Effects of atrial septal defects on the cardiac conduction system

The case report presented in this edition by Mu et al.The report presents a case of atrial septal defect(ASD)associated with electrocardiographic changes,noting that the crochetage sign resolved after Selective His Bundle Pacing(S-HBP)without requiring surgical closure.The mechanisms behind the appearance and resolution of the crochetage sign remain unclear.The authors observed the dis-appearance of the crochetage sign post-S-HBP,suggesting a possible correlation between these specific R waves and the cardiac conduction system.This editorial aims to explore various types of ASD and their relationship with the cardiac con-duction system,highlighting the diagnostic significance of the crochetage sign in ASD.

Reliability of Echocardiographic Pulmonary Vascular Resistance to Screen for the New Definition of Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension in Uncorrected Secundum Atrial Septal Defect

Background and Objective:The most feared complication of uncorrected secundum Atrial Septal Defect(ASD)is pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).Pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR)is crucial in detecting precapil-lary pulmonary hypertension(PH)to guide the need for PAH-specific therapy.There is a change in the cut-off value of PVR according to the recently updated PH guideline.How echocardiographic PVR(PVRecho)correlates to PVR by right heart catheterization(RHC)(PVRcath)according to the new guidelines has not been known.The aim of this study is to determine the reliability of PVRecho in detecting PAH in Uncorrected Ostium Secundum ASD based on the current updated guideline and to help screen the high PVR group.Methods:429 ostium secun-dum ASD in the COngenital HeARt Disease in Adult and Pulmonary Hypertension(COHARD-PH)registry was divided into three groups according to the PVR.PVRecho was calculated using Abbas’Formula and compared the its gold standard,the PVRcath.The correlation between the two methods was analyzed.The Bland-Altman plot was used to analyze the agreement between the two methods.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)analysis was used to determine the PVRecho cut-off value for high PVR.Results:The majority of the population(63.5%)had high PVR.Female gender dominated the study population(84%).PVR_(echo) was significantly correlated with PVRcath(r=0.6225,p<0.0001).Bland-Altman plot among all groups and in subgroups analysis showed a wide range of agreement.PVRecho underestimated PVRcath 5.124 WU.In subgroup analysis,PVRecho overestimated PVRcath 0.35 WU in those with PVR<2 WU.In the second and third groups,PVR_(echo) underestimated PVRcath 0.52 and 10.77 WU,respectively.Conclusion:PVRecho is reliable in predicting high PVR in uncorrected secun-dum ASD.However,there is a wide range of agreement.PVR_(echo) cut-off value of>1.62 WU showed good dis-criminatory power in determining high PVR.

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.

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.

Intelligent diagnosis of atrial septal defect in children using echocardiography with deep learning

Background Atrial septal defect(ASD)is one of the most common congenital heart diseases.The diagnosis of ASD via transthoracic echocardiography is subjective and time-consuming.Methods The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of automatic detection of ASD in children based on color Doppler echocardiographic static images using end-to-end convolutional neural networks.The proposed depthwise separable convolution model identifies ASDs with static color Doppler images in a standard view.Among the standard views,we selected two echocardiographic views,i.e.,the subcostal sagittal view of the atrium septum and the low parasternal four-chamber view.The developed ASD detection system was validated using a training set consisting of 396 echocardiographic images corresponding to 198 cases.Additionally,an independent test dataset of 112 images corresponding to 56 cases was used,including 101 cases with ASDs and 153 cases with normal hearts.Results The average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve,recall,precision,specificity,F1-score,and accuracy of the proposed ASD detection model were 91.99,80.00,82.22,87.50,79.57,and 83.04,respectively.Conclusions The proposed model can accurately and automatically identify ASD,providing a strong foundation for the intelligent diagnosis of congenital heart diseases.

The Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography for Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder

Objective: To evaluate of the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)in percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) with the Amplatzer septal occluder. Methods:Sixty- two patients (10 to 55 years of age) were selected for percutaneous closure of ASD bytrans-esophageal echocardiography, which was also used to monitor the procedure, to select theappropriate size of the Amplatzer device, to verify its position, and to access the immediateresults of the procedure. During the follow-up, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or TEE was usedto evaluate the presence and magnitude of residual shunt (RS), device position, and right cardiacchamber diameters. Results: The mean ASD diameter by TTE ([19. 1 +- 5. 8] mm) was significantlysmaller (P< 0. 001) than the stretched diameter of the ASD (25. 1 +- 6. 4) mm. There are nosignificant differences between the TEE -measured value (23. 5+_6. 2) mm and the stretched diameterof the ASD (P > 0. 05). Due to proper patient selection all procedures were successful. There wasimmediate and complete closure in 61/62 patients, only one patients had trivial residual shunt.Follow- up was performed using TTE or TEE right after operation, 1 d, 1 month, 3 months, 6 monthsand yearly thereafter. Ail, patients remain asymptomatic without any clinical or technical problems.Conclusion: With the aid of TEE, percutaneous closure of ASD can be performed successfully, safely,and effectively.

