Methods: Forty-six patients with secundum atrial septal defects (22 males, 24 females; mean age 102.9±20 months; range 61 to 178 months) (study group) who were suitable for and who underwent successful transcatheter closure and 35 healthy, age and body mass index-matched children (17 males, 18 females; mean age 104.2±21 months; range 60 to 180 months) (control group) were evaluated prospectively. Echocardiographic examination was performed before and 24 hours and one month after the transcatheter closure procedure and results of the two groups were compared.

Results: For transcatheter closure, Lifetech Ceraflex™ was used in 44 patients and Nit-occlud PFM was used in two patients. Mean tricuspid valve annular plane systolic excursion values of study group before and one day and one month after the closure were 17.5±1.9 mm, 19.1±2.6 mm, and 20.2±2.4 mm, respectively. Mean tricuspid valve annular plane systolic excursion value of control group was 20.4±2.3 mm. In both groups, there was no significant difference between the mean tricuspid valve annular plane systolic excursion values obtained one day and one month after the closure (p>0.05). Mean tricuspid valve annular plane systolic excursion values before the closure were significantly lower than those of the first day and first month after the procedure. There was no significant difference in the mean myocardial performance index values between the study and control groups one month after the procedure. (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Compared to control group, high myocardial performance index and low tricuspid valve annular plane systolic excursion values in study group before transcatheter closure indicate low right ventricular function. Low myocardial performance index and high tricuspid valve annular plane systolic excursion values after closure suggest that transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects improve right ventricular functions even in early period.