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 pat...

The number of left atrial transcatheter procedures performed via a transseptal (TS) approach has grown exponentially over the last 2 decades. Persistent iatrogenic atrial septal defects (iASD) after structural TS interventions are not uncommon especially when larger TS sheaths are used (25%–50% with 22 Fr sheaths). The optimal management strategy of postprocedural iASD is currently unknown. In ...

O stium secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) have been successfully closed surgically for over 30 years. The concept of percutaneous closure of such defects was proposed in the 1970s. In 1997, the self expanding Amplatzer nitinol prosthesis was first used in animals, with good results. Human studies soon followed and percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects is now standard treatment in th...

The VN3H defect in diamond (a vacancy surrounded by three nitrogen and one carbon atoms, the latter being saturated by a hydrogen atom) is investigated quantum-mechanically by use of a periodic supercell approach, an all-electron Gaussian-type basis set, "hybrid" functionals of density functional theory, and the Crystal program. Three fully optimized structural models (supercells containing 32,...

A patient with atrial septal defect and calcification of the tricuspid valve is presented. The calcification was first detected by fluoroscopy and its presence was confirmed during cardiac surgery. To our knowledge, this combination has not been reported previously. Possible factors contributing to the calcification are ageing, excessive blood flow, and raised right ventricular pressure.

Complete surgical closure of an atrial septal defect was accomplished under direct vision in five patients. Postoperative catheterization studies demonstrated complete obliteration of the previously existing left-to-right shunt and a reduction of the pulmonary artery blood pressure in all patients. The clinical and hemodynamic status returned to normal limits with but few exceptions.

A 45-year-old patient presented with a cerebrovascular attack and was subsequently found to have a multi-fenestrated atrial septal defect. Various therapeutic options for percutaneous transcatheter closure with their respective benefits and flaws are discussed, as well as procedural and financial considerations. The decision making process leading to a successful result using a single occlusive...

INTRODUCTION The device closure of atrial septal defects has evolved over the years. In the early days of transcatheter occlusion, balloon sizing was used to choose an appropriate sized device. We postulate that balloon sizing does not value-add to the procedure and is unnecessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who had balloon sizing, with (Group 1, n = 38) or without (Group 2, n = 21) atria...

Percutaneous device occlusion of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) has become an accepted alternative to surgical repair. A variety of devices have been used successfully. However, all of them have limitations. We report our experience with two devices used to close multiple ASDs.

This month I have a story for you that ends with a very happy beginning. It is the story of Aditi—a 6month-old baby girl on her way to a full, healthy life after a successful hybrid intervention. Dr. Harini Kolluri (Aditi’s mother) and Dr. Vinay Tumuluri (Aditi’s father) have joined me for this month’s President’s Page to talk about their experiences with Aditi’s diagnosis and treatment. Shortl...