膜周部室间隔缺损介入治疗术后早期心律失常危险因素的探讨

目的 探讨影响膜周部室间隔缺损（PVSD）介入治疗术后早期心律失常的危险因素。方法 2002年8月至2006年2月用介入法治疗358例PVSD患者,男性161例,女性197例,年龄3～54（10．9±8．1）岁,体重12～90（32．8±17．2）kg。左室造影测量PVSD左室面直径2～18（6．5±3．1）mm,右室面直径2～12（4．2±2．3）mm;195例合并膜部膨出瘤。358例均具备介入治疗指征,共置入封堵器358枚,其直径4～18（8．1±2．5）mm,其中偏心型封堵器140枚,对称型封堵器218枚。术后每天记录12导联心电图,持续7天,系统分析影响PVSD封堵术后早期心律失常10余种危险因素。结果 所有病例的PVSD均获得完全关闭。术后早期发生各种心律失常135例,发生率为37．7％,其中严重心律失常23例,发生率为6．4％。统计学处理后,PVSD封堵后早期心律失常的发生率与封堵器型号、类型、PVSD与三尖瓣隔瓣的距离和是否合并有膜部膨出瘤密切相关。结论 封堵器型号大[≥（8．6±2．7）mm]、偏心型封堵器、PVSD与三尖瓣隔瓣距离≤3mm及合并有膜部膨出瘤是PVSD介入治疗术后早期心律失常发生的危险因素。     

经胸超声心动图和χ线透视下行膜部室间隔缺损封堵术

目的:探讨Am p latzer封堵器和国产封堵器的临床疗效以及经胸超声心动图和χ线透视下行膜部室间隔缺损(V SD)封堵术的安全性和有效性。方法:在经胸超声心动图和χ线指导下,对15例膜部(膜周)室缺患者行室缺封堵术,术后1 d,1月,3月,6月随访心电图和超声心动图检查。结果:左室造影测量室缺的大小为3~11 mm,经胸超声心动图测量V SD大小为3~10 mm,封堵器的大小为6~14 mm。15例患儿手术成功,其中8例选择Am p latzer封堵器,7例选择国产封堵器,二者在手术时间,手术即刻和随访的成功率无显著性差异(P>0.05),二组均无严重并发症发生。患儿住院时间为5~7 d,术后复查超声心动图未见主动脉瓣,三尖瓣的关闭不全,无残余分流,心电图无房室传导阻滞。结论:(1)Am p latzer封堵器和国产封堵器性能相同;(2)膜部室间隔缺损封堵术安全,有效。     

应用Amplatzer偏心性封堵器介入治疗膜部室间隔缺损

目的　应用Amplatzer偏心性封堵器治疗膜部室间隔缺损 (perimembraneventicularseptaldefect,PMVSD)并对近期疗效进行观察。方法　 6例PMVSD患者均经胸超声心动图确诊 ,术中经左心室造影明确缺损直径为 3～ 9mm ,平均 5 5mm ;经左心系统、室间隔缺损处、右心系统建立导丝轨迹 ,沿导丝经传送鞘管送直径 6～ 12mm(平均 8mm)的Amplatzer封堵器至缺损处行封堵 ;术后 2 4h、1月、3月分别行经胸超声及X线检查观察临床疗效。结果　全组技术成功率 10 0 % ,术中未发生任何重要并发症。全部患者封堵后无一例存在残余分流 ,术后即刻完全封堵率 10 0 % ;术后 2 4h、1月及 3月经胸超声心动图检查无残余分流 ,X线检查全部显示肺血减少 ,心胸比例不同程度缩小。 1例患者术后出现完全性左束支传导阻滞 ,1月随访时消失。结论　经导管置入Amplatzer偏心性膜部室间隔缺损封堵器治疗PMVSD是一种成功率高、近期疗效可靠的介入方法 ,其远期疗效需进一步观察。     

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder: preliminary experience with 18-month follow up.

