title: Transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects in 18 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects (ASD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen patients diagnosed as ostium secundum defect with a diameter of 30-40 mm were enrolled in this study. With the guidance of echocardiography and fluoroscopy, the Amplazter occlusion devices were implanted percutaneously through the femoral vein.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A small residual left-to-right shunt was detected with echocardiography immediately postprocedure but resolved after 1 week. The occlusion devices remained in proper position, and there was no residual shunt at 1- and 29-month follow-ups. Cardiac function and atrial sizes improved significantly as compared with the preclosure states.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects with the Amplazter occlusion device is feasible, safe and effective.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China. guanzj@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Zhanjun
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Guan
authors.forename: Yongwen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.forename: Xianxian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Jijun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Xing
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Vince
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nguyen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016275:Atrial Function / Q000502:physiology; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome