Percutaneous transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure in adults with Amplatzer septal occluders

BACKGROUND: The interest in transcatheter ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure is continuously growing. Therefore, we report our experience in perimembranous (Pm) and postinfarction (Pi) VSD closure. METHODS: All patients, older than 16 years, were selected from a data base, in which Pm and Pi VSDs were registered.The patients' files were reviewed until the most recent follow-up date. RESULTS: Nine (7 male, 37.4 +/- 12.8 y) and 8 (6 male, 76.3 +/- 6.2 y) patients underwent a Pm (group A) and Pi VSD (group B) closure, respectively. One female patient was treated for a posttraumatic VSD (26 y). In group A, 7 patients were closed with the Amplatzer perimembranous VSD occluder, one with the muscular VSD occluder, and one patient with the atrial septal defect occluder. All patients in group B were treated with the muscular VSD occluder. In the post-traumatic VSD an Amplatzer patent foramen ovale occluder was used. Device implantation was feasible in all, except in two patients with extremely large VSDs (one Pm and one PiVSD). Total transcatheter closure or small residual leakage was achieved in 7/8 patients in group A, but one patient needed surgical VSD repair because of massive haemolysis, another patient died 9 months later. A small or moderate shunt was present immediately after the procedure in all patients of group B. No device-related complications were reported, but all, except one patient, died within 2 weeks after the procedure because of an extremely high co-morbidity (logistic Euroscore 70 +/- 25%).Total closure was achieved in the post-traumatic VSD. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter closure of Pm and Pi VSD with Amplatzer septal occluders in adults is feasible and safe, but the post-procedural prognosis totally depends on the aetiology of the VSD and its co-morbidity.     

Percutaneous closure of postoperative and post-traumatic ventricular septal defects

Although uncommon, significant postoperative residual leaks may occur after repair of any type of ventricular septal defect (VSD). Post-traumatic VSDs are even rarer, but can be occasionally seen after penetrating or blunt chest trauma. When these defects are associated with significant left-to-right shunting (Qp/Qs > 1.5) with persistent left ventricular volume overload, intervention is generally recommended. Surgical treatment requires cardiopulmonary bypass with its attendant morbidity, increased hospital stay and possible long-term neurological impairment. With the evolving experience of transcatheter closure of postinfarction and native perimembranous and muscular VSDs, this less invasive method became an attractive alternative to manage these postoperative and post-traumatic defects. In this paper, we report on 3 patients with such residual leaks after repair of a perimembranous defect, which was closed using a perimembranous Amplatzer VSD occluded after a failed attempt using a NitOcclud coil. One patient had a mid-muscular post-traumatic defect after a penetrating chest wound, and another patient had a residual leak after a patch repair of a large post-traumatic muscular defect with outlet extension after a blunt chest trauma. Both defects were closed using muscular Amplatzer VSD occluders. All procedures were uncomplicated, and there were no technical difficulties with device implantation. All 3 patients' defects were completely closed at follow up. Percutaneous closure of traumatic and residual postoperative VSDs appears to be safe and effective. A larger number of patients and longer follow-up period are needed before the widespread use of this technique can be recommended.     

Transcatheter device closure of intracristal ventricular septal defects

Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) is now offered as primary therapy at many institutions. We sought to evaluate the clinical feasibility and safety of device closure of intracristal VSDs using perimembranous occluders. A total of 49 patients were diagnosed with intracristal VSDs and assigned to the intracristal VSD group, and another 49 patients with the same size perimembranous VSDs were selected and assigned to the perimembranous VSD group. Two types of perimembranous occluders, symmetric and asymmetric, were used, and no difference was found between the groups with respect to successful closure. The diameter of the intracristal VSD was 3 to 10 mm (mean 5.8 ± 1.4) on the transthoracic echocardiogram. The procedure time and fluoroscope time in the intracristal VSD group were significantly greater than those in the perimembranous VSD group. More defects with a subaortic rim ≤ 2 mm on the transthoracic echocardiogram were present in the intracristal VSD group than in the perimembranous VSD group; thus, more asymmetric occluders were used in the intracristal VSD group. All devices remained in a stable position and in an optimal shape during follow-up. In conclusion, transcatheter closure of intracristal VSDs with the perimembranous occluder is feasible, safe, and effective.     

超声心动图检查在VSD介入封堵术中应用

目的探讨超声心动图检查在室间隔缺损(VSD)介入封堵术的适应证筛选及术中、术后的应用价值.方法对12例施行介入封堵术的患者术前用超声心动图测量VSD之形状与大小,术中进行超声心动图监测,术后以超声心动图随诊.结果 12例患者中,膜周部5例,隔瓣后型3例,膜周嵴下型2例,嵴内漏斗部1例,心肌梗死室间隔肌部穿孔1例.共放置13个封堵器,被封堵的VSD直径为3～8mm,平均为(5.2±0.8)mm.10例患者封堵术后即刻观察,穿隔分流消失,术后1周复查,封堵器位置良好、稳定、无残余分流;1例微量残余分流,术后24小时超声心动图复查分流消失;1例少量残余分流,术后即刻复查最大分流速度为1.2m/s(低于险值2m/s),6个月后复查仅见微量残余分流.结论超声心动图检查对介入封堵术的适应证的筛选、确定封堵器释放时间、释放时即刻疗效的评价及术后随访具有重要价值.     

