Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect in young children: results and follow-up.

Objectives: This study sought to analyze the safety, efficacy, and follow-up results of percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) in young children.

Background: Results of ASD transcatheter closure in adults are widely reported but there are no large published series concerning young children.

Methods: Between December 1996 and February 2002, 48 of 553 patients percutaneously treated at our institution were children age
Results: The mean age at closure was 3.6 +/- 1.3 years. A CS/SF was used in 10 subjects; an ASO was used in 38 patients. No deaths or immediate major complications occurred. The total occlusion rate was 87% at procedure, rising to 94% at discharge. The mean follow-up was 18 +/- 14 months. No midterm major or minor complications occurred. The occlusion rate rose to 100% at 12 months of follow-up. Symptomatic patients improved significantly.

Conclusions: In the current era and in experienced hands, ASD closure can be performed safely and successfully, even in very young children.