Clinical value of transthoracic echocardiography in monitoring transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect with Amplatzer occluder

Objective To evaluate transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) in monitoring transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect(ASD) using Amplatzer occluder.Methods Nine patients were diagnosed as having ASD by TTE,of whom seven were treated using Amplatzer occluder.The diameters of ASD were measured by TTE before operation,and the procedure of occlusion was monitored and detected by TTE.so as to ensure that the ASD was occluded firmly.The occluder efficiency was evaluated by TTE immediately,1 week,1 month,3 months,6 months and 1 year after the procedure.The peripheral residual shunts around the occlusion were observed by TTE.Results All 7 patients obtained optimal occlusion of ASD,and no residual shunt was found by TTE immediately.Conclusion TTE is an important technigue for selecting the patients for occlusion of ASD,guiding the device Amplatzer, monitoring the procedure,and evaluating the efficacy after the operation.