Project no. NVKP 16-1&#8211;2016-0017 (&#8217;National Heart Program&#8217;) has been implemented with the support provided by the National Research, Development, and Innovation Fund of Hungary, financed under the NVKP 16 funding scheme. The research was financed by the Thematic Excellence Programme (2020-4.1.1.-TKP2020) of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology in Hungary, within the framework of the Therapeutic Development and Bioimaging thematic programs of the Semmelweis University.&#160;

In the following part we describe the protocol steps of clinical and imaging evaluation of atrial communications before transcatheter closure based on international clinical guidelines. These protocols follow the guidelines of the Semmelweis University Regional and Institutional Committee of Science and Research Ethics. Informed written patient consent is needed.
1. Clinical evaluation and workflow of cryptogen stroke and PFO for transcatheter closure
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	<li>For the diagn...

<ol>
	<li>Meier, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Percutaneous+closure+of+patent+foramen+ovale+in+cryptogenic+embolism.">Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale in cryptogenic embolism.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 368 (12), 1083-1091 (2013).</li><li>Silvestry, F. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=et+al.Guidelines+for+the+Echocardiographic+Assessment+of+Atrial+Septal+Defect+and+Patent+Foramen+Ovale:+From+the+American+Society+of+Echocardiography+and+Society+for+Cardiac+Angiography+and+Interventions.">et al.Guidelines for the Echocardiographic Assessment of Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Foramen Ovale: From the American Society of Echocardiography and Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions.</a> Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. 28 (8), 910-958 (2015).</li><li>Saric, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Guidelines+for+the+Use+of+Echocardiography+in+the+Evaluation+of+a+Cardiac+Source+of+Embolism.">Guidelines for the Use of Echocardiography in the Evaluation of a Cardiac Source of Embolism.</a> Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. 29 (1), 1-42 (2016).</li><li>Krumsdorf, U., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Incidence+and+clinical+course+of+thrombus+formation+on+atrial+septal+defect+and+patient+foramen+ovale+closure+devices+in+1,000+consecutive+patients.">Incidence and clinical course of thrombus formation on atrial septal defect and patient foramen ovale closure devices in 1,000 consecutive patients.</a> Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 43 (2), 302-309 (2004).</li><li>Canpolat, U., G&#252;rses, K. M., Sunman, H., Kaya, E. B., Aytemir, K., Oto, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Embolic+stroke+due+to+left+atrial+thrombus+2+years+after+PFO+closure.">Embolic stroke due to left atrial thrombus 2 years after PFO closure.</a> Herz. 39 (1), 161-162 (2014).</li><li>Butera, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Treatment+of+isolated+secundum+atrial+septal+defects:+impact+of+age+and+defect+morphology+in+1,013+consecutive+patients.">Treatment of isolated secundum atrial septal defects: impact of age and defect morphology in 1,013 consecutive patients.</a> American Heart Journal. 156 (4), 706-712 (2008).</li><li>Badano, L. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Standardization+of+left+atrial,+right+ventricular,+and+right+atrial+deformation+imaging+using+two-dimensional+speckle+tracking+echocardiography:+a+consensus+document+of+the+EACVI/ASE/Industry+Task+Force+to+standardize+deformation+imaging.">Standardization of left atrial, right ventricular, and right atrial deformation imaging using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography: a consensus document of the EACVI/ASE/Industry Task Force to standardize deformation imaging.</a> European Heart Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging. 19 (6), 591-600 (2018).</li><li>Hayashi, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optimal+Analysis+of+Left+Atrial+Strain+by+Speckle+Tracking+Echocardiography:+P-wave+versus+R-wave+Trigger.">Optimal Analysis of Left Atrial Strain by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: P-wave versus R-wave Trigger.</a> Echocardiography. 32 (8), 1241-1249 (2015).</li><li>Rudski, L. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Guidelines+for+the+echocardiographic+assessment+of+the+right+heart+in+adults:+a+report+from+the+American+Society+of+Echocardiography+endorsed+by+the+European+Association+of+Echocardiography,+a+registered+branch+of+the+European+Society+of+Cardiology,+and+the+Canadian+Society+of+Echocardiography.">Guidelines for the echocardiographic assessment of the right heart in adults: a report from the American Society of Echocardiography endorsed by the European Association of Echocardiography, a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology, and the Canadian Society of Echocardiography.</a> Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. 23 (7), 685-713 (2010).</li><li>Wu, V. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prognostic+value+of+LA+volumes+assessed+by+transthoracic+3D+echocardiography:+comparison+with+2D+echocardiography.">Prognostic value of LA volumes assessed by transthoracic 3D echocardiography: comparison with 2D echocardiography.