Midterm follow-up of transthoracic device closure of an atrial septal defect using the very large domestic occluder (44-48 mm), a single Chinese cardiac center experience.

Background: The purpose of this study was to outline the midterm follow-up results and complications in patients who underwent transthoracic device closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) with the very large domestic occluder (44-48 mm).

Methods: The data of 35 patients who underwent transthoracic device closure of an ASD with the very large domestic occluder (44-48 mm) at our institution were collected prospectively between January 2010 and January 2015. All patients were invited for an outpatient visit and contrast TTE for 12-70 months after ASD closure.

Results: Thirty-four patients were occluded successfully under this approach and 1 patient was transferred for surgical repair for dislodgement of the occluder. The most frequent complication was transient cardiac arrhythmia. A new third degree atrioventricular block occurred in 1 patient who recovered 1 week later. During the follow-up period, we found no recurrence, no thrombosis, no device embolization, no device failure, and no cases of death. The total occlusion rate was 94.1% in the 12 months of follow-up, and the intracardiac structure and cardiac function were significant improved contemporaneously.

Conclusion: Transthoracic device closure of an atrial septal defect with the very large domestic occluder (44-48 mm) is a safe and feasible technique. However, long-term follow-up is required to better assess the safety and feasibility of this method for the closure of very large ASDs in patients.