Contemporary outcomes of percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus in adolescents and adults

BackgroundCatheter based treatment has gained wide acceptance for management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ever since its introduction. Percutaneous closure in adults can be challenging because of anatomical factors including large sizes, associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and co-morbidities. This study aimed to provide comprehensive contemporary data on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous device closure of PDA in adult and adolescent population at a large referral center.MethodsThis single-center retrospective analysis included 70 patients (33 adolescents and 37 adults) who underwent successful percutaneous device closure of PDA between January 2011 and February 2017.Baseline patient demographics, clinical characteristics, procedural and device related variables, and immediate outcomes during hospital stay were recorded. Patients were followed up for residual shunt and complications.ResultsOf 70 PDA device closure cases, 71.4% were females; the mean age was 23 years (range:10-58years). Devices used were 4-Cook’s detachable coils, 64-occluders (ADO-I and II, Lifetech, Cardi-O-Fix), 1-vascular plug and 1-ventricular septal occluder device. Device success was achieved in all including those with very large PDAs. At 24-h post-procedure, the success rate of transcatheter intervention was 95.7%. At 6-months follow up, complete closure was observed in all (mean follow up duration-531 days). In patients with severe PAH, significant immediate and sustained reduction of the mean pulmonary pressure was observed(77 mmHg to 33 mmHg;P = 0.014). No procedure-related complications including death, device embolization and stenosis of aorta or pulmonary artery occurred.ConclusionsIn contemporary practice, percutaneous device closure is an effective and safe treatment option for adolescent and adult PDA patients.     

特殊形态动脉导管未闭的介入治疗

目的探讨特殊形态动脉导管未闭(PDA)的介入治疗方法,评价其临床应用价值。方法7例应用标准型Amplatzer导管封堵器难以完成介入治疗的PDA患者,根据造影显示PDA形态及临床特点,相应选用成角型Amplatzer导管封堵器以及偏心型导管封堵器进行介入治疗,术后以心脏超声随诊评价疗效。结果7例患者皆成功完成介入治疗,无严重并发症发生;其中2例应用成角型Amplatzer导管封堵器,5例应用偏心型导管封堵器;2例经二次手术完成,余患者一次治疗完成。7例患者中,封堵术后即刻造影显示有2例封堵完全,术后24h心脏超声检查示6例封堵完全,术后3个月复查皆封堵完全。结论需要设计和生产不同形态和大小的封堵装置,以扩大PDA介入治疗的适应证。     

Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect in aortic valve prolapse and aortic regurgitation

ObjectiveTo report intermediate follow-up result of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) in presence of aortic valve prolapse (AVP) with or without aortic regurgitation (AR).MethodThis is a retrospective review of 19 patients with VSD with AVP with AR who underwent transcatheter closure in between September 2011–July 2014. Mean age was 8 years (1–16 years, standard deviation [SD] 4.08 years) and mean weight was 26.03 kg (9–81.5 kg, SD 16.57 kg). Among them 2 had subarterial VSD, 6 had subaortic VSD and 11 had perimembranous VSD. All of them had mild AVP and 13 of them had AR (trivial or mild). Median VSD size was 4.3 mm (4–6 mm). Transcatheter closure was done either by retrograde technique using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder-II in 17 patients or antegrade technique using the Duct Occluder-I in 2 cases. Mean follow-up period was 18 months (12–36 months).ResultImmediate major complications were encountered in 2 (10.5%) cases. Significant aggravation of device related AR was seen in one case & device embolised to right pulmonary artery in another case and both of them were managed surgically.During follow up, 1 child had significant additional VSD requiring device closure. One child developed moderate AR, requiring surgery. None of the other had shown any increase in severity of AR.ConclusionDevice closure of VSD in presence of mild AVP and mild AR appears to be safe. Longer follow-up is necessary to draw final conclusion.     

