Transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defects guided completely by transthoracic echocardiography: A single cardiac center experience with 152 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) guided completely by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). METHODS: A total of 152 patients underwent transcatheter device closure of ASDs guided completely by TTE in our center from September 2014 to June 2017. We used routine delivery sheaths during the procedure and then closed the ASDs by releasing a domestic occluder. RESULTS: The closure was successful in 150 patients, and surgical repair was required in two patients. The size of the deployed occluder ranged from 10 mm to 38 mm (21.4±8.5 mm), and the procedure duration ranged from 30 to 90 min (38.2±21.4 min). No fatal complications were observed. Minor complications included transient arrhythmias (n=12) during the process of device deployment. The follow-up period was 3 months to 2 years, with no occluder dislodgment, residual fistula, or thrombus-related complications. In our comparative studies, no statistically significant differences were observed in success rates and complications. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter device closure of ASDs guided completely by TTE may be safe and effective and can be an alternative to traditional methods.

[Therapeutic effect of phacoemulsification for closed-angle glaucoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of phacoemulsification for primary closed-angle glaucoma complicated with cataract. METHODS: Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber foldable intraocular lens implantation was performed in 55 cases (58 eyes) of acute or chronic primary closed-angle glaucoma complicated with cataract. The changes of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle were observed after operation and the patients were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS: Compared with those before operation, the postoperative best corrected visual acuity and anterior chamber depth were improved, the intraocular pressure was reduced, and the closed chamber angle was partially reopened. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber foldable intraocular lens implantation not only improves the visual acuity but also controls the intraocular pressure, and can be a valuable method for treating primary closed-angle glaucoma with cataract.