Atrial septal defect cardiac catheterization


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. mailto:psingh@perfuse.org; ; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org

Overview
Cardiac catheterization is a lesser utilized imaging modality. Many of the observations/visualizations made on a cardiac catheterization can be visualized confidently in non-invasive measures such as echocardiography. When echocardiography falls short, cardiac catheterization can be an effective tool in detection of the atrial septal defect. It is especially effective in determing the coronary anatomy of the atrial septal defect and surrounding structures.

Cardiac catheterization
Cardic catheterization serves as a diagnostic modality capable of assisting with diagnostic and treatment elements related to atrial septal defect care. It is lesser utilized than the gold standard, echocardiography, as non-invasive methods often serve to diagnose atrial septal defects with greater confidence.

Advantages

 * Effective tool for visualizing device closure and surgical procedure success.
 * Effectively evaluates:
 * Defect size
 * Pulmonary venous return
 * Associated valvular diseases
 * Pulmonary vascular resistance
 * Pulmonary artery hypertension


 * Can be utilized to assess coronary artery disease in at-risk patients due to age or family history

==ACC / AHA Guidelines - Evaluation of the Unoperated Patient (DO NOT EDIT) == {{cquote|

Class I
1) ASD should be diagnosed by imaging techniques with demonstration of shunting across the defect and evidence of RV volume overload and any associated anomalies. (Level of Evidence: C)

2) Patients with unexplained RV volume overload should be referred to an ACHD center for further diagnostic studies to rule out obscure ASD, partial anomalous venous connection, or coronary sinoseptal defect. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa
2) Cardiac catheterization can be useful to rule out concomitant coronary artery disease in patients at risk because of age or other factors. (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III
1) In younger patients with uncomplicated ASD for whom imaging results are adequate, diagnostic cardiac catheterization is not indicated. (Level of Evidence: B) }}