Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects: echocardiographic and functional results in patients older than 60 years.

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects is well established in children and adults and has been found to improve symptoms and positively influence right-heart remodeling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcome in adult patients older than 60 years.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study population comprised 96 patients in the age group of 60 to 84 years. Percutaneous closure was performed effectively in all patients. Functional capacity according to New York Heart Association functional class and peak oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) in the cardiopulmonary exercise testing improved significantly after atrial septal defects closure, especially in patients with a pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio >2. Echocardiographic measurements of the right ventricular end-diastolic diameter showed a significant decrease. No device-associated complications were observed, but in 16 patients, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurred after device implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous atrial septal defects closure can be performed safely and with minimal risk even in elderly patients. They profit in terms of symptom reduction, improvement of exercise capacity, and right-heart remodeling.