Impact of Atrial Septal Defect Closure on Mortality in Older Patients

Background:Atrial septal defect(ASD)is a common form of adult congenital heart disease that can lead to long-term adverse outcomes if left untreated.Early closure of ASD has been associated with excellent outcomes and lower complication rates.However,there is limited evidence regarding the prognosis of ASD closure in older adults.This study aims to evaluate the mortality rates in older ASD patients with and without closure.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients aged 40 years or older with ASD between 2001 and 2017.Patients were followed up to assess all-cause mortality.Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the predictors of mortality.A p-value of<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The cohort consisted of 450 patients(mean age 56.6±10.4 years,77.3%female),with 66%aged between 40 and 60 years,and 34%over 60 years.Within the cohort,299 underwent ASD closure(201 with transcatheter and 98 with surgical closure).During the median follow-up duration of 7.9 years,51 patients died.The unadjusted cumulative 10-year rate of mortality was 3%in patients with ASD closure,and 28%in patients without ASD closure(log-rank p<0.001).Multivariable analysis revealed that age(hazard ratio[HR]1.04,95%confidence interval[CI]1.006–1.06,p=0.01),NYHA class(HR 2.75,95%CI 1.63–4.62,p<0.001),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)(HR 1.07,95%CI 1.03–1.12,p<0.001),right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP)(HR 1.07,95%CI 1.003–1.04,p=0.01),and lack of ASD closure(HR 15.12,95%CI 5.63–40.59,p<0.001)were independently associated with mortality.Conclusion:ASD closure demonstrated favorable outcomes in older patients.Age,NYHA class,BUN,RVSP,and lack of ASD closure were identified as independent factors linked to mortality in this population.

Genetic Analysis of Variants of the MYH6 Gene Promoter in Congenital Atrial Septal Defects

Background:Atrial septal defect(ASD)is one of the common congenital heart diseases.The MYH6 gene has a critical role in cardiac development but the role of MYH6 promoter variants in patients with ASD has not been explored.Methods:In 613 subjects including 320 ASD patients,we investigated the MYH6 gene promoter variants and verified the effect on gene expression by using cellular functional experiments and bioinformatics analysis.Results:Eleven variants were identified in the MYH6 gene promoter,of which four variants were found only in ASD patients,and two variants(g.3434G>C and g.4524C>T)were identified for the first time.Cellular functional experiments indicated that all four variants reduced the transcriptional activity of the MYH6 gene promoter(p<0.05).Subsequent analysis through the JASPAR(A database of transcription factor binding profiles)suggests that these variants may alter transcription factor binding sites,which may in turn lead to changes in myocardin subunit expression and ASD formation.Conclusions:Our study for the first time focuses on variants in the promoter region of the MYH6 gene in Chinese patients with ASD and the discovered variants have functional significance.The study provides new insights in the role of the MYH6 gene promoter region to better understand the genetic basis of ASD formation and facilitates clinical diagnosis.

“Treat-Repair-Treat”:Management of Left Main Coronary Compression by a Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Atrial Septal Defect and Significant Pulmonary Hypertension

Left main coronary compression syndrome(LMCS)may complicate pulmonary artery aneurysms(PAA),usually developed in the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).We report the case of a 51-year-old female patient with an atrial septal defect(unsuitable for device closure)complicated by a PAA generating a 90%left main stenosis.The significant PAH held us back from immediate surgery.After specific dual PAH-targeted therapy(sildenafil and bosentan),the atrial septal defect could be closed with a unidirectional valved patch;the PAAinduced LMCS was treated by reductive arterioplasty.The postoperative course was uneventful.Follow-up showed clinical improvement,but PAH treatment was still needed.After three months,coronary angiography showed only an insignificant residual left main stenosis,proving that reductive pulmonary arterioplasty was effective in treating LMCS.Any PAA requires further evaluation for LMCS,a dangerous but treatable complication.The“treat-repair-treat”strategy and shunt-closure with a unidirectional valved patch can both improve surgical prospects of LMCS with shunt-related PAH.

