ABC Imagem Cardiovasc. 2026; 39(2): e20260020
My Approach to Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect: Step-by-Step and Current Contraindications
DOI: 10.36660/abcimg.20260020i
Abstract
All patients who are candidates for transcatheter closure of an ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) should undergo a detailed echocardiographic assessment using 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) prior to the procedure. It is essential for a comprehensive analysis of interatrial septal anatomy and for determining defect eligibility for the procedure. The type, number, size, location and morphology of the ASD, as well as the quality of the surrounding septal tissue and its relationship with adjacent cardiac structures, should be carefully assessed. 3D TEE may complement this assessment by providing additional relevant anatomical information. During the procedure, TEE plays a fundamental role in real-time guidance, allowing proper deployment of the septal occluder device as well as immediate assessment of the result and early detection of potential complications. This article presents a practical approach to transcatheter closure of ostium secundum ASD, with emphasis on echocardiographic aspects in the pre-procedural, intraprocedural, and post-procedural phases.
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