Objective: To assess the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) under transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance in children.
Methods: The study included 20 cases of patients with ASD. The patients were (4.2 ± 1.2) years old and the mean body weights were (18.2 ± 4.2) kg. The diameter of ASD before closure was (13.4 ± 3.3) mm . All procedures were guided under TEE. Procedure success was evaluated by TEE immediately after procedure.
Results: Closure devices were successfully implanted in all 20 patients under TEE guidance. The diameter of closure devices was 14-26 mm. There were no procedure related complications. The ventilation time was (2.9 ± 0.8)h and the hospitalization time was (3.2 ± 0.7) days.
Conclusion: TEE guided percutaneous transcatheter closure is safe and effective for patients with ASD and avoids the radiation damages.