Visualization of patent ductus arteriosus using real-time three-dimensional echocardiogram: Comparative study with 2D echocardiogram and angiography

PurposeTo determine the feasibility and accuracy of real time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) in determining the dimensions and anatomical type of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).MethodsThe study included 42 pediatric patients with a mean age of 3.6 years (ranging from 2 months to 14 years) who were referred for elective percutaneous PDA closure. All patients underwent full 2D echocardiogram as well as RT3DE with off line analysis using Q lab software within 6 h from their angiograms. The PDA was studied as regard the anatomical type, length of the duct as well as the ampulla and the pulmonary end of the PDA. Data obtained by RT3DE was compared against 2D echocardiogram and the gold standard angiography.ResultsOffline analysis of the PDA was feasible in 97.6% of the cases while determination of the anatomical type using gated color flow 3D acquisitions was achieved in 78.5% of the cases. The pulmonary end of the duct was rather elliptical using 3D echocardiogram. There was significant difference between the pulmonary end measured by 3D echocardiogram and angiography (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between either the length or the ampulla of the PDA measured by 3D echocardiogram and that measured by angiography (P value = 0.325 and 0.611, respectively). There was a good agreement between both 2D or 3D echocardiogram and angiography in determining the anatomical type of the PDA (K = 0.744 and 0.773, respectively). However 3D echocardiogram could more accurately determine type A and type E ductus compared to 2D echocardiogram.Conclusion3D echocardiogram was more accurate than 2D echocardiogram in determining the length and the ampulla of the PDA. The morphologic assessment of the PDA using gated 3D color flow was achieved in 78.5% of the patients. Nevertheless the use of 3D echocardiogram in assessment of small vascular structures like PDA in children with rapid heart rates is still of limited clinical value.     

Comparison of two transcatheter device strategies for occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus

Objectives: The present study evaluates two transcatheter closure strategies utilized at a single center and makes recommendations for device selection when occluding the patent ductus arteriosus. Background: A variety of devices are available for transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) but no guidelines exist to guide operator device choice. Methods: A total of 132 patients underwent attempted transcatheter PDA closure utilizing one of two consecutive closure strategies between January 2000 and June 2005. Strategy A (n = 64; January 2000–May 2003) utilized Gianturco coils only. Strategy B (n = 68; June 2003–June 2005) utilized a single Gianturco coil for the PDA with a minimal diameter ≤1 mm (n = 28) or an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO) if the PDA diameter exceeded 1 mm (n = 40). Success was defined as complete occlusion on a follow up echocardiogram. Results: 58 of 64 (90.6%) patients treated utilizing strategy A had successful coil implantation. 68 of 68 (100%) patients treated utilizing strategy B had successful coil/device implantation. At follow up echocardiography, 32 of 44 (72.7%) strategy A patients had complete ductal closure, as compared with 57 of 58 (98.3%) strategy B patients (P < 0.0001). Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified closure strategy as the most powerful predictor of procedural success (OR = 85.9; CI 5.6–9.99). Conclusions: A transcatheter PDA closure strategy consisting of a single Gianturco coil for PDA ≤ 1 mm or an ADO for larger sized PDA (strategy B) achieves superior outcomes compared to the use of coils alone. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Lung perfusion studies after transcatheter closure of persistent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer duct occluder

Background : Reduced left lung perfusion has been described after transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with several prostheses. Although the Amplatzer ductal occluder (ADO) device is currently the most widely used occluder for closure of large‐sized PDAs, the potential consequences of flow distribution to the lungs of this device have not been completely clarified. We evaluated lung perfusion following occlusion of PDA with the ADO device. Methods : Forty‐seven patients underwent successful transcatheter PDA occlusion using the ADO device were included in this study. Lung perfusion scans were performed 6 months after the procedure. Results : Decreased perfusion to the left lung (defined as < 40% of total lung flow) was observed in 17 patients (36%), 5 of whom were low‐weight symptomatic infants. Ductal ampulla length was significantly shorter and minimal ductal diameter to ampulla diameter ratio was significantly higher in patients with decreased left lung perfusion and correlated well with left lung perfusion values (r = 0.516 and r = ?0.501, respectively). A cut‐off value of ≤5.8 mm for the ductal ampulla length and ≥1.9 for ampulla diameter to ampulla length ratio showed high sensitivity and specificity for reduced lung perfusion. Conclusions : The incidence of abnormal left lung perfusion is high 6 months after transcatheter closure of PDA with the ADO, more likely in the low weight symptomatic infants and in patients with a short duct or a relatively shallow duct having abrupt narrowing of a large ampulla. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

