Mid-term Safety and Efficacy of Transcatheter Closure of Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect under Transthoracic Echocardiographic Guidance in Children Weighing Less than 15 Kg

Background: Transcatheter device closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defect is a safe & effective intervention in older children, & is usually done under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. However, the procedure under transthoracic echocardiography guidance, especially in smaller children, is done only at few centers, the data of which is scarce.

Methods: A prospective study was undertaken to assess the mid-term efficacy and outcome of transcatheter device closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defect under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance, in children <15 Kg.

Results: Eighty three children with ostium secundum atrial septal defect were included in the study. Median age of the study population was 3.5 years (1.9-5.6 years), and median weight of 11.6 Kg (7.6 - 14.9 Kg). The primary and secondary procedural success rates were 94% and 96.4% respectively. Post procedure patients were followed up for 12-30 months. Device related major complications were encountered in 4 (4.8%) cases. The total occlusion rates of the defect at 24 hours, 1 month and 3 months post procedure were 94%, 98.8% and 100% respectively.

Conclusion: The transcatheter device closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defect under transthoracic echocardiography guidance, in children <15 Kg, has a high short and mid-term safety and efficacy.