[Atrial septal defect percutaneous transvenous occlusion with the buttoned device].

Purpose: To analyse the experience with the use of Sideris' device for percutaneous transvenous occlusion of atrial septal defect (ASD).

Methods: Thirty six procedures of ASD occlusion were performed in 32 patients; 27 (84.4%) female and five (15.6%) male, mean age of 16 years (4-61). All patients had secundum atrial septal defects with clinical and hemodynamic compromise. The ASD diameter measured < 31 mm and occupied less than 50% of the septal length in all cases. The basic device was used in 28 (87.5%) patients and the self centered model in four (12.5%). The direct implant technique was employed in 15 (41.7%) procedures while in the other 21 (58.3%) an over a wire technique was used. The size of the device was selected according with the Sideris' normogram.

Results: Occlusion of the defect was achieved in 29 patients (90.63%). In two (6.25%) the position of the device was not adequate and in one (3.12%) the device embolized to the pulmonary artery. In these three cases the device was removed surgically during the defect closure. There was neither morbidity nor mortality in this series. Trivial or small residual shunt was detected with color flow mapping in three (9.4%) patients immediately after the procedure. In 22 patients with 12 months follow-up, trivial residual shunt was present in only one (4.5%). Structural modification of the device was detected in one patient, however with complete ASD occlusion and neither clinical nor hemodynamic disturbance.

Conclusion: The Sideris' device is safe and efficient for ASD occlusion in selected patients. Although there is a relatively high incidence of residual shunt immediately after the procedure, the shunt itself tends to become smaller or disappear during the follow-up and it does not preclude clinical and hemodynamic improvement.