Clinical Report: Utilizing Three-Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography for Selecting Candidates for Percutaneous Closure of Atrial Septal Defects

Overview

This study evaluates the impact of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE) on patient selection for percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure.

Background

Atrial septal defects are common congenital heart defects that can lead to significant morbidity if left untreated. Percutaneous closure offers advantages over traditional surgical methods, including reduced complication rates and shorter recovery times. Accurate assessment of defect characteristics is crucial for successful intervention, making imaging techniques like 3D TTE relevant in clinical practice.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 3D TTE provides reliable measurements of atrial septal defects compared to conventional methods.
• The study involved a retrospective analysis of 36 patients over three years.
• Patients ranged in age from 1 to 44 years, with a median age of 6 years.
• Direct referrals for surgical closure were made for 42% of patients.

Clinical Implications

The use of 3D TTE can enhance the evaluation process for patients with atrial septal defects.

Conclusion

The findings support the use of 3D TTE in the pre-procedural assessment for atrial septal defect closure.

Related Resources & Content

1. 2025 ACC/AHA/HRS/ISACHD/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines | Circulation
2. SCAI Position Statement on Intracardiac Echocardiography to Guide Structural Heart Disease Interventions - PMC
3. Routine application of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography-based device selection for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect without balloon sizing | European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging | Oxford Academic
4. Pediatric Cardiology — A New Modification of Temporary Suture-Holding Technique for Transcatheter Repair of Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect
5. Surgical Endoscopy — Endoscopic Closure of Atrial Septal Defects in Functioning Beating Hearts
6. Int. Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery — Development and feasibility testing of a dynamic image-derived simulation framework for assessing left atrioventricular valve repair strategies
7. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — Assessment of the Viability and Initial Results of Transcatheter Closure for Moderate-to-Large Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects in Pediatric Patients Using Bioabsorbable Occluders: A Prospective Case Study
8. 2025 ACC/AHA/HRS/ISACHD/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines | Circulation
9. SCAI Position Statement on Intracardiac Echocardiography to Guide Structural Heart Disease Interventions - PMC
10. Routine application of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography-based device selection for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect without balloon sizing | European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging | Oxford Academic