The Effect of Atrial Septal Defect Closure on Cardiac Volumetric Changes in Adults, Transcatheter Versus Surgical Closure, a Pilot Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study

Background:Closure of an atrial septal defect(ASD)reduces right-side heart volumes by abolishing shunting with simultaneous improvement of the left ventricle(LV)filling and functions due to ventricular interdependence,thereby improving symptoms.Furthermore,studies conducted on atrial volume changes after ASD closure are limited.Cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)is considered as the gold standard method for measuring cardiac volume and mass.Objective:We aimed to study the effect of transcatheter and surgical closure of secundum ASD on cardiac volumes and systolic functions as well as the fate of tricuspid regurgitation(TR),using CMR analysis.Methods:We prospectively enrolled 30 adult patients with isolated secundum ASD who were referred to ASD closure.CMR evaluation of cardiac chambers indexed volumes,systolic function,myocardial mass index,and tricuspid regurgitant fraction were done at before and 6 months after closure.Results:RV volumes decreased in both groups when compared to baseline(p-value 0.001),the device group had more reduction in volumes and more improvement in RV function after closure(p-value 0.001)when compared to the surgical arm.The changes in the RV mass index were insignificant between both groups(p-value 0.31).Functional TR improved to the same extent in both groups.Left ventricular end diastolic volume index(LVEDVI)and LV mass index increased sig-nificantly in both groups when compared to baseline in both groups but with no difference between groups p-value 0.01),left ventricular end systolic volume index(LVESVI)changes were insignificant.LV systolic function improved in patients who underwent device closure only(63.53±3.85 vs.67.13±4.34,p-value 0.01).There was a significant reduction in right atrial(RA)volumes and an insignificant decrease in left atrial(LA)volumes,with no difference between groups.Conclusion:Transcatheter and surgical secundum ASD closure resulted in volumetric changes in some cardiac chambers with better improvement in bi-ventricular systolic function in the transcatheter arm and no difference in the TR reduction between the two groups at 6 months follow-up by CMR.

Completed atrioventricular block induced by atrial septal defect occluder unfolding:A case report

BACKGROUND An atrial septal defect is a common condition and accounts for 25%of adult congenital heart diseases.Transcatheter occlusion is a widely used technique for the treatment of secondary aperture-type atrial septal defects(ASDs).CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old female patient was diagnosed with ASD by transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)1 year ago.The electrocardiogram showed a heart rate of 88 beats per minute,normal sinus rhythm,and no change in the ST-T wave.After admission,TTE showed an atrial septal defect with a left-to-right shunt,aortic root short-axis section with an ASD diameter of 8 mm,a parasternal four-chamber section with an ASD diameter of 9 mm,and subxiphoid biatrial section with a diameter of 13 mm.Percutaneous occlusion was proposed.The intraoperative TTE scan showed that the atrial septal defect was oval in shape,was located near the root of the aorta,and had a maximum diameter of 13 mm.A 10-F sheath was placed in the right femoral vein,and a 0.035°hard guidewire was used to establish the transport track between the left pulmonary vein and the inferior vena cava.A shape-memory alloy atrial septal occluder with a waist diameter of 20 mm was placed successfully and located correctly.TTE showed that the double disk unfolded well and that the clamping of the atrial septum was smooth.Immediately after the disc was revealed,electrocardiograph monitoring showed that the ST interval of the inferior leads was prolonged,the P waves and QRS waves were separated,a junctional escape rhythm maintained the heart rate,and the blood pressure began to decrease.After removing the occluder,the elevation in the ST segment returned to normal immediately,and the sinus rhythm returned to average approximately 10 min later.After consulting the patient’s family,we finally decided to withdraw from the operation.CONCLUSION Compression of the small coronary artery,which provides an alternative blood supply to the atrioventricular nodule during the operation,leads to the emergence of a complete atrioventricular block.

Percutaneous closure of secundum type atrial septal defects:More than 5-year follow-up

