Percutaneous versus surgical closure of atrial septal defects in children and adolescents.

Background: There is a scarcity of data comparing percutaneous and surgical closure of the secundum atrial septal defect (ASD).

Objectives: Assessment of safety and efficacy of both methods of treatment in a referral center affiliated with the Ministry of Health.

Methods: Observational, prospective, non-randomized study of two cohorts of children and adolescents younger than 14 years, treated by catheterization or surgery.