BACKGROUND: This study reports our experience in the nonsurgical closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in children and adolescents with the Amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder and the outcome of an 18-month follow up. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty patients (median age:10 years; median weight:32 kg) with perimembranous ventricular septal defect were selected for transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer device. The prosthesis diameter chosen was 1-2 mm larger than the largest measured diameter of the defect on transesophageal echo (TEE). All patients were put on oral aspirin (5 mg/kg/day in children and 150 mg/day in adults) five days prior to and for six months after closure. Follow-up evaluation at 48 hr and 1, 6, 12 and 18 months included clinical examination, electrocardiogram, and a transthoracic echocardiogram. The mean defect diameter on color flow mapping on TEE was 7.1 +/- 2.3 mm. The device diameter ranged from 6-14 mm (median = 8 mm). One patient developed an anaphylactic reaction to contrast. The procedure was successful in 17 out of 19 patients where it was attempted (89.4%). In two patients with associated significant aortic valve prolapse and mild aortic regurgitation the device could not be successfully deployed. A trivial residual shunt observed during postdeployment left ventricular angiogram in 7 of 17 patients (41.2%) completely disappeared at one month follow-up. Three patients had right bundle branch block (2 complete and 1 incomplete) whereas one developed junctional escape rhythm with a right bundle branch block morphology. One patient had clinically silent thromboembolism to the left vertebral artery and another patient had hemolysis which resolved spontaneously within 48 hr. Follow-up at 13.5 +/- 5.3 months (range 1-18 months) revealed no residual shunt. The left ventricular internal dimension in diastole decreased significantly from 45 +/- 6 mm to 40 +/- 6 mm (P < 0.01) at the time of the last follow up. The baseline tricuspid regurgitation (n = 4) and aortic regurgitation (n = 3) remained unchanged during the follow up period. None of the patients developed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or new aortic or tricuspid regurgitation. There were no other device related complications such as device migration, systemic thromboembolism, infective endocarditis, pericardial effusion or delayed conduction disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected children and young adults, the Amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder is a promising device for transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect with encouraging results on short term follow up.     

Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with Amplatzer occluders--a single centre experience

BACKGROUND: Perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect. Percutaneous transcatheter closure of VSD is one of the greatest challenges in interventional cardiology. AIM: Presentation of our experience in transcatheter closure of perimembranous VSD. METHODS: Eighteen patients were treated. Nine patients (group I) had VSD closed with implant Amplatzer Perimembranous VSD Occluder (PMVSDO) whereas the other nine had VSD closed with Muscular VSD Occluder (MVSDO). In the second group the presence of at least 4 mm rim from aortic valve was mandatory to undergo the procedure. Average patients age was 17.1 (3.2-40) years, defect diameter--4.7 (4-8) mm and Qp/Qs ratio--1.84 (1.5-4.6). Perimembranous interventricular septum aneurysm was noted in 5 cases. Only patients who had hemodynamically important defect (Qp/Qs ratio >1.5) were selected for interventional VSD closure. Patients with subarterial VSDs, pulmonary hypertension or/and aortic regurgitation were excluded. Ventricular septal defect closure was performed with standard techniques. RESULTS: Procedures were completed successfully in 16 of 18 patients. There was no early or late implant embolisation. After the procedure in every case complete closure or important reduction of the shunt was observed. In the group I there was a trend towards more frequent occurrence of rhythm disturbances (p=0,08), including two cases with severe arrhythmias occurring during VSD closure requiring abandoning of procedure. In other 2 cases (patients age 12 and 14 years) in the second week after PMVSDO placement complete atrio-ventricular block occurred. In one patient sinus rhythm was restored after steroid treatment whereas another patient required pacemaker implantation. In group II mild nonprogressive tricuspid regurgitation was noted in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous perimembranous VSD closure is an interesting alternative to surgical treatment. In selected cases closure of the defect with muscular VSD implant is effective and safe.     

Initial clinical experience with intracardiac echocardiography in guiding transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects: feasibility and comparison with transesophageal echocardiography.