</a> Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging. 6 (10), 1025-1035 (2013).</li><li>Badano, L. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Left+Atrial+Volumes+and+Function+by+Three-Dimensional+Echocardiography:+Reference+Values,+Accuracy,+Reproducibility,+and+Comparison+With+Two-Dimensional+Echocardiographic+Measurements.">Left Atrial Volumes and Function by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography: Reference Values, Accuracy, Reproducibility, and Comparison With Two-Dimensional Echocardiographic Measurements.</a> Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging. 9 (7), (2016).</li><li>Edvardsen, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+year+2015-16+in+the+European+Heart+Journal-Cardiovascular+Imaging.+Part+II.">The year 2015-16 in the European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging. Part II.</a> European Heart Journal: Cardiovascular Imaging. 18 (12), 1322-1330 (2017).</li><li>Galderisi, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Standardization+of+adult+transthoracic+echocardiography+reporting+in+agreement+with+recent+chamber+quantification,+diastolic+function,+and+heart+valve+disease+recommendations:+an+expert+consensus+document+of+the+European+Association+of+Cardiovascular+Imaging.">Standardization of adult transthoracic echocardiography reporting in agreement with recent chamber quantification, diastolic function, and heart valve disease recommendations: an expert consensus document of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging.</a> Europen Heart Journal: Cardiovascular Imaging. 18 (12), 1301-1310 (2017).</li><li>Marriott, K., Manins, V., Forshaw, A., Wright, J., Pascoe, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+of+right-to-left+atrial+communication+using+agitated+saline+contrast+imaging:+experience+with+1162+patients+and+recommendations+for+echocardiography.">Detection of right-to-left atrial communication using agitated saline contrast imaging: experience with 1162 patients and recommendations for echocardiography.</a> Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. 26 (1), 96-102 (2013).</li><li>Mojadidi, M. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=et+al+Accuracy+of+conventional+transthoracic+echocardiography+for+the+diagnosis+of+intracardiac+right-to-left+shunt:+a+meta-analysis+of+prospective+studies.">et al Accuracy of conventional transthoracic echocardiography for the diagnosis of intracardiac right-to-left shunt: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.</a> Echocardiography. 31 (9), 1036-1048 (2014).</li><li>Mojadidi, M. K., Bogush, N., Caceres, J. D., Msaouel, P., Tobis, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diagnostic+accuracy+of+transesophageal+echocardiogram+for+the+detection+of+patent+foramen+ovale:+a+meta-analysis.">Diagnostic accuracy of transesophageal echocardiogram for the detection of patent foramen ovale: a meta-analysis.</a> Echocardiography. 31 (6), 752-758 (2014).</li><li>Staubach, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=New+onset+atrial+fibrillation+after+patent+foramen+ovale+closure.">New onset atrial fibrillation after patent foramen ovale closure.</a> Catheter and Cardiovascular Interventions. 74 (6), 889-895 (2009).</li><li>Singh, H. S., Katchi, F., Naidu, S. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=PFO+Closure+for+Cryptogenic+Stroke:+A+Review+and+Clinical+Treatment+Algorithm.">PFO Closure for Cryptogenic Stroke: A Review and Clinical Treatment Algorithm.</a> Cardiology in Review. 25 (4), 147-157 (2017).</li><li>Sanna, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cryptogenic+stroke+and+underlying+atrial+fibrillation.">Cryptogenic stroke and underlying atrial fibrillation.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 370 (26), 2478-2486 (2014).</li><li>Prefasi, D., Mart&#237;nez-S&#225;nchez, P., Fuentes, B., D&#237;ez-Tejedor, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+utility+of+the+RoPE+score+in+cryptogenic+stroke+patients+&#8804;50+years+in+predicting+a+stroke-related+patent+foramen+ovale.">The utility of the RoPE score in cryptogenic stroke patients &#8804;50 years in predicting a stroke-related patent foramen ovale.</a> International Journal of Stroke. 11 (1), 7-8 (2016).</li><li>Yamano, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=et+al+Appropriate+selection+of+echocardiographic+guidance+for+transcatheter+atrial+septal+defect+closure.">et al Appropriate selection of echocardiographic guidance for transcatheter atrial septal defect closure.</a> International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging. 36 (5), 855-863 (2020).</li><li>Oto, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transthoracic+echocardiography+guidance+during+percutaneous+closure+of+patent+foramen+ovale.">Transthoracic echocardiography guidance during percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale.</a> Echocardiography. 28 (10), 1074-1080 (2011).</li></ol>

Careful patient selection for transcatheter PFO closure represents one of the most challanging steps of the clinical evaluation, as ruling out atrial fibrillation can be difficult. Several trials in the past few years have suggested greater yield with longer term monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation.18 The Cryptogenic Stroke and Underlying Atrial Fibrillation (CRYSTAL-AF) trial detected increased atrial fibrillation rate in the insertable cardiac monitor group (8,9%) compared with standard mon...