AIM: To investigate long-term efficacy of two different devices more than five years after percutaneous atrial septal defect(ASD) closure in adults.METHODS: All patients who underwent percutaneous closure of an ASD in the St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands, between February 1998 and December 2006 were included. Percutaneous closure took place under general anaesthesia and transesophageal echocardiographic moni toring. Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) was performed 24 h post-procedure to visualize the device position and to look for residual shunting using color Doppler. All complications were registered. All patients were invited for an outpatient visit and contrast TTE more than 5-years after closure. Efficacy was based on the presence of a residual right-to-left shunt(RLS), graded as minimal, moderate or severe. The presence of a residual left-to-right shunt(LRS) was diagnosed using color Doppler, and was not graded. Descriptive statistics were used for patients' characteristics. Univariate analysis was used to identify predictors for residual shunting.RESULTS: In total, 104 patients(mean age 45.5 ± 17.1 years) underwent percutaneous ASD closure using an Amplatzer device(ASO) in 76 patients and a Cardioseal/Starflex device(CS/SF) in 28 patients. The mean follow-up was 6.4 ± 3.4 years. Device migration occurred in 4 patients of whom two cases occurred during the index hospitalization(1 ASO, 1 CS/SF). The other 2 cases of device migration occurred during the first 6 mo of follow-up(2 CS/SF). The recurrent thrombo-embolic event rate was similar in both groups: 0.4% per follow-up year. More than 12 mo post-ASD closure and latest follow-up, new-onset supraventricular tachyarrhythmia's occurred in 3.9% and 0% for the ASO and CS/SF group, respectively. The RLS rate at latest follow-up was 17.4%(minimal 10.9%, moderate 2.2%, severe 4.3%) and 45.5%(minimal 27.3%, moderate 18.2%, severe 0%) for the ASO- and CS/SF groups, respectively. There was no residual LRS in both groups.CONCLUSION: Percutaneous ASD closure has good long-term safety and efficacy profiles. The residual RLS rate seems to be high more than 5 years after closure, especially in the CS/SF. Residual LRS was not observed.

Delayed cardiac tamponade after simultaneous transcatheter atrial septal defect closure and left atrial appendage closure device implantation: a particular case report

Percutaneous left atrial appendage(LAA)occlusion evolved as an alternative treatment to the patients who are contraindicated or cannot tolerate oral anticoagulants with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation(AF)at risk of stroke or systemic embolism.[1]Abnormal hemodynamic changes in elder atrial septal defect(ASD)patients cause remodeling of the left atrium,which eventually leads to right heart failure.[2]As the ASDs elderly are associated with a higher incidence of AF,simultaneous transcatheter ASD and LAA closure has become a new effective therapeutic strategy.However,only a limited number of articles involving cardiac tamponade complications have been published in the literature.What’s more,previous studies involving early hemodynamically irrelevant pericardial effusion after the procedure attribute to multiple repositioning attempts of LAA occluder or delivery sheath injured the atrial wall.

Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage occlusion prior to atrial septal defect closure: A case report

BACKGROUND In patients who suffer from both atrial fibrillation(AF)and atrial septal defect(ASD),cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation(PVI),sequential left atrial appendage(LAA)occlusion and ASD closure could be a strategy for effective prevention of stroke and right heart failure.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old man was admitted to our institution due to recurrent episodes of palpitations and shortness of breath for 2 years,which had been worsening over the last 48 h.He had a history of AF,ASD,coronary heart disease with stent implantation and diabetes.Physical and laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities.The score of CHA2DS2VASc was 3,and HAS-BLED was 1.Echocardiography revealed a 25-mm secundum ASD.Pulmonary vein(PV)and LAA anatomy were assessed by cardiac computed tomography.PV mapping with 10-pole Lasso catheter was performed following ablation of all four PVs with complete PVI.Following the cryoballoon PVI,the patient underwent LAA occlusion under transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring.Lastly,a 34-mm JIYI ASD occlude device was implanted.A follow-up transesophageal echocardiography at 3 mo showed proper position of both devices and neither thrombi nor leakage was found.CONCLUSION Sequential cryoballoon PVI and LAA occlusion prior to ASD closure can be performed safely in AF patients with ASD.

Misdiagnosis of unroofed coronary sinus syndrome as an ostium primum atrial septal defect by echocardiography:A case report

BACKGROUND Unroofed coronary sinus syndrome(UCSS)is a rare congenital heart disease,which has variable morphologic features and is strongly associated with persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC).However,it is often difficult to visualize the left-to-right shunt pathway through the CS by transthoracic echocardiography(TTE).CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old female was admitted to the hepatological surgery department of a hospital with complaint of subxiphoid pain that had started 1 wk prior.Physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 systolic murmur at the left margin of the sternum,between the 2nd and 3rd intercostal cartilage.The patient underwent echocardiography and was diagnosed with ostium primum atrial septal defect(ASD);thus,she was subsequently transferred to the cardiovascular surgery department.A second TTE evaluation before surgery showed type IV UCSS with secundum ASD.Right-heart contrast echocardiography(RHCE)showed that the right atrium and right ventricle were immediately filled with microbubbles,but no microbubble was observed in the CS.Meanwhile,negative filling was observed at the right atrium orifice of the CS and right atrium side of the secundum atrial septal.RHCE identified UCSS combined with secundum ASD but without PLSVC in this patient.CONCLUSION This rare case of UCSS highlights the value of TTE combined with RHCE in confirming UCSS with ASD or PLSVC.

