with a novel through-the-scope closing device in a porcine model (with videos)

Background and aimAfter endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR), defects require a reliable and sustained closure. We present a novel, through-the-scope "bow-tie" (TTS-BT) closing device enabling direct defect closure without scope withdrawal. This preclinical study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this device for large defect closure after EFTR in a porcine model. MethodsExposed EFTR was performed for virtual lesions > 2 cm in the stomach of twelvepigs. Subsequently, TTS-BT closing devices were used for defect closure. Conventional metal clips were used to close any remaining defects. Gastroscopy was performed for 8 weeks to examine the wound sites and the pigs were subsequently sacrificed. After sacrificing the pigs, the wound healing was histologically verified by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The primary outcome was a successful closure rate, while the secondary outcomes were complete healing rate, closure time, and incidence of adverse events. ResultsThe median long and short diameters of perforations were 4.0 (3.0–6.0) cm and 3.0 (2.0–4.0) cm, respectively. Defect closure using novel TTS-BT closure devices and conventional metal clips was successfully performed in all pigs. Complete healing was achieved in the defects of 12 pigs. The median closure time was 13 (9–38) minutes. No serious adverse events occurred during the 8-week follow-up. ConclusionsThe novel TTS-BT closure device is feasible and safe for closing large gastric perforations and could be a promising tool for clinical practice.

Bio-Inspired Pressure-Dependent Programmable Mechanical Metamaterial with Self-Sealing Ability.

Self-sealing is one of the fascinating functions in nature that enables living material systems to respond immediately to damage. A prime plant model is Delosperma cooperi, which can rapidly self-seal damaged succulent leaves by systematically deforming until the wound closes. Inspired by this self-sealing principle, a novel programmable mechanical metamaterial has been developed to mimic the underlying damage management concept. This material is able to react autonomously to changes in its physical condition caused by an induced damage. To design this ability into the programmable metamaterial, a permeable unit cell design has been developed that can change size depending on the internal pressure. The parameter space and associated mechanical functionality of the unit cell design is simulated and analyzed under periodic boundary conditions and various pressures. The principles of self-sealing behavior in designed metamaterials are investigated, crack closure efficiency is identified for different crack lengths, the limitations of the proposed approach are discussed, and successful crack closure is experimentally demonstrated in the fabricated metamaterial. Although this study facilitates the first step on the way of integrating new bio-inspired principles in the metamaterials, the results show how programmable mechanical metamaterials might extend materials design space from pure properties to life-likeabilities.

Large facial malignant tumor defect reconstruction using keystone flap: a case report

Background: Facial defects resulting from a large malignant tumor excision are often too extensive for primary closure, necessitating the use of skin flaps or grafts. The challenge is particularly pronounced when the defects occur in the facial region. Deciding how to reconstruct facial defects involves considering various factors, with aesthetics taking precedence over other body parts. The preferred method for closing these defects is ideally by transposing local tissues with similar qualities, especially in cases where primary closure is not feasible due to the size of the defect. Case presentation: A case report study of a 60-years-old female patient referred to H. Adam Malik Hospital and underwent excision of malignant tumor and left with large defect on the right cheek and 2/3 upper &amp; 1/3 lower vermillion. Skin flap techniques, such as the advancement flap, rotation flap, and transposition flap, are useful for closing small defects. When dealing with moderate to large-sized defects, especially in high-tension areas, a combination of flap types may be necessary. Over the past two decades, pedicled perforator flaps, notably the keystone flap design, have gained popularity as a viable option. Understanding facial aesthetic units, subunits, and factors influencing incision/scar placement is crucial for clinicians aiming to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing outcome. Conclusions: The presented case details the successful closure of a sizable cheek defect post squamous cell carcinoma excision surgery, achieved through the utilization of a KPIF Type IIA. Patient showed good flap survival.

Enhanced technique of dural closure using autologous fat graft and Gelfoam for effective management of dural tear following interlaminar endoscopic lumbar spine surgery.

Incidental dural tears are common complications in lumbar spine surgery, particularly in endoscopic procedures where primary closure via suturing is challenging. The absence of a standardized approach for dural closure in endoscopic spine surgery necessitates exploring alternative techniques. This study introduces a surgical technique for dural closure utilizing fat graft and Gelfoam, offering an effective alternative to standard approaches in endoscopic spine surgery. Surgical data from patients who underwent interlaminar endoscopic discectomy or stenosis decompression at Lerdsin Hospital from October 2014 to October 2021 were analyzed. Among 393 cases, dural tears occurred in 2% (8 patients). Our technique achieved successful closure in all these cases, with no incidents of cerebrospinal fluid leakage or wound complications. The majority of patients showed favorable clinical outcomes, except for one case involving concomitant nerve root injury. This study demonstrates that using fat graft and Gelfoam for dural closure is a simple, reliable, and safe technique, particularly effective for challenging-to-repair areas in interlaminar endoscopic lumbar spine surgery.

Managing a Challenge Case: Transesophageal Echocardiography-Guided Transcatheter Closure of a Large Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in a Pregnant Woman

Background: The management of complex cardiovascular conditions during pregnancy poses unique challenges, and in the case of a large secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), achieving successful closure through a transcatheter approach guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) requires careful navigation and expertise. This study sought to present a case that exemplifies the contemporary approach of using TEE guidance for the closure of an ASD in pregnant women Case presentation: A 31-year-old woman with multigravida, diagnosed with secundum ASD and pulmonary hypertension, underwent TEE. The TEE examination revealed a significant ASD measuring 2.8-3.1 cm with inadequate surrounding rims. Subsequently, our intention was to employ a device to address this defect. TEE was utilized to guide the placement of a 14F delivery sheath into the left upper pulmonary vein and left atrium. Using a catheter, we successfully deployed a 40 mm ASD Occluder (MemoPart), concluding the intervention without any complications. Given the concerns regarding the potential risks of radiation exposure and teratogenic effects on fetal development, particularly in young patients and during pregnancy, it is crucial to prioritize TEE-guided closure of ASD for the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Conclusion: Closure of ASD with zero fluoroscopy proved to be a safe and effective procedure, demonstrating feasibility and significant benefits for pregnant women with ASD. Keyword: Atrial Septal Defect, Pregnant Woman, Transcatheter Closure, Transesophageal Echocardiography.