Simultaneous Transcatheter Closure of Multiple Atrial Septal Defects Using Dual Amplatzer Septal Occluder Devices.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure has been a recognised treatment strategy for multiple atrial septal defects (mASDs). This study aimed to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of transcatheter closure of mASDs using dual Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) devices.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 34 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of mASDs using dual ASO devices from April 2005 to December 2014.

RESULTS: Eight men and 26 women who successfully underwent transcatheter closure of mASDs were included. Ten (29.4%) patients had 3 defects or more. The mean diameters of the larger and smaller defects were 14.0±3.9 mm (8-20 mm) and 9.1±2.6 mm (4-15 mm), respectively. The mean diameters of the larger and smaller devices were 22.2±4.8 mm (13-30 mm) and 17.3±4.1 mm (10-26 mm), respectively. Devices were deployed by the "sandwiches" technique or an interleaved pattern. Immediately after the procedure, 23 (67.6%) patients had complete closure and 11 patients had a residual shunt (6 trivial, 3 small, 1 moderate, 1 large). During the 6 months of follow-up, 30 (88.2%) patients had complete closure of the shunt and 4 patients had a residual shunt (1 large, 3 small). Complications included 2 cases of pericardial effusion, which disappeared at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous device implantation in transcatheter closure of mASDs is feasible and effective. The incidence rate of residual shunts is slightly high in the short term, but tends to decrease during mid-term follow-up.