Occlusion of atrial septal defect utilizing occluder devise via minimally invasive right chest approach

Objective To evaluate atrial septal defect(ASD) occlusion employing a small right anterior thoracotomy approach. Methods A total of 21 patients with ASD underwent general anesthesia and 2-3 cm incision was made in the fourth right intercostal space.Utilizing transesophageal or transthoracic echocardiography,the occluder was released using a monotube unit. Results All patients were occluded successfully.No patient required open surgery utilizing extracorporeal circulation.There were no major complications and no evidence of residual atrial shunt. Conclusion ASD occlusion via a minimal surgical incision is safe,less invasive,and has excellent outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of the Atrial Septal Defect Closure for Patients with Absent or Malaligned Aortic Rim Using a Figulla Flex II Device Flared and Straddling Behind the Aorta

Background:Although transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect(ASD)is safe and effective for patients with sufficient rim,ASD patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim have higher risks of device embolization and cardiac erosion.We have treated such high-risk patients using a Figulla Flex II(FFII)device shaped flared and straddling behind the aorta because this method would avoid such serious complications.However,its long-term efficacy and safety remain unclear.Therefore,the midterm efficacy and safety of this method were studied.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of 47 consecutive patients with such rim(age 6–73 years,weight 17–75 kg,31 females)treated with this method at our hospital between February 2016 and September 2019.To make the flared and straddling shape,we selected a FFII 4–6 mm larger than the balloon sizing diameter by stop-flow technique.We also studied the device shape,the disc pressure to the Valsalva wall and their changes over 6 months by transesophageal echocardiography.Results:All procedures were successful,and leakage disappeared within 1 year.During a mean follow up of 37±12 months,complications included a transient sinus node dysfunction and one I°atrioventricular block within 3 months.Whole device shape changed from bulky to thin:the device waist and thickness significantly decreased by around 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm,respectively(p<0.05),but the two discs remained flared and straddling behind the aorta over 6 months;therefore,the disc edges seldom pressed the Valsalva wall perpendicularly,even though the inner plane of either disc often slightly pressed the wall.Conclusions:ASD closure using a FFII shaped flared and straddling behind the aorta is probably effective and safe for patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim although requiring care for conduction disorders.

Modification of Serum Galectin-3 and Reversal of Cardiac Remodeling Following Pediatric Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure

Objectives:We aimed to evaluate the effect of percutaneous atrial septal defect(ASD)closure in children using right heart indices and serum galectin-3(Gal-3),as potential biomarkers of right heart remodeling.Methods:This case–control prospective study included 40 children with ASD and 25 control subjects.An echocardiographic evaluation was performed before the procedure,as well as 24 h,1 month,and 6 months after intervention.Serum Gal-3 was measured before,and 1 month after the procedure.Results:Serum Gal-3 concentration,right atrial(RA)dimensions,right ventricular(RV)dimensions,indexed RA area,and right index of myocardial performance(RIMP)were significantly increased in children with ASD compared with control subjects while tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion(TAPSE)was significantly decreased.Six months after closure,RA,and RV dimensions significantly decreased and RVfunction improved(RIMP decreased and TAPSE increased).Gal-3 oncentration significantly decreased 1 month after ASD closure,but it did not reach normal range compared with control subjects.A positive correlation between Gal-3 and age at closure,RA area,RV dimensions,and RIMP was observed.A positive correlation was observed between the decrease in Gal-3 concentration and the decrease in RA area and RV dimensions 1 month after ASD closure.A significant negative correlation was observed between TAPSE and Gal-3 concentration before and after intervention.Conclusions:Percutaneous ASD closure can improve right-sided indices and decrease serum Gal-3 concentration.Gal-3 can be used as a sensitive biomarker of right heart remodeling,with a decrease in Gal-3 concentration suggesting reversal of maladaptive remodeling.

Outcomes of Three Different Minimal Invasive Approaches for Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Closure: A Single Institute Experience

Objective:The aims of this retrospective study were to investigate and evaluate the safety and efficacy of three approaches for closure of secundum atrial septal defect(ASD).Methods:In this study,we reviewed clinical data for transcatheter occlusion(TCO,n=63),transthoracic occlusion(TTO,n=55),and right anterolateral minithoracotomy(RALT,n=60)techniques used for ASD closure.We compared the safety and efficacy of the three approaches.Results:ASD size in the TTO group was similar to that in the RALT group(P=0.645)and significantly larger than that in the TCO group(P<O.OO1).The RALT group had more non-central types of ASD than the TTO and TCO groups(P=O.019 and P<O.OO1).The operative time in the TTO group was shorter than that in the TCO and RALT groups(P<O.OO1 and P<0.001).The ventilation time and intensive care unit duration were shorter in the TTO group than in the RALT group(P<O.OO1 and P<O.OO1).Hospital duration in the TCO group was shorter than that in the TTO and RALT groups(P<O.OO1 and P<O.OO1).There were no residual shunt and mortality in any group in hospital or during follow-up.There was no significant difference in the incidence of total complications among the three groups(P=0.738).Conclusion:TCO,TTO,and RALT can be performed with favorable cosmetic and clinical results for closing ASD.Appropriate patient selection is an important factor for successful closure.These techniques are promising alternatives to standard median sternotomy and merit additional study.

Diagnostic chest X-ray in atrial septal defects

A 66-year-old woman with lower limb edema and exertional dyspnea presented to the emergency department.Posteroanterior chest X-ray revealed a Fleischner’s sign in both lungs(Figure 1A)suggesting a pulmonary hypertension.A subsequent transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a 24 mm diameter secundum atrial septal defect(ASD)(Figure 1B)with a dilated right heart and a mean pulmonary pressure of 68 mmHg.Fleischner’s sign refers to a prominent central pulmonary artery that can be commonly caused either by pulmonary hypertension or acute pulmonary embolism.This radiological finding is very rare in patients with secundum ASD unless the defect remains undiagnosed till the elderly.Chest X-ray remains fundamental in making diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.

Perioperative anesthesia management in pediatric liver transplant recipient with atrial septal defect:A case report

BACKGROUND Preoperative conditions in pediatric liver transplant recipients are understandably complex.Compared with adults,children have lesser compensatory abilities and demand greater precision during procedural executions.In the setting of endstage liver disease,the heightened perioperative risk of coexistent cardiovascular pathology may impact graft survival as well.Requirements for anesthesia and perioperative management are thus more rigorous,calling for individualized treatments that reflect specific cardiovascular constraints and proposed surgical plans.CASE SUMMARY Reports of perioperative anesthesia management and liver transplant prognostication in pediatric patients with concurrent atrial septal defects are scarce.Herein,we detail the course of liver transplantation in a child with dual afflictions,focusing on perioperative anesthesia management and the important contributions of the anesthesiologist(pre-and perioperatively) to a positive therapeutic outcome,despite the clinical hurdles imposed.CONCLUSION Children with atrial septal defects bear substantially more than customary perioperative risk during orthotopic liver transplants,given their compromised cardiopulmonary reserves and functional states.Comprehensive preoperative cardiovascular assessments,including use of agitated-saline contrast echocardiography(to characterize intracardiac shunting) and multidisciplinary deliberation,may offer insights into structural cardiac pathophysiologic effects and transplantrelated hemodynamic changes that impact new grafts.At the same time,active and effective monitoring and other measures should be taken to maintain hemodynamic stability in the perioperative period,avoid entry of bubbles into the circulation,and ease congestion in newly grafted livers.Such efforts are crucial for transplantation success and graft survival.

Changes in Reverse Cardiac Remodeling after Percutaneous Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Children and Adults

Background:The influence of the timing of transcatheter atrial septal defect(ASD)closure on ventricular remodeling at 6 months after ASD closure is unclear.This study investigated changes in cardiac remodeling after transcatheter closure of large ASDs according to patient age at the time of the procedure.Methods:In this study,41 children and 43 adults underwent percutaneous closure of a large ASD.Cardiac remodeling was assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography and electrocardiography before and at 6 months after ASD closure.Results:The age of the children and adults were 2.8±3.1 and 50.0±15.6 years,respectively.The Qp/Qs ratio of all patients was 2.24±0.67.The right atrial(RA)maximal dimension and right ventricular(RV)transverse diameter were significantly decreased and the left ventricular(LV)dimension was significantly increased at 6 months after ASD closure.However,the difference in RA and RV dimension changes between the groups was not statistically significant.The difference in left atrial(LA)dimension changes between the groups was also not statistically significant,but the LV dimension significantly increased in children compared with that in adults(P=0.018).The RV/LV ratio was decreased after ASD closure,and a significant difference was found in the RV/LV ratio changes between the groups.In ECG,the PR interval was significantly more decreased in adults than in children(P=0.003).Conclusions:In conclusion,the LV diameter was significantly more increased in children than in adults at 6 months after percutaneous ASD closure.Thus,cardiac remodeling after percutaneous ASD closure varies in children and adults.