Over the last several years, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has been employed successfully in guiding transcatheter device closure of a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO). Nothing is known regarding the use of ICE to guide catheter device closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (PMVSD). Twelve patients (seven female/five male) who had a PMVSD (among them, three patients with associated atrial communications: two with an ASD and one with a PFO) underwent attempts at transcatheter device closure using the Amplatzer membranous VSD device of their defects, using sequential transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and ICE guidance with general endotracheal anesthesia (five patients) and using ICE alone with conscious sedation (seven patients). The mean age of patients was 16.9 +/- 3.7, and their mean weight was 42.4 +/- 6.6. Their mean left ventricular end-diastolic dimension preclosure was 45.7 +/- 2.5. The Qp/Qs ratio ranged from 1.0 to 1.8:1. During the procedure, the ICE catheter was positioned in the right atrium (RA) in all 12 patients and the ICE catheter was advanced to the left atrium to obtain a view of the ventricular septum in 3. Both TEE and ICE provided similar anatomical views of the position of the PMVSD. Furthermore, the relationship of the defect to the aortic valve and tricuspid valves, the measured size of defect, and the guidance of various stages of device deployment were comparable by TEE and ICE. There were no complications encountered during or after closure. We conclude that ICE provides unique images of the PMVSD and measurements similar to those obtained by TEE. ICE potentially could replace TEE in most patients as a guiding imaging tool for PMVSD device closure, thus eliminating the need for general endotracheal anesthesia.     

心血管介入治疗室间隔膜部缺损的临床分析

目的探讨经导管介入治疗室间隔膜部缺损(VSD)的可行性、方法及疗效。方法 30例室间隔膜部缺损患者,男18例,女12例,年龄在10~57(27.2±11.5)岁。术前心脏超声检查确诊为膜周部缺损VSD,缺损直径2~8(4.6±1.6)mm,缺损上缘距主动脉瓣2~5(2.7±0.8)mm。30例患者均于术中先行左心室造影,5例合并存在膜部膨胀瘤,且其中1例同时合并两处室间隔缺损,29例患者确定适合行膜部VSD封堵术。结果 28例均应用Amplatzer封堵器介入治疗成功,1例存在两处室间隔缺损合并膜部膨胀瘤者,建议外科手术治疗;1例合并膜部膨胀瘤患者封堵后存在明显分流封堵未成功。成功病例随访9~48个月,经胸超声心动图检查提示封堵器位置稳定,无残余分流,无相关并发症发生。结论在严格选择适应证和有熟练操作技巧的条件下,心血管介入治疗膜部VSD是一项操作安全、疗效可靠的治疗方法,具有创伤小,恢复快等优点。     

Transcatheter closure of congenital muscular ventricular septal defect

The success with occlusion devices for the closure of atrial septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus prompted the transcatheter closure of single and multiple muscular ventricular septal defects (VSD). The procedure for VSD was first attempted by Lock et al. in 1988 and devices originally designed for the closure of other intracardiac defects (Rashkind umbrella device, Lock clamshell, Cardioseal, coils, Sideris buttoned device etc.) were used with a variable success rate and a residual shunt. Recently, specially designed Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder and Sideris device are in use. The Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder has been undergoing clinical trial since 1998 after the animal experiments had shown 100% occlusion and complete endothelization at 3 months. The procedure was first attempted in August 1995 using the Rashkind umbrella device and since April 1998 only the Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder has been used. Of the149 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of VSD, 50 had muscular trabecular defects in various locations: mid-muscular, anterior, posterior, or apical. All cases were selected by detailed transthoracic and/or transesophageal echocardiography (TTE) and aneurysm of the muscular septum was observed in three of them. The age range was 3-28 years and the diameter of VSD was 4-11 mm. In all but one patient, the device was deployed from the venous side. Simultaneous TTE was done for proper positioning of the device and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring was also done for any arrhythmia/conduction defects. All patients were followed up every 3 months and received 3-5 mg/kg aspirin for 6 months. The procedure was successful in all patients. The Rashkind umbrella device (17 mm) was used in two and Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder (6-14 mm) in 48 patients. Forty-four devices were delivered by antegrade transvenous approach and six by the transjugular route. None had residual shunt, new aortic regurgitation, or tricuspid regurgitation. Transient complete heart block after 24 hours was noticed in one patient. On a follow-up of 2-90 months, the device was in position in all patients. There was no embolization of the device, and no late-conduction defects, infective endocarditis, or hemolysis. Transcatheter closure of muscular VSD is safe and efficacious, and should be considered as a procedure of choice as an alternative to surgery that avoids cardiopulmonary bypass.     