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is not a true tissue deficiency of atrial septum; it is present in about 20-25% of&#160;the adult population, and in most cases it does not have any clinical significance (Figure 1). Cryptogenic stroke accounts for ~30% of ischemic strokes and is defined as a&#160;condition without an apparent cause at the early inpatient work-up. Patients under 45 years of age represent 10% of stroke burden with as much as 40% defined as cryptogenic. Secondary prevention of stroke using transcatheter closure technique remains paramount in reducing morbidity and mortality1.
Atrial septal defects (ASDs) include different lesions on different atrial septum locations, resulting in shunting. The most common form is ostium secundum ASD, usually optimal for percutan devise closure. ASDs are generally discovered during the workup of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and/or dilatation, and rarely after a suspected paradoxical embolism or cryptogenic stroke2,3.
Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography is performed for qualitative and quantitative assessment of atrial septum deficiencies. Three dimensional (3D) TEE provides more in depth information of the interatrial septum, and it gives more precise imaging of catheters and the closure device during intraoperative guiding. Postoperative follow up evaluations with TTE should be performed at 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure, with a subsequent evaluation every year to assess device position, residual shunts, pericardial effusion, changes in size and function of the cardiac chambers and pulmonary circulation. Further advanced echocardiography techniques using speckle tracking echocardiography may help to understand potential functional left atrial remodeling following percutaneous closure and its impact on atrial arrhythmias2.

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			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:219px;">TomTec Imaging workstation</td>
			<td style="width:242px;">TomTec Imaging, Unterschleissheim, Germany</td>
			<td style="width:151px;"></td>
			<td style="width:206px;">4D LALV Function analysing software</td>
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			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:219px;">Ultrasound machine</td>
			<td style="width:242px;">Philips Epiq CvX</td>
			<td style="width:151px;">serial number US81881251</td>
			<td style="width:206px;">X5-1 and X7 transducers</td>
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			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:219px;">Wiwe external ECG single chanel recorder</td>
			<td style="width:242px;">Sanat Metal</td>
			<td style="width:151px;">5-810-200-1611</td>
			<td style="width:206px;">external ECG single chanel recorder</td>
		</tr>
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echocardiographic evaluation of atrial communications before transcatheter closure

Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the standard imaging method for atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) detection, for patient selection for transcatheter ASD/PFO closure,&#160;for intraoperative guidance and for long-term follow-up. The size, shape, location and the number of the atrial communications schould be determined. The accuracy of PFO detection can be improved by using agitated saline together with maneuvers to transiently increase the right atrial (RA) pressure. The appearance of microbubbles in the left atrium (LA) within 3 cardiac cycles after opacification of the RA is considered positive for the presence of an intracardiac shunt. Three dimensional TEE identifies further septal fenestrations and describes the dynamic morphology of ASD/PFO and atrial septal aneurysm. Follow-up evaluations with TTE is recommended at 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure, with a subsequent evaluation every year. Previous studies showed an increased incidence of atrial arrhythmias early after device closure. Speckle tracking analysis may help to understand functional left atrial remodeling following percutaneous closure and its impact on atrial arrhythmias.

Clinical evaluation of symptomatic, 41 years old female patient revealed ostium secundum type ASD and floppy atrial septum using TTE and TEE examination 
TTE examination showed right ventricular and biatrial enlargement with elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure. TEE examination was used to estimate the size and shape of ASD using 2D and 3D methods. 2D, 3D native and balloon sizing TEE measurements were compared (Figure 4, Figure 5, <...

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Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography represent the basic imaging tools for interatrial septum examination. Three dimensional (3D) TEE provides incremental information in the assessment of the interatrial septum. Further advanced echocardiography techniques using speckle tracking echocardiography are applied for sensitive volumetric and functional assessment of the heart chambers.&#160;

Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the standard imaging method for atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale ...