介入治疗动脉导管未闭

目的　采用 Amplatzer封堵器和 Porstm ann海绵塞子封堵器方法 ,经皮穿刺动脉、静脉 ,治疗动脉导管未闭(PDA) ,并对其疗效 ,安全性进行评价。方法　 2 0例患者 ,其中男 5例 ,女 15例 ,年龄 10～ 32岁。15例行 Porstm ann法 ,5例做 Am platzer法 ,均经临床症状、体检、EKG(心电图 )、X线胸片及超声心动图检查证实为 PDA。结果　 2 0例患者手术都成功。术后即刻心前区连续性杂音消失。造影示 19例完全堵闭 ,仅 1例存在少量残余分流 ,术后发生溶血 ,经内科保守处理 96小时后超声心动图示分流消失。 2 0例病人随访 6～ 36个月未发现装置移位、再通或狭窄。结论　 Amplatzer封堵器和 Porstmann封堵器经导管介入治疗 PDA是一种安全有效的治疗方法     

Primary transcatheter closure of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture using amplatzer atrial septal occlusion device: A study from tertiary care in South India

ObjectiveThe study investigated effectiveness of transcatheter closure of post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal rupture (VSR) using atrial septal device (ASD) occluder in a cohort of patients admitted at our institute.MethodThis was a retrospective, observational and single center study, which included patients who were treated with transcatheter closure for post-MI VSR at our tertiary care center between May 2000 and August 2014 depending upon inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 30-days follow-up. The MELD-XI (Model for End Stage Liver Disease) score was used as a predictor for poor outcome in these patients.ResultsA total of 21 patients (mean age 66.4 ± 5.9 years) were included in the study. Study cohort predominantly included male patients (n = 15; 71.4%) and patients with single vessel disease (n = 15; 71.4%). Revascularization of the culprit lesion, before VSR closure, was attempted in 6 patients. Except one patient (treated with Cera^® occluder), all patients were treated with Amplatzer^® ASD occluders. Average diameter of VSR was 20.8 ± 6.9 mm. Diameter of the device used in the study ranged from 10 mm to 30 mm. Residual defect was detected in 13 patients (62%). All-cause mortality at 30-day follow-up was observed in 9 (42.9%) patients. Time to VSR closure, diameter of VSR, and serum creatinine levels were significantly related to the 30-day mortality. MELD-XI score was found to be strongly associated with increased risk of mortality.ConclusionPrimary transcatheter VSR closure using ASD occluders is a feasible approach which can provide reasonable survival outcomes along with equitable mortality rates.     

动脉导管未闭合并重度肺动脉高压Amplatzer法封堵治疗的临床应用--12例初步报告

目的评价Amplatzer封堵器治疗动脉导管未闭(PDA)合并重度肺动脉高压(SPH)的初步疗效.方法对12例(女9例,男3例)PDA合并SPH患者实施封堵治疗.其中10例采用Amplatzer动脉导管未闭封堵器,2例采用Amplatzer房间隔缺损封堵器.结果全组12例PDA封堵器均放置成功.11例PDA封堵后30分至1小时肺动脉收缩压、肺动脉平均压均明显降低.1例封堵术后即刻肺动脉压无变化.术后36小时彩色多普勒估测肺动脉压明显下降,封堵术后30分降主动脉造影,无残余分流9例,微量残余分流2例,少量残余分流1例.全组术后24～48小时彩色多普勒检查,动脉水平左向右分流均完全消失.无重要并发症发生.随访1～24个月(平均8个月),患者症状改善,11例心脏缩小,无1例发生再通.结论采用Amplatzer法封堵治疗PDA合并SPH,近期疗效满意.     