室间隔缺损介入封堵治疗发生心律失常的临床研究

目的探讨室间隔缺损(VSD)经导管介入治疗发生心律失常的机制及防治对策。方法对79例VSD患者进行介入封堵治疗。膜周部VSD单纯型50例,膨出瘤型28例,肌部VSD1例。选用Rashkind双伞闭合器2例,Sideris钮扣闭合装置16例,Amplatzer PDA封堵器45例,Amplatzer偏心型膜周部封堵器11例,Am-platzer肌部VSD封堵器1例。结果79例患者75例封堵成功(94.9%)。术后新出现心律失常31例(41.3%),其中不完全性右束支传导阻滞17例(22.7%),完全性右束支传导阻滞3例(4%),完全性左束支传导阻滞6例(8%),室性早搏3例(4%),间歇性室上性心动过速2例(2.7%)。1例患者术前心电图示完全性右束支传导阻滞,术后第4天心电图表现为Ⅲ度房室传导阻滞,临床伴发阿—斯综合征。经紧急开胸心脏挤压,气管插管,安置心外膜临时起搏器,复苏成功,出院时患者心电图恢复至术前状态。其余25例束支传导阻滞,其中5例应用强的松30mg/日,一周后仅有2例存在不完全性右束支传导阻滞,1例存在不完全性左束支传导阻滞。3例室性早搏,2例为一过性,1例经抗心律失常药物治疗,出院时室性早搏仍有591次/24小时。结论经导管封堵VSD,出现心律失常达41.3%,但严重心律失常发生率低,是安全、有效可靠的治疗方法。     

Transcatheter closure of muscular ventricular septal defects with the amplatzer ventricular septal defect occluder: initial clinical applications in children

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to close muscular ventricular septal defects (MVSDs) in children, with a new device, the Amplatzer ventricular septal defect occluder (AVSDO). BACKGROUND: The design of previously used devices for transcatheter closure of MVSDs is not ideal for this purpose and their use has been limited by several drawbacks. METHODS: Six patients, aged 3 to 10 years, with MVSDs underwent transcatheter closure using the AVSDO. The device is a modified self-centering and repositionable Amplatzer device that consists of two low profile disks made of Nitinol wire mesh with a 7-mm connecting waist. The prosthesis size (connecting waist diameter) was chosen according to the measured balloon stretched VSD diameters. A 6-F or 7-F sheath was used for the delivery of the AVSDO. Fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography were utilized for optimal guidance. RESULTS: The location of the defect was midmuscular in five patients and beneath the pulmonary valve in one. The balloon stretched MVSD diameter ranged from 6 to 11 mm. Device placement was successful in all patients, and complete occlusion occurred in all six patients (95% confidence interval 54.06% to 100%). Two patients developed transient complete left bundle branch block. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This encouraging initial clinical success indicates that the AVSDO is a promising device for transcatheter closure of MVSDs in children. Further clinical trials and longer follow-up are needed before the widespread use of this technique can be recommended.     

Transcatheter closure of single muscular ventricular septal defects using the amplatzer muscular VSD occluder: initial results and technical considerations.

Surgical closure of multiple muscular ventricular septal defects (MVSDs) is associated with mortality and morbidity; therefore, both surgeons and cardiologists welcome a nonsurgical safe approach. We report our initial results of catheter closure of MVSD using the new Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder delivered via the venous or arterial routes. Eight patients with MVSD underwent closure of their VSDs using the Amplatzer VSD occluder under general endotracheal anesthesia. The mean +/- SD of age was 5.4 +/- 3.1 years (2-10 years) and mean weight was 18.4 +/- 6.5 kg (11.5-29 kg). All patients had left ventricular volume overload with mean Qp/Qs ratio of 1.7 +/- 0.6 (1.4-3). The location of the VSD was mid muscular in four, anterior in two, apical in one, and posterior in one. The systolic pulmonary artery pressure ranged from 25 to 85 mm Hg (mean, 39.9 +/- 18.8 mm Hg). The device was implanted successfully in all eight patients. In five patients (four mid muscular and one apical), the deployment of the device was anterograde from the right internal jugular vein and in three patients (two anterior and one posterior VSD), the initial attempt at anterograde deployment was unsuccessful due to kinking in the delivery sheath; therefore, retrograde deployment was attempted successfully. The size of the device used ranged from 6 to 14 mm (the size of the connecting waist). In patients with elevated pulmonary artery pressure, repeat measurements immediately after closure revealed normalization in all. There was immediate complete closure of the defect in two patients and six patients had trivial residual shunt (foaming through the device), which disappeared completely within 24 hr in five and at 6-month follow-up in the sixth patient. The mean fluoroscopy time was 37.1 +/- 13 min (11.7-55 min). Complications encountered included transient junctional rhythm in one patient. No blood transfusion was required. On follow-up evaluation, there has been no episode of endocarditis, thromboembolism, hemolysis, or wire disruption. we conclude that the Amplatzer MVSD occluder is a safe and effective device for closure of MVSDs up to 12 mm in diameter. Further clinical trials with this device are underway. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:167-172, 2000.     

