Imaging Assessment of the Interatrial Septum for Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Foramen Ovale Closure

Abstract

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale has become increasingly common with advances in device and imaging technology. The percutaneous approach is now the preferred method of closure when anatomically suitable. Two-dimensional and 3-dimensional echocardiography determines anatomic suitability by characterizing the interatrial defect and its surrounding structures, and is critical for intraprocedural guidance and postprocedure follow-up. This article provides an overview of interatrial anatomy as it pertains to interventional considerations and discusses the transthoracic, transesophageal, and intracardiac echocardiographic modalities used for periprocedural and intraprocedural imaging of the interatrial septum.

Keywords: Atrial septal defect; Interatrial septum; Intracardiac echocardiography; Intraprocedural echocardiography; Patent foramen ovale; Transesophageal echocardiography.