Long-term outcome of transcatheter secundum-type atrial septal defect closure using Amplatzer septal occluders.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess long-term results of percutaneous closure of secundum-type atrial septal defect (ASD II) using Amplatzer septal occluders (ASO).


BACKGROUND
Only immediate-, short-, and intermediate-term results of ASO implantation are known so far.


METHODS
Between September 1995 and January 2000, 151 patients underwent a successful percutaneous closure of ASD II in our institution. All were included in the present study and were followed up until September 2004.


RESULTS
This group of patients was followed up from 56 to 108 months (median 78 months). The mean stretched defect diameter was 15.9 +/- 4.8 mm. There were no deaths or significant complications during the study. At three years of follow-up, all defects were completely closed and remained closed thereafter.


CONCLUSIONS
Since the first human implantations in September 1995, the Amplatzer septal occluder proved as a safe and effective device for percutaneous closure of ASD II.
Masura
Jozef
J
Children's Cardiac Center, University Children's Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia.
Gavora
Pavol
P
Podnar
Tomaz
T
D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013997:Time Factors