Cardiac remodeling after atrial septal defects device closure

BACKGROUND: Trans-catheter device closure of secundum type atrial septal defects (ASDs) has now become the treatment of choice. Device closure affects the hemodynamics and function of the heart. In the current study, we investigated the remodeling of the heart as assessed by advanced echocardiographic parameters following successful device closure. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted and 45 patients who were eligible for ASD device closure were evaluated for volumetric, functional, Doppler, strain, and strain rate data of left and right atrium and ventricle pre-procedural and 48 h post-procedure RESULTS: In a prospective cohort study 45 patients who were eligible for ASD device closure; atrial and ventricular volumetric, functional, Doppler, strain, and strain rate data were recorded and compared pre-procedurally and 48 h post-procedure.We found significant changes in the left ventricular (LV) end diastolic volume index (p-value = .03), right ventricular (RV) diameter (p-value = <.001), left atrial (LA) volume index (p-value = .05), right atrial (RA) volume index (p-value = .001), and right and left sided E/e' ratio with a p-value of .001 and .004, respectively. Our findings showed a significant reduction in the strains of the right and left atria and the right ventricular free wall after ASD device closure. LV global longitudinal strain decreased after the procedure but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: ASD patients have impaired global strains compared to normal defined ranges. LA, RA, and RV strains show significant reduction after device closure. Decline in LA function following closure was greater in those with larger ASDs. In adult patients undergoing the procedure, abnormal LA function is a clinically relevant issue demanding pre and post- procedural precautions and treatment.