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.