“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.

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.

Transcatheter to Close the Patent Duetus Arteriosus and Atrial Septal Defects in Children

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect, safety and complications oftranscathetering Amplatzer device in the closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and atrial septaldefects (ASD) in children. Methods: Patients with PDA (n = 25) and ASD ( n = 16), confirmed byechocardiography, were treated by transcatheterization. Amplatzer occluder device was placed by thetranscatheterization with the image support of X-ray and transthoracic echocardiography ( TTE) . TheTTE, ECG and X-ray examination were engaged to evaluate the therapeutic results on the time pointsof 24 h , 1, 3 , 6, 12 months after the operation, and all these cases were engaged to the follow-upexamination. Results: The cardioangiographic diameter was 13.0-28.0 mm ([19.3+-4.9] mm) in ASD and2.0-7.7 mm ([3.9+-1.5] mm) in PDA . The diameter of the Amplatzer occluder selected were 13.0-30.0mm ( [20.6+-5.1] mm) in ASD and 4.0-12.0 mm ([6.6+-1.9] mm) in PDA , respectively. All the Amplatzeroccluders were placed successfully. There were no complications during and after the operation.Very small residual shunt was still found soon after the operation in 10 cases , and there were noresidual or recanalization after three months of the operation. The pulmonary artery pressure andheart size were significantly decreased in follow-up examination . Conclusion: Transcatheteringclosure with Amplatzer device is an effective, simple and safe technique in the treatment of ASD andPDA in children.

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.

Clinical Value of Stereoscopic Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Atrial Septal Defects: Feasibility and Efficiency

Stereoscopic three-dimensional echocardiography（S-3DE） is a novel displaying technol-ogy based on real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography （RT-3DE）. Our study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of S-3DE in the diagnosis of atrial septal defect （ASD） and its use in the guidance for transcatheter ASD occlusion. Twelve patients with secundum ASD underwent RT-3DE examination and 9 of the 12 were subjected to transcatheter closure of ASD. Stereoscopic vision was generated with a high-performance volume renderer with red-green stereoscopic glasses. S-3DE was compared with standard RT-3D display for the assessment of the shape, size, and the surrounding tis-sues of ASD and for the guidance of ASD occlusion. The appearance rate of coronary sinus and the mean formation time of the IVC, SVC were compared. Our results showed that S-3DE could measure the diameter of ASD accurately and there was no significant difference in the measurements between S-3DE and standard 3D display （2.89±0.73 cm vs 2.85±0.72 cm, P〉0.05; r=0.96, P〈0.05）. The appearance of coronary sinus for S-3DE was higher as compared with the standard 3D display （93.3% vs 100%）. The mean time of the IVC, SVC for S-3DE monitor was slightly shorter than that of the standard 3D display （11.0±3.8 s vs 10.3±3.6 s, P〉0.05）. The mean completion time of interven-tional procedure was shortened with S-3DE display as compared with standard 3D display （17.3±3.1 min vs 23.0±3.9 min, P〈0.05）. Stereoscopic three-dimensional echocardiography could improve the visualization of three-dimensional echocardiography, facilitate the identification of the adjacent structures, decrease the time required for interventional manipulation. It may be a feasible, safe, and efficient tool for guiding transcatheter septal occlusion or the surgical interventions.

Transcatheter Closure of Multiple Defects of the Atrial Septum: Technique and Follow-Up

Introduction: Although multiple defects of the atrial septum are not uncommon, there remain limited data regarding the use of multiple devices in these patients. A variety of approaches to transcatheter closure have been used, and in this paper we describe the experience from two operators in a single centre. Methods: From September 2002 to September 2012, 673 transcatheter atrial septal defects (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure procedures were performed and retrospectively examined in a registry analysis. Results: Of these, 22 patients had multiple discrete defects, and four different approaches to closure were used. In 4 patients (18.2%) one device was used percutaneously to close multiple defects. Eleven patients (50%) had two devices inserted during the same procedure while two patients (9%) had two devices inserted as staged procedures. One patient (4.5%) had three devices inserted over two procedures. Four patients (18.2%) were found not to be suitable for percutaneous closure during the procedure and were referred for surgical closure. Conclusion: Our experience with the implant procedures, and clinical follow up of patients, shows that patients with multiple defects can be effectively treated with transcatheter device techniques including single device closure, multiple devices in one procedure and multiple devices in staged procedures and also with surgical repair.