Transradial approach for percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer duct occluder II: A case report

Percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure is a safe and feasible treatment, and it is recommended over surgical approach in the majority of cases. Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO—AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, MN) is the preferred device for transcatheter treatment of PDA. Recently, the ADO II (AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, MN), allowing PDA closure through a small delivery catheter from an antegrade or retrograde approach, received the European Community mark approval. Here, we report, for the first time, successful PDA closure in a 66‐year‐old female with the ADO II device, using a transradial approach. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Cierre percutáneo de fugas periprotésicas con el dispositivo Amplatzer Vascular Plug III: resultados inmediatos y a corto plazo

Introduction and objectivesPercutaneous paravalvular leak closure is a complex procedure with varying success rates; the lack of closure devices specifically designed for this purpose has hampered this technique. The characteristics of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug III appear to be well suited for paravalvular leak closures; however, the available data are limited to case reports or small series of patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and efficacy of paravalvular leak with this device.MethodsThe immediate and 90-day safety and efficacy of mitral and aortic paravalvular leak closures performed with this device at our hospital were analyzed.ResultsPercutaneous repair of 34 paravalvular leaks (27 mitral, 7 aortic) was attempted in 33 patients. The device was successfully implanted in 93.9% (in 2 patients, a second planned procedure was needed), and successful closure (defined as regurgitation reduction ≥ 1 grade) was achieved in 90.9% of patients. Complications included emergency surgery due to disc interference (n = 1) and blood transfusion (n = 3). There were no reports of procedure-related death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. At 90 days, survival was 100%, and 90.3% of patients showed significant clinical improvement; 4 patients developed vascular complications (pseudoaneurysm).ConclusionsMitral and aortic paravalvular leak closure with the Amplatzer Vascular Plug III is feasible and safe, with high clinical and echocardiographic success rates.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Trans‐catheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus—What is the best device?

Background : Over the past three decades, transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has evolved to be the procedure of choice. Gianturco and Flipper coils are the most commonly used coils in the United States for closure of small and moderate size PDAs. For larger PDAs, interventionalists in the United States commonly use the Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO) and those in Europe use the ADO or the Nit‐Occlud Coils (NOC). A comparison between Gianturco coils, Flipper coils, ADO, and NOC has never been made. Objective : To compare the success and complication rate associated with the four different devices used for transcatheter closure of PDA. Success was defined as complete closure of PDA with absence of a residual shunt (R.S.) at six months follow‐up. Methods : Two institutions collaborated in combining their data to evaluate the results of transcatheter closure of PDA. Results : Totally, 546 patients underwent successful PDA occlusion at both institutions. Gianturco and Flipper coils were used in 120 (22%) and 119 (22%) patients respectively. A total of 152 (28%) patients received ADO and 155 (28%) patients received NOC. Immediate R.S. were noted in 226 (41.4%) patients in the entire study group with the NOC group having the highest percentage of R.S. (80/155, 51.6%, P = 0.004). Of the 484 patients with follow‐up echocardiograms at 6 months, 35 (7.2%) patients had persistent R.S. The NOC (3/143, 2.1%) and ADO (5/150, 3.3%) groups had the least R.S. at six months follow‐up. Conclusion : Per our definition of success, the Nit‐Occlud coils and the Amplatzer duct‐occluder devices had significantly higher success rate for PDA occlusion versus the coils. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Percutaneous treatment of moderate-to-large patent ductus arteriosus with different devices: early and mid-term results.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure is now accepted as the first-choice therapeutic option in patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, this procedure is still challenging in large PDA and/or younger patients. This study evaluated feasibility and results of this approach in large, symptomatic PDA using different devices. METHODS: Between April 2000 and July 2004, 57 patients underwent attempt of transcatheter closure of a large PDA at our Institution. Nineteen patients (33.3 %) were on pharmacologic therapy for congestive heart failure. PDA diameter was 3.2+/-1.2 mm (range 1.8-9 mm), resulting in a pulmonary to systemic flow ratio of 2.1+/-1.8 (range 1.4-5). RESULTS: The procedure was successfully performed in 54 patients (94.7%), using the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) device (34 patients) or a multiple detachable coil approach (20 patients). Complete PDA occlusion was recorded in 77.8% of patients at 24 hours, 92.6% at 1 month, and 94.4% at last follow-up control (23+/-12 months). PDA morphology and pulmonary to systemic flow ratio did not influence the success rate of the procedure or the residual shunt. A trend toward a higher occlusion rate at any follow-up point was recorded in the ADO group (79.5 vs 75.0% at 24 hours, 97.1 vs 85.0% at 1 month, and 97.1 vs 90% at last follow-up control, p = NS for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous closure might be considered effective and safe also in large, clinically significant PDA, by tailoring the device choice to the patient size and ductal morphology. In this setting, the multiple coil option revealed as effective as the ADO device over a mid-term follow-up.     