经股静脉途径一次性完成房室间隔复合型缺损的介入治疗

目的探讨经股静脉途径一次性完成室间隔缺损（VSD）合并房间隔缺损（ASD）的可行性、方法及疗效。方法 5例患者,术前超声检查均确诊为VSD合并ASD。年龄3~21岁,VSD直径4.5~7.6 mm,ASD直径8~21 mm。5例患者均于术中先行左心室造影,确定VSD适合封堵后,首先封堵VSD,然后封堵ASD。结果 5例患者均单纯经股静脉途径一次介入治疗成功。患者术中及术后均无并发症。结论经股静脉途径一次性完成房室间隔复合型缺损的介入治疗具有技术上的可行性、创新性和良好的治疗效果。     

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects with the CardioSEAL occluder

Data on mid- and long-term follow-up for the recent devices for closure of secundum-type atrial septal defects are limited. The purpose of our retrospective study was to report the effectiveness of transcatheter closure in patients with various morphological types of atrial septal defect other than centrally located defects within the oval fossa using the CardioSEAL and CardioSEAL-Starflex occluder. A total of 91 patients (age 1.5-71 years, median 6 years) underwent transcatheter closure. On the transesophageal echocardiogram, defect size varied from 6 to 18 mm with an estimated stretched diameter of 11 to 24 mm, median 15 mm; the ratio of the stretched diameter to septal length ranged from 0.28 to 0.68. Mean follow-up was 28.7 +/- 11,9 months (range 3-46 months). Isolated secundum-type defects were present in 59 patients (65%), multiple septal defects including patients with perforated atrial septal aneurysms and defects with deficient atrial rim in 32 patients (35%). Occlusion rate using device diameters from 23 to 40 mm increased from 66% (60/91 patients) immediately after implantation to 86% (48/56 patients) 24 months after implantation. Patients with isolated secundum-type defects presented with a significantly higher primary closure rate (45/59 patients, 76%) compared to patients with various defect morphology. Closure rate did not depend on the type of implanted device modification. No thrombus formation, sustained atrial arrhythmia or infective endocarditis occurred. Serial transthoracic echocardiographic findings revealed protrusion of one left-sided arm onto the right atrial aspect in 5 patients; malposition of one right-sided superior arm of the device was observed in 7 patients. Fluoroscopy showed single fatigue fracture in 7 patients (7.7%) within the first 6 months after implantation. These results demonstrate that transcatheter closure with the double umbrella device was effective and safe on medium-term follow-up and could be extended to atrial septal defects of various morphology.     

国产封堵器介入治疗室间隔缺损69例

目的评价国产封堵器介入治疗室间隔缺损(VSD)的安全性及疗效。方法69例室间隔缺损(男24例,女45例),其中膜周部(PMVSD)50例、嵴内型(IVSD)9例、干下型(SVSD)8例、肌部2例。PMVSD使用对称型封堵器、IVSD和SVSD使用偏心型封堵器、膜部瘤形成合并多孔型使用对称型封堵器或大边封堵器、急性心肌梗死室间隔穿孔使用房间隔缺损(ASD)封堵器。结果左心室造影测量缺损直径3mm～12mm,平均7.67mm±1.59mm。69例中62例封堵成功,其中50例膜周部缺损,47例成功,8例SVSD4例成功,9例IVSD及2例肌部室缺均成功。1例在术中发生封堵器脱落;1例出现脑栓塞;1例出现溶血;1例Ⅲ度房室传导阻滞。结论介入治疗室间隔缺损,创伤小,成功率高,手术安全,国产封堵器安全、可靠。     

