Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects under transesophageal echocardiography through port-access minimally invasive surgery

Objective:To review the transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect under transesophageal echocardiography through port-access minimally invasive surgery.Methods:Fourty patients with secundum atrial septal defect were examined by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). They were all suitable for occluding.Skin incisions were 2.5～3.5cm in length which were made on the right-anterior side.Under TEE guidance,a specific catheter carrying Amplatzer occluder were inserted into the left atira via ASD,then the occluders were released and the ASD were closed.Results:Fourty patients were all closed successfully.Four patients changed larger occluders and 2 patients changed smaller ones during the operation.Two patients with double defects were closed used one occluder respectively.The intracardiac procedure time ranged from 4～45 min[(18±2)min].They were all discharged from the hospital for 3 to 4 days after the operation.Conclusion:The transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect under transesophageal echocardiography through port-access minimally invasive surgery is easily and safety.