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure

IntroductionAtrial fibrillation is a growing epidemic in the western world. Stroke as the most dreaded complication is effectively prevented by oral anticoagulation. Although effective in preventing stroke, oral anticoagulants come at a price of bleeding complications. Concerns about bleeding lead to a high rate of drug discontinuation and is the reason many patients are not put on oral anticoagulants at all. Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an excellent option for patients who cannot or who do not want to be on oral anticoagulants, since the left atrial appendage is the origin of more than 90% of clots arising from the left atrium.MethodsUsing femoral venous access, a plug is placed in the left atrial appendage, thereby excluding this embryologic remnant from the circulation. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. We report our own experience in 100 patients using the Amplatzer cardiac plug.ResultsOne hundred patients (72 ± 10 years) underwent LAA closure using only local anesthesia and without transesophageal guidance. Imaging and sizing of the LAA was performed by contrast injections through the 13 French TorqVue delivery sheath, followed by device implantation. Clopidogrel was prescribed for 1 month and acetylsalicylic acid for 3–6 months. The procedure was successful in 98% of patients and was often performed in conjunction with other interventional procedures. Periprocedural complication rate was 6% (2% pericardial effusion, 2% device embolization, 2% transient neurologic symptoms) with no long-term sequelae.ConclusionLAA closure is an attractive alternative to oral anticoagulation in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.     

Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Adults

BackgroundThere is little published data regarding percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in adults. We aim to describe the outcomes of adult patients undergoing PDA closure at a single tertiary referral centre.MethodsAll adults who underwent device PDA closure at our centre from 2001 to 2017 were identified and enrolled in the study. Available clinical data and imaging data were reviewed.ResultsAt total of 141 patients were identified, with a mean age of 43 ± 15 years. Left ventricular dilation was present in 27% and pulmonary hypertension in 36% of the patients. Most ducts (74%) were of type A morphology. Mean ductal diameter at the pulmonary artery end was 4.1 ± 1.9 mm and mean length was 10.0 ± 4.7 mm. Wire passage from the pulmonary artery was achieved in 79%. Procedural success rate was 100%, and an Amplatzer duct occluder was deployed in all successful cases (ADO1 device in 97%). There was a small residual shunt in 6% at the time of closure, and only 2 patients had a residual leak on echocardiography at a median 3 months’ follow-up. No major complications occurred.ConclusionsTranscatheter PDA closure with the use of an Amplatzer duct occluder is very effective in adults across all duct morphologies and associated with a very low complication rate.     

Percutaneous interventional closure of large pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas with the amplatzer duct occluder

Large pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs) are difficult for transcatheter treatment. This report presents 5 patients aged 3 to 73 years with large PAVFs who underwent successful transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO), designed for the occlusion of patent duct arteriosus. The procedures were performed without complications and provided sustained improvement in arterial oxygen saturation and exercise tolerance on follow-up examination in all patients. The transcatheter closure of large PAVFs with the ADO is effective and can eliminate the need for surgical intervention. The newly designed Amplatzer vascular plug is undergoing clinical trials.     

Outcomes of Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Accompanied With Unilateral Absence of Pulmonary Artery

Background

Limited data have reported the outcomes of percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in patients with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA). This study aimed to evaluate the symptomatology, diagnosis and therapy, especially the transcatheter closure of PDA in patients with PDA associated with UAPA.

