Application of echocardiography in transcatheter closure of atrial septal aneurysm associated with secoundum atrial septal defect

Objective To evaluate the value of echocardiography in transcatheter closure of atrial septal aneurysm(ASA) associated with secoundum atrial septal defect(ASD).Methods Seventeen patients who had ASA associated with secoundum ASD were diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) or transthoracic echocardiography(TTE).Guided by X fluoroscopy and TEE,all patients were treated by transcatheter closure,followed up with TTE,and its efficacy was evaluated.Results The placement of the occluders were successful in all 17 patients with 24 occluders.The mean ASD diameter by echocardiography had good correlation with the stretched diameter of ASD(r=(0.91),P(0.001)).Immediately after the procedure,examined by TTE,ASD was completely closed in 17 cases with 21 occluders,and micro residual shunt was found in 3 cases with 1 occluder respectively.During 1 month-3 years follow-up,residual shunt was found in 1 case.Conclusions Transcatheter closure is feasible for patients who have ASA associated with secoundum ASD and has good result.It is very important that physcian and clinician think highly of its individuality in case selection before transcatheter closure,monitoring and guiding the procedure during transcatheter closure.