Objective    To evaluate right ventricular (RV) systolic function before and after different operation methods in the patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) by real-time three dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE).     Methods    ASD patients were divided into two groups: heart surgery group and cardiac implant closure group. After conventional examination by two dimensional echocardiography (2DE)

right ventricular “Full Volume” imaging was acquired by RT-3DE. Right ventricular end diastolic volume (RVEDV) and end systolic volume (RVESV) were outlined by the analysis software of RT-3DE; RV ejection fraction (RVEF) were calculated. RVEDV

RVESV

RVEF before operation

7 d and 3 months after operation were compared between the two groups.     Results    RVEF was lower than 50% in more patients with ASD before operation. Compared with those before heart implant closure

RVEDV and RVESV decreased significantly 7 d after cardiac implant closure (P0.05)

while RVEF showed no significant difference. RVEDV and RVEF in heart surgery group decreased obviously (P0.05) 7 d after operation

while RVESV showed no significant difference. RVEF in both groups increased significantly 3 months after operation.     Conclusion    Real-time three dimensional echocardiography could be used conveniently and accurately to determine right ventricular volume and function. Right ventricular systolic function of ASD patients after heart surgery is decreased in early stage

then improves to normal level 3 months after operation

while that in ASD patients after heart implant closure improves to normal level in early stage after operation.