Background Management of sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVASD), which is usually accompanied by partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (PAPVD), remains challenging. While surgical correction effectively addresses both lesions, it may lead to complications such as sinus node dysfunction (SND), residual shunting, and stenosis of the superior vena cava (SVC) or pulmonary veins. Recently, transcatheter closure with covered stents has emerged as an alternative, though evidence regarding procedural details, safety, and long‐term efficacy remains limited. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251127217). We included English‐language randomized trials, cohort studies, case–control studies, and cross‐sectional reports. Searches were conducted in PubMed, EBSCOHost, ProQuest, and via manual reference screening using terms “Percutaneous Repair” and “Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect.” Results Out of 295 articles, seven studies involving 403 patients were included. Cross‐sectional imaging with cardiac computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to guide intervention planning. Techniques varied in venous access and balloon occlusion test. All cases utilized 10‐zig covered stents, occasionally supplemented by anchoring stents. Major complications, including stent embolization and pericardial effusion, were infrequent and resolved without sequelae. In one comparative study, transcatheter repair was associated with shorter hospitalization. Follow‐up demonstrated consistent reductions in the right ventricular size and flow ratio, minimal residual defects, and no late‐onset SND. Conclusion Transcatheter repair of SVASD appears to be a feasible and safe alternative to surgery, demonstrating encouraging mid‐term outcomes. Further large‐scale comparative trials with longer follow‐up are needed to confirm long‐term efficacy and optimize patient selection.
Cool et al. (Thu,) studied this question.