Assessment of atrial septal defect size with 3D-transesophageal echocardiography: comparison with balloon method

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) is an alternative approach to surgery in selected patients. Balloon stretched diameter (BSD) is considered as the standard way of measuring ASD size. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) provides views of the ASD allowing its measurement and identifying its spatial relation with neighboring structures. Our aim was to compare the BSD and 3D-TEE methods to measure the ASD size before transcatheter closure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-six consecutive patients were enrolled for ASD device closure. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and balloon sizing were adequately performed in 70 patients before the defect closure. The mean maximal diameter measured by 3D-TEE was 20 +/- 15 mm (range 10-28) while the mean BSD was 22 +/- 4.8 mm (range 9-31). When comparing the 3D-TEE and transcatheter measurements, there was a good correlation between the two methods (y = 3.15 + 0.77x; r = 0.8). The defect as viewed by 3D-TEE was unique in 54 patients and multiple in 16 patients. In patients with a single defect, the correlation between the two methods was high (y = 1.74 + 0.84x; r = 0.85) while patients with multiple ASDs, the correlation was poor (y = 12.4 + 0.4x; r = 0.45). Transcatheter closure was performed successfully in 86%. The mean size of the Amplatzer device was 23 +/- 4.8 mm (range 4-32). The reference to choose the size of the device was the BSD in single defects and the 3D-TEE maximal diameter in multiple defects. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and transcatheter methods are two complementary techniques for the success of transcatheter ASDs closure.     

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect with amplatzer membranous occluder

BACKGROUND: Use of trancatheter device closure for membranous ventricular septal defect is still in evolving phase. We report the early and mid-term results of our experience with the new asymmetric Amplatzer membranous ventricular septal defect occluder. METHODS AND RESULTS: We attempted, transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect using asymmetric Amplatzer occluder in 26 patients. The patients were selected on the basis of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of the ventricular septal defect. The procedure was successful in 21 (81%) patients. The age ranged from 3 to 23 years, weight from 10 to 59 kg and defect size ranged from 3 to 9 mm (mean: 5 +/- 1.8 mm). One patient had situs inversus with dextrocardia: 11 had aneurysmal tissue partly occluding the defect and the device was deployed either across (n=6) or within the aneurysmal sac (n=5). Three patients developed high degree atrioventricular block on attempts to cross the defect with the sheath and the procedure was discontinued. In two patients it was not possible to place the sheath in left ventricle despite repeated attempts. There was a residual flow in 4 (19%) patients at 24 hours. Two patients developed bundle branch block and none had complete heart block. At follow-up (1-9 months, n=20), residual flow was seen in two patients. None developed late conduction defect, aortic regurgitation, infective endocarditis or hemolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect can be performed safely and effectively with the new asymmetric Amplatzer occluder device in selected patients with good short- and midterm results. These devices can be deployed safely in and across and the aneurysmal sacs. In selected cases, this procedure is a satisfactory alternative to surgery.     

Percutaneous closure of postoperative ventricular septal defects with the Amplatzer device.

The objective of this study was to look at the procedure, the results, and the follow-up of patients who underwent percutaneous closure of a residual ventricular septal defect (VSD) following a surgical closure using the Amplatzer VSD device. Four patients had an original diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot, two patients had a patch leak following a surgical repair of a VSD, and three patients had a VSD not repaired at the time of surgery. All patients fulfilled the currently accepted surgical criterion for reoperation (Qp/Qs>1.5). The mean Qp/Qs was 1.8+/-0.3 (1.5-2.3). Four patients underwent VSD closure using an Amplatzer perimembranous VSD device and in five patients an Amplatzer muscular VSD device was implanted. We performed percutaneous closure in nine patients. The size of the residual shunt ranged from 6 to 14 mm and the size of device used ranged from 8 to 16 mm. The arteriovenous loop needed to be recreated in two patients because of failure to advance the delivery sheath. There was complete closure of the defect in six cases, and a small residual shunt remained in three cases. Percutaneous closure of postoperative VSDs appears to be an effective way to resolve a hemodynamically significant residual shunt. There were no difficulties encountered with implantation of the devices. These promising short-term results need reinforcement with additional long-term data.     