Clinical Application of Three－dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Atrial Septal Defect

This paper reports the use of three-dimensional (3-D) transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) in the diagnosis of atrial septal defect. The results displayed that the interatrial septum had integrity in normal persons. The size,shape and position of atrial septal defects could be showed clearly and the type of the defects could be identified. The reconstructed imaging of interatrial septum on 3-D TEE was clear and stereoscopic. The technique is helpful in defining spatial location and extent of atrial septal defects.

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.

Radiofrequency ablation of atrial tachycardia in patients with repaired atrial septal defect

Objective:To evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) in patients with repaired atrial septal defects(ASD). Methods: In 76 consecutive patients with AT who underwent the electrophysiological study and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). 4 patients (one male and three female aged 35. 5±11. 5 years) had AT-related myocardial scar or incision. Earliest activation combined with entrainment mapping was adopted to determine a critical isthmus. Results: Re-entry related to the lateral atriotomy scar was inducible in 3 of 4 patients. With en-trainment mapping, the PPI-TCL difference was <30 ms when pacing at the inferior margins of the right lateral atriotomy scar. Among them, 2 patients had successful linear ablation between scar area to inferior vena cava, and 1 patient between scar areas to tricuspid annulus. Re-entry involving an ASD patch was demonstrated in 1 of 4 patients. PPI-TCL differences <30 ms were found when entraining tachycardia at sites near the septal patch. But linear ablation failed in terminating AT. There was no complication during procedure. No recurrence of incision-related AT was found during follow-up except for the failed patient. Conclusion: Under conventional electrophysiological mapping, adopting linear ablation from scar area to anatomic barrier, successful ablation also can be obtained in patients with IRAT related to myocardial scar or incision.

To What Extent Can Transcatheter Devices Replace Open-Heart Surgery in the Treatment of Cardiac Septal Defects?

Transcatheter treatments are widespread, having the advantages of being less invasive than surgery with quicker recovery times and reduced physical and psychological consequences. However correct patient selection is vital to optimise outcomes. In the case of an isolated atrial septal defect (ASD), transcatheter closure is preferred. Whilst multiple or large ASDs or ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are best treated through the transthoracic approach. Furthermore, the development of the transcatheter approach has yielded devices that can be used in the transthoracic approach resulting in hybrid techniques. This article aims to evaluate both transcatheter devices and open-heart surgery in the treatment of cardiac septal defects. A brief discussion follows on from the causes and history of cardiac defect treatments.

Percutaneous Catheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect and an Atrial Septal Aneurysm:One Case Report

We describe a 56-yr-old female presented with palpitation and shortness of breath on exertion and intracardiac echocardiography showed atrial septal defect and an atrial septal aneurysm. She was underwent successfully percutaneous catheter closure with Amplatzer occluder devices.

Nursing Care of Patients With Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect via Femoral Vein

Objective:To explore the operative nursing coordination method for the treatment of congenital atrial septal defect(ASD)by transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect via femoral vein.It provides useful experience for the treatment of congenital heart disease.Methods a total of 12 patients undergoing minimally invasive atrial septal defect closure via femoral vein from January 2017 to November 2017 in our department of cardiac surgery were selected as the subjects.All patients received transesophageal ultrasound guided ASD occlusion by femoral vein.The operation and nursing contents include preoperative care,the cooperation of the itinerant nurses,the coordination of the instrument nurses and the postoperative nursing.Results the operation of 12 patients in this group was successful.The diameter of the occluder was 17.1+4.5 mm during the operation.The time of tracheal intubation was 2.4+0.7 h,from the femoral vein to the sheath tube time was 38.7+9.4 min,the occupancy of ICU was 12.5+2.6 h after the operation.The average time of hospitalization was 4.5+1.8 D.There were 2 cases of shunt 1mm immediately after operation.After 24h reexamination,the shunt disappeared,the heart murmur disappeared in the rest of the patients.No residual shunt and other complications occurred.