NT-proBNP correlated with strain and strain rate imaging of the right ventricle before and after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects

BackgroundAtrial septal defects (ASD) account for 10% of all congenital heart lesions and represent the third most congenital cardiac defect seen in adults.ObjectivesUsing strain and strain rate imaging (SRI) to assess right ventricular (RV) function in patients with ASD and correlate the results with the level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) before and after transcatheter closure.MethodsAt the Hungarian Institute of Cardiology, 27 females and 18 males (mean age 21.53 years) were diagnosed with ASD and admitted for percutaneous closure. Echocardiography was done to assess theleft ventricular (LV), RV and left atrial (LA) diameters. For assessment of systolic RV function, we measured Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), strain, and SRI. Amplatzer ASD closure was done under general anesthesia. NT-proBNP levels were measured before and three months after closure.ResultsASD closure was achieved in all patients. The mean ASD diameter was 15.15 mm. The size of the occluder ranged from 10 to 24 mm. The mean LA diameter in the pre-closure group was significantly higher than the control; mean left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) showed a non-significant difference from either the control group or the post-closure group, while the mean right ventricular end diastolic diameter (RVEDD) markedly reduced post-closure, and it was significantly higher than the control group. Global RV strain and peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) were significantly higher in ASD group than in the control. The NT-proBNP levels were found to be correlated with pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), TAPSE, global RV strain and PSSR.ConclusionVolume overload induced by ASD is associated with increased strain values, which return to normal after closure. NT-proBNP is a parameter which correlates to RV pressure, PAP and the amount of shunt volume caused by an ASD.     

Long-term follow-up after percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism in elderly patients (≥ 70 years)

PurposePatent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with cryptogenic stroke both in younger and older patients. Although percutaneous PFO closure has been shown safe and effective in patients > 55 years old, the long-term outcome of elderly patients (≥ 70 years) has not specifically been reported.Patients and methodsBetween November 1998 and October 2008, 839 consecutive patients (age 52 ± 13 years; 60% male) underwent percutaneous PFO closure for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism (94% cerebral, 6% peripheral) using the Amplatzer PFO Occluder under fluoroscopic guidance only. Among them, 58 patients (7%) ≥ 70 years old were included in the present study.ResultsThe implantation procedure was successful in all patients. There were no procedural complications. Transesophageal echocardiography at 6 months, performed in 49 patients (84%), showed complete occlusion in 45 patients (92%), and a residual shunt in four patients (8%). During a mean follow-up of 5.2 ± 2.4 years (median 5.0; total 290 patient-years) three ischaemic strokes (two of them fatal) and five transient ischaemic attacks occurred. Freedom from recurrent ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or peripheral embolism was 100% at 1 year, 86% at 5 years, and 82% at 10 years. The risk of recurrent thromboembolic events was significantly higher as compared to the patients < 70 years old (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study confirms the safety, feasibility, and clinical efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure guided by fluoroscopy only in elderly patients. Percutaneous PFO closure should be considered a therapeutic option in all patients with suspected paradoxical embolism, including the elderly.     

Simplified percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defect with use of plain fluoroscopy: Single operator experience in 110 consecutive patients

ObjectivePercutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD) is routinely performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation and use of transesophageal (TEE) or intracardiac echocardiography, incurring longer duration and higher cost. We have used a simplified, economical, fluoroscopy-only guided approach with local anesthesia, and herein report our data.MethodsThe study includes 112 procedures in 110 patients with PFO (n = 75) or ASD (n = 35), with use of an Amplatzer occluder, heparin and prophylactic antibiotics. Balloon sizing guided ASD-device selection. All patients received aspirin and clopidogrel for 6 months, when they all underwent TEE.ResultsAll PFOs but one (98.7%) and all (100%) ASDs were successfully closed with only one complication (local pseudoaneurysm). At the 6-month TEE, there was no residual shunt in PFO patients, but 2 ASD patients had residual shunts. During long-term (4.3-year) follow-up, no stroke recurrence in PFO patients, and no other problems were encountered. Among 54 patients suffering from migraine, symptom relief or resolution was reported by 45 (83.3%) patients.ConclusionPercutaneous placement of an Amplatzer occluder was safe and effective with use of local anesthesia and fluoroscopy alone. There were no recurrent strokes over >4 years. Migraine relief was reported by >80% of patients.