Assessment of muscular ventricular septal defect closure by transcatheter or surgical approach: a three-dimensional echocardiographic study.

AIMS: Previous classification of muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs) visualized on two-dimensional echocardiography relied on artificial divisions of the septum. New visualization of the ventricular septum integrating the third dimension would facilitate communication between cardiologists and surgeons. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess in patients with muscular ventricular septal defects the accuracy of left ventricular three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstructions in demonstrating the position, the size and the tissue rims of the defects; (2) to compare findings by three-dimensional echocardiography with those obtained by surgical and transcatheter approaches. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-six patients, aged from one month to 40 years, with muscular ventricular septal defects underwent three-dimensional echocardiographic study. From the left ventricular three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstructions, the localization, the maximal diameter and the tissue rim of the defect were analysed and compared with surgical or transcatheter findings. Optimal three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstructions were obtained in 22 patients. Nineteen had a single muscular ventricular septal defect and three had multiple muscular ventricular septal defects. The muscular ventricular septal defect localizations were the inlet septum in three, the outlet septum in three, the mid-muscular septum in 14 and the apex in eighth. In 10 patients who underwent surgical closure, the correlation between three-dimensional echocardiography and surgery for muscular ventricular septal defect maximal diameter was y=0 x 95 x +0.13 (r=0.98; P<0.001). The agreement between three-dimensional echocardiographic and intraoperative findings on muscular ventricular septal defect localization were complete. In five patients who underwent transcatheter closure, the mean difference between three-dimensional echocardiographic maximal diameter and stretched diameter was 1 x 8+/-0 x 5 mm. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular views provide a new and easily communicated visualization of various muscular ventricular septal defects. Such new imaging should contribute to the surgical and transcatheter treatments of muscular ventricular septal defects.     

Transcatheter treatment of coronary artery disease and atrial septal defect with sequential implantation of coronary stent and Amplatzer septal occluder: preliminary results.

Coronary stent implantation had been established as a highly effective revascularization technique in patients with occlusive coronary artery disease. Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects is becoming a definite alternative to surgery in properly selected patients. During a 19-month period, 6 patients (50% women; mean age, 58 +/- 17 years; range, 32-73 years) of a consecutive series of 176 prospective multicenter registry patients undergoing transcatheter atrial septal defect closure were treated with sequential percutaneous coronary revascularization and Amplatzer septal occluder implantation. Indication for revascularization was stable angina in four patients and unstable angina in two. Indication for defect closure was significant left-to-right shunt with right ventricular enlargement. Defect diameter ranged from 13 to 20 mm by transesophageal echocardiography, and the stretched diameter measured 13 to 25 mm. Procedural success of both interventions was achieved in all cases without in-hospital complications. A total of seven stents were successfully implanted in five coronary vessels. No stent was used in one patient after successful PTCA. Immediate total closure of the defect was obtained in five patients. Trivial residual shunting, observed in one patient, disappeared at 24 hr. No adverse cardiac events, recurrence of anginal symptoms, or evidence of residual shunt were observed at clinical and echocardiographic follow-up, which ranged from 60 to 390 days (mean, 258 +/- 150 days). These results suggest that sequential transcatheter therapy of coronary artery disease and atrial septal defect is safe and efficacious in selected patients.     

偏心型封堵器治疗先天性干下型室间隔缺损的探讨

目的探讨先天性干下型室间隔缺损(VSD)偏心型封堵器介入治疗的可行性及近期疗效。方法经皮介入治疗先天性干下型室间隔缺损患者7例。经胸超声心动图提示VSD的直径为4~8mm,缺损上缘距主动脉瓣的距离1~2mm,距肺动脉瓣距离4~6mm,轻度主动脉瓣反流6例,中度1例。均选用偏心型VSD封堵器治疗。术中在右前斜45度下行左室造影、建立股动静脉轨道、经右心系统释放封堵器,并分别于术后2周、1个月、3个月、6个月进行随访。结果7例患者封堵器均成功置入。术后即刻超声及造影示完全封堵6例,少量残余分流1例,在3个月后消失。封堵器对主动脉瓣、肺动脉瓣和房室瓣均无影响,术中及术后未有其它严重并发症发生。结论应用偏心型封堵器经皮介入治疗先天性干下型室间隔缺损是安全有效的,近期效果良好。