Atrial Septal Defect Closure by Anterior Mini Thoracotomy with Total Peripheral Cannulation: A Step towards Establishing Mini Invasive Cardiac Surgery in a Developing Nation

Background: Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) closure is a common cardiac surgical procedure performed worldwide. Due to favourable clinical outcome, minimal invasive approach is becoming popular. Hence this study was conducted to compare the outcome of two surgical approaches, median sternotomy and mini thoracotomy with total peripheral cannulation, in a developing country Nepal. Methods: A prospective study of 62 ASD patients, randomized to undergo surgical closure either via right anterior mini thoracotomy or median sternotomy was conducted and followed up over three years. The clinical outcome parameters like intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, post-operative duration of ventilation, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross clamp time, mediastinal drainage, size of scar and complication were compared between two groups. Results: Cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross clamp time were significantly longer in right anterior mini thoracotomy group as compared to median sternotomy group (43.97 min ± 12.70 min vs 34.42 min ± 10.42 min and 25.13 min ± 7.82 min vs 19.48 min ± 6.93 min respectively, p-value < 0.05). There was no significant difference in duration of surgery (2.75 hrs ± 0.43 hrs vs 2.56 hrs ± 0.41 hrs, p-value = 0.09), post-operative ventilation (2.90 hrs ± 1.22 hrs and 2.88 hrs ± 1.07 hrs, p-value = 0.96) between two groups. Post-operative mediastinal drainage was significantly less in right anterior mini thoracotomy group (214.52 ml ± 91.79 ml vs 284.03 ml ± 158.91 ml, p-value = 0.04). There was no significant difference in ICU stay and hospital stay. Conclusion: Atrial septal defect can be safely closed by right anterior mini thoracotomy with a small, cosmetically acceptable submammary scar with less pain and bleeding.

A Rare Case of Improved Mitral Regurgitation after the Inter-Atrial Septal Defect Created during an Unsuccessful Percutaneous Mitra-Clip Placement Attempt

Percutaneous mitral valve repair has shown to be a less-invasive treatment option for patients with symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with multiple comorbidities. We describe a case of improved mitral regurgitation due to improved atrial fibrillation secondary to left atrial pressure relief after the inter-atrial defect created during an unsuccessful mitraclip placement attempt. Transthoracic Echocardiogram that was performed on admission showed severe mitral valve regurgitation. She was not a surgical candidate due to multiple co-morbidities. Patient was then medically optimized and a percutaneous MitraClip placement (PMCP) was attempted but was unsuccessful due to excessive trans-mitral gradient and the procedure was aborted. However, left atrial pressure decreased, likely secondary to inter-atrial septal defect created by the procedure. Transesophageal echocardiogram performed post-op showed moderate and improved mitral regurgitation and sinus rhythm. Attempts to convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm to improve mitral regurgitation had to be made before continuing with a mitral clip placement procedure in our case. In our case, the procedure itself did not help patient’s symptoms, but the resulting acute atrial pressure relief improved mitral regurgitation overall due to left to right shunt from iASD, which also helped the rhythm.

TRANSCATHETER CLOSURE OF LARGE SECUNDUM ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECTS WITH AMPLATZER~ SEPTAL OCCLUDER

Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of transcatheter closure of large secundum atrial septal defects(ASDs)with Amplatzer~ septal occluder(ASO).Methods A total of 26 patients(age 16 to 67 years,median 43 years;body weight 52 to 102 kg,median 67 kg)with large ASDs underwent an attempted transcatheter closure using ASO.Large ASD was defined as those with a balloon-stretched diameter of ≥30 mm.Another 81 patients with small-to-moderate ASD during same period who underwent closure served as controls.Results In patients with large ASDs,the ASD dimension means were(22.1±3.2)mm(range from 16 to 30 mm)and(23.8±2.6)mm(range from 18 to 31mm)assessed by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)and transthoracic echocardiography(TTE),respectively.The mean balloon-stretched diameter of the ASD was(31.9±2.1)mm(range from 30 to 37mm).The size of device was(32.0±1.9)mm(range from 30 to 36mm).The transcatheter procedure was successful in all patients(100%).Seventeen deployments were performed using the conventional left atrium approach,and remaining 9 patients required the right upper pulmonary vein approach.Immediately after deployment,TEE revealed that complete closure rate was 73%.Procedure-related complications were recorded in 3 patients(12%),including device embolization in one patient,pericardial effusion in one patient,and large hematoma at puncture site in one patient.During follow-up,the complete closure rate increased to 88% at 24h after procedure and 100% at 6 months.The procedural success rates,immediate TEE results and TTE results at 24h and 6 months after procedure,were not significantly different between patients with large ASDs and those with small-to-moderate ASDs.Conclusion Transcatheter closure of large ASDs using ASO is technical feasible and relatively safe.Proper care selection and specific technique modification such as the right upper pulmonary vein approach is vital for the implantation success.

Dynamic Characteristic Mechanism of Atrial Septal Defect Using Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Functions

The dynamic characteristics of the area of the atrial septal defect(ASD) were evaluated using the technique of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT 3DE), the potential factors responsible for the dynamic characteristics of the area of ASD were observed, and the overall and local volume and functions of the patients with ASD were measured. RT 3DE was performed on the 27 normal controls and 28 patients with ASD. Based on the three-dimensional data workstations, the area of ASD was measured at P wave vertex, R wave vertex, T wave starting point, and T wave terminal point and in the T-P section. The right atrial volume in the same time phase of the cardiac cycle and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus in the corresponding period were measured. The measured value of the area of ASD was analyzed. The changes in the right atrial volume and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus in the normal control group and the ASD group were compared. The right ventricular ejection fractions in the normal control group and the ASD group were compared using the RT 3DE long-axis eight-plane(LA 8-plane) method. Real-time three-dimensional volume imaging was performed in the normal control group and ASD group(n=30). The right ventricular inflow tract, outflow tract, cardiac apex muscular trabecula dilatation, end-systolic volume, overall dilatation, end-systolic volume, and appropriate local and overall ejection fractions in both two groups were measured with the four-dimensional right ventricular quantitative analysis method(4D RVQ) and compared. The overall right ventricular volume and the ejection fraction measured by the LA 8-plane method and 4D RVQ were subjected to a related analysis. Dynamic changes occurred to the area of ASD in the cardiac cycle. The rules for dynamic changes in the area of ASD and the rules for changes in the right atrial volume in the cardiac cycle were consistent. The maximum value of the changes in the right atrial volume occurred in the end-systolic period when the peak of the curve appeared. The minimum value of the changes occurred in the end-systolic period and was located at the lowest point of the volume variation curve. The area variation curve for ASD and the motion variation curve for the tricuspid annulus in the cardiac cycle were the same. The displacement of the tricuspid annulus exhibited directionality. The measured values of the area of ASD at P wave vertex, R wave vertex, T wave starting point, T wave terminal point and in the T-P section were properly correlated with the right atrial volume(P<0.001). The area of ASD and the motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus were negatively correlated(P<0.05). The right atrial volumes in the ASD group in the cardiac cycle in various time phases increased significantly as compared with those in the normal control group(P=0.0001). The motion displacement distance of the tricuspid annulus decreased significantly in the ASD group as compared with that in the normal control group(P=0.043). The right ventricular ejection fraction in the ASD group was lower than that in the normal control group(P=0.032). The ejection fraction of the cardiac apex trabecula of the ASD patients was significantly lower than the ejection fractions of the right ventricular outflow tract and inflow tract and overall ejection fraction. The difference was statistically significant(P=0.005). The right ventricular local and overall dilatation and end-systolic volumes in the ASD group increased significantly as compared with those in the normal control group(P=0.031). The a RVEF and the overall ejection fraction decreased in the ASD group as compared with those in the normal control group(P=0.0005). The dynamic changes in the area of ASD and the motion curves for the right atrial volume and tricuspid annulus have the same dynamic characteristics. RT 3DE can be used to accurately evaluate the local and overall volume and functions of the right ventricle. The local and overall volume loads of the right ventricle in the ASD patients increase significantly as compared with those of the normal people. The right ventricular cardiac apex and the overall systolic function decrease.