OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy of percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or guided by fluoroscopy in pediatric patients.

METHODSMedical records of patients who underwent percutaneous ASD closure in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2017 to March 2018 were reviewed. There were 120 patients whose procedures were guided by TEE (TEE group), and 125 patients who had their procedures guided by fluoroscopy (fluoroscopy group). The performance of surgery, efficacy and postoperative complications were compared between two groups.

RESULTSPercutaneous ASD closure was successful in all patients. The operation time was shorter in the TEE group than that in fluoroscopy group[(20±14) min vs. (29±11) min, =-7.939, <0.05]. The size of the defect was larger in the TEE group than that of fluoroscopy group[(11±4) mm vs. (9±4) mm, =2.512, <0.05], but there was no significant difference in the sizes of occluder and occluder sheath between two groups (all >0.05). No residual shunt, occluder shedding or displacement, severe arrhythmia or pericardial effusion were observed in either group. The incidence rates of fever, cough and diarrhea were not statistically different between two groups (all >0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere was no significant difference in the outcome of percutaneous ASD closure guided by TEE or by fluoroscopy, but the procedure guided by TEE may reduce the operation time and can evaluate the size of ASD more accurately without involving radiation exposure, contrast agents use and large digital subtraction equipment.