Transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect in a newborn with aortic stenosis

Aim: A newborn with valvular aortic stenosis and a 5 mm atrial septal defect (ASD) underwent emergency aortic valvotomy. The small left ventricle of the newborn with signs of fibroelastosis showed good function but a reduced compliance and caused a large left to right shunt at atrial level. Methods and Results: As the patient became respirator-dependant the ASD was interventionally closed with an 18 mm Amplatzer® PFO occluder. The patient could be weaned from the ventilator within two days and had an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: Interventional closure of an ASD is possible even in the newborn period and should be considered as an alternative to surgery.