Transthoracic and transesophagael health cardiography is the standard imaging method to detect interatrial septum deficiencies, to select patients for transcatheter closure, to guide the interatrial procedure, and to follow up the patients. So with dimensional, transesophageal echocardiography provides a more in depth information of the interatrial septum determining the size, shape, location and the number of the interatrial communications. Three dimensional echocardiography images are used for planning and guiding the treatment of interatrial communications.Visibility assessment for transcatheter closure and deployment of the closure device are guided by this technique. Left atrial mechanical function, tightly correlates with the prognosis of cardiac disease. Advanced echocardiography techniques can further clarify the interplay between atrial function and the closure of interatrial defects.For 2D transthoracic echocardiographic imaging. With the patient lying on the left decubitus position with the left arm placed under the head, use the subxiphoid frontal four chamber view to obtain a good actual resolution to allow measurement of the diameter of the defect along its long axis. Use the ethical four chamber view to estimate the hemodynamic consequences of the interatrial left to right shunting, including the right ventricular dilation, and the right ventricular pressure.Then, use the parasternal short axis view to measure the aortic and posterior rib of the septal defect. For conventional volumetric and functional left atrial measurements to provide the highest frame rate per cardiac cycle without significantly decreasing spatial resolution during speckle tracking. Set the zero strain reference at the left ventricular and diastole in the 2D left atrial strain curve.And calculate the left atrial strain values of each phase as the difference of two of these measurements. Next, perform a 2D evaluation to allow measurement of the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. The right ventricular fractional area change and the Doppler Tissue Imaging Sprime velocity.To assess the right ventricle systolic function, perform 3D analysis. Obtain electrocardiographic gated full volume of 3D dataset from the apical 4-chamber view for 3D left ventricle and right ventricle volume and function measurements. Using the incremental prognostic value over 2D parameters.Then, perform conventional 2D volumetric and functional left atrial and ventricle measurements. Including, a left ventricle diastolic function assessment using mitral inflow and annual Tissue Doppler Imaging and assess the right ventricular global longitudinal strain. After obtaining informed written consent, place there at least four hour fasted patient with removed dental fixtures in the appropriate position and apply a suitable tropical oral folugin anesthesia and intravenous sedatives.Monitoring the echocardiogram blood pressure and oxygen saturation throughout the procedure. Use the image to define the number, size, and location of the defects. As well as the surrounding atrial septal tissue rims, and the presence of the atrial septal aneurysm.Use conventional 2D and 3D transesophageal echocardiographic views to determine the consequence of the arterial septal defects. Mid esophageal by cable and aortic valve short axis views are the most important planes to evaluate ASD. To verify communication through the foramen Use agitated syringe contrast during the Valve cell to maneuver.When the right atrial pressure temporarily increases the overlapping septum primum and secundum will open and the bubbles will cross the pattern foramen ovale canal from the right atrial to the left atrial within three cardiac cycles. For a 3D transesophageal echocardiographic imaging, in the mid esophageal short axis view, use the narrow angled and wide angled modes to obtain additional information on the complex and dynamic anatomy of interatrial septum and measure the size of the atrial septal defect at the atrial and diastole and systole in alphas views in either the right or left arteries. Next, use the mid esophageal by cable and short axis view to advance the guide wires through the patent foramen ovale tunnel.And the atrial septum defect before delivering the closure device into position. Then, use fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiographic imaging to perform balloon sizing of the stretched diameter of the atrial septum defect. When all of the measurements have been obtained before detaching the delivery system, assess the presence of the residual shunt evaluation and use four chamber short axis and bicaval transesophageal echocardiographic views to measure the atrial septal tissue rim and the atrial roof to the closure device distances.In this representative analysis transthoracic echocardiographic examination was used to assess the right ventricular and biatrial enlargement and pulmonary artery systolic pressures. Transesophageal echocardiographic examination was used to estimate the size and shape of the atrial septal defect using 2D and 3D methods. In this interoperative 3D zoom image, the opening in the left-sided disc of the patent foreman of our closure device in the left atrium during its approach to the interatrial septum could be observed.Upon full deployment, the device could be observed with the interatrial septum between the left and right-sided disc as illustrated using a correctly sized intraoperative balloon via 2D imaging is essential to obtaining an accurate measurement. As in cases of floppy atrial septal, the fully stretched atrial septal defect size can be underestimated Even with 3D measurements. Cardiac MRI can still be performed after septal defect closure.Changes in right particular function and size and assessment of residue these are the questions this method can answer. Advanced a cardiographic techniques Using speckle tracking method can be applied for sensitive volumetric and functional assessment of the atrial to evaluate potential atrial remedy link.

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3.4K Views.  Semmelweis University. La cardiografia sanitaria transtoracica e transesofagea è il metodo di imaging standard per rilevare carenze del setto interatriale, selezionare i pazienti per la chiusura transcatetere, guidare la procedura interatriale e seguire i pazienti. Quindi, con l'ecocardiografia transesofagea dimensionale, fornisce informazioni più approfondite sul setto interatriale determinando la dimensione, la forma, la posizione e il numero delle comunicazioni interatriali. Le immagini ecocardiografiche tridi...