Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure under Transthorasic Echocardiography in Children

OBJECTIVE Atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure is routinely done under the guide of transesophageal or intracardiac echocardiography which are expensive techniques and not easily affordable in developing countries. METHODS Using metallic devices, we attempted 32 ASD device closures under transthoracic echocardiography. FINDINGS Of those, 30 procedures were successful (94 %). In two patients with relatively large ASD we encountered difficulty in positioning the device. These patients were referred for surgical closure. CONCLUSION ASD device closure can be carried out successfully in most patients under transthoracic echocardiography in situations where transesophageal or intravenous echocardiographies are not available or affordable.