Technology Insight: transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects has been employed increasingly in the past decade. This technique is now regarded as the treatment of choice for patients with appropriate atrial septal defects. Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) has undergone fewer clinical trials, even though VSDs are more common than atrial septal defects. The implanted device does not seem to embolize and complications are few. Decreases in left ventricular and diastolic pressure and improvement of ventricular function have been reported early following device closure, and the left-to-right shunt has been either eliminated or dramatically reduced. In small infants who are in heart failure at a young age and who weigh less than 8 kg, which is below the recommended threshold for device closure, technological advancements in device size and catheter manipulation are needed before VSDs can be closed. A large number of VSDs, particularly if small to medium in size, will become smaller or close spontaneously, making intervention unnecessary. Muscular VSDs have been closed with transcatheter devices for the past 15 years. Although perimembranous defects are more common than muscular defects, they have not become more amenable to closure since the introduction of the Amplatzer VSD occluder device (AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, MN). Previous devices, such as the Rashkind and button devices, have been unsuccessful in attempts at closure of the VSDs because of the proximity of the defects to the aortic valve and potential aortic valve damage. Before the transition is made to routine therapy, large, multicenter trials are justified to test the feasibility, safety and efficacy of nonsurgical closure of VSDs. In this review, I discuss the current applications of transcatheter closure of membranous, perimembranous and muscular VSDs, in particular with Amplatzer devices, and the implications for future development.     

Atrial and ventricular septal defects can safely be closed by percutaneous intervention

Various transcatheter devices and methods to close congenital heart defects are currently available. Devices have been designed specifically for atrial septal defect (ASD), patent foramen ovale (PFO), and ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure. The trend in interventional treatment of intracardiac shunts shows toward defect-specific systems. The PFO is a tunnel defect requiring occluders that adapt to its length while common ASD strongly vary in their diameter, making a large scale of device sizes indispensable. VSDs are predominantly sealed by coils or tissue-adapted devices like muscular or perimembranous occluders. Since VSDs may occur with an aneurysm (VSA), a multi-perforated septum, an instable myocardial situation (postinfarction) or a high interventricular pressure gradient, closure of these defects is regarded sometimes as complicated. But during the last 30 years (since King and Mills implanted the first double-umbrella occluding system) several studies have proven procedure efficacy and safety of both ASD and VSD closure. This article reviews a large scale of studies and includes our single center data on 1,609 PFO, ASD, and VSD patients.     

Heart block and empirical therapy after transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect.

Two patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and inlet extension have undergone uncomplicated transcatheter device closure using the Amplatzer membranous VSD device. Both patients developed complete heart block 2-4 days from the closure. Both patients responded well to high-dose intravenous therapy with steroids and high-dose oral anti-inflammatory aspirin. Both patients remain in normal sinus rhythm 8 weeks and 10 months, respectively, from the episode.     

Transient renal failure due to hemolysis following transcatheter closure of a muscular VSD using an Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder.

Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) has become increasingly common. This case describes hemolysis causing renal failure and its spontaneous resolution following the transcatheter closure of a congenital muscular VSD using an Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder.     

Transcatheter closure of congenital ventricular septal defects: results of the European Registry.

AIM: To report the experience of 23 tertiary referral European Centres on transcatheter closure of congenital ventricular septal defects (VSD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Implantation of transcatheter devices was attempted in 430 patients (pts) with congenital VSDs until July 2005. The following anatomic types were present: 119 muscular, 250 perimembranous, 16 multiple, 45 residual post-surgery. Median VSD size was 7 mm (range 3-22), fluoroscopy time 33 min (range 3-146). Devices implanted were Amplatzer muscular or membranous devices in 364, PDA devices in 12, ASD devices in seven, Starflex in seven, and coils in nine patients. Procedure was successful in 410 cases (95%). Complications: device embolization in five cases (surgery in two, catheter retrieval in three), aortic regurgitation in 14 cases (two of which requiring surgery), tricuspid regurgitation in 27 cases (no surgery was necessary), minor rhythm disturbances in 10 pts, death in one patient, complete heart block (cAVB) in 16 pts [perimembranous 12 of 250 (5%), muscular one of 119 (0.8%), residual post-surgery VSD three of 45 (6.7%)]. CAVB was transient in six patients, requiring permanent pace-makers in 10 cases (3.8%) (six early, four late). In the multivariate analysis, the only variable associated with a risk of the occurrence of complication was age (P=0.012) and weight (P=0.0035). In the univariate analysis, risk factors for the development of cAVB were, device type (P=0.03) and VSD location (P=0.05). After the multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, no risk factor was found. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter closure of congenital VSDs offers encouraging results. Complications are limited; the most relevant one seems to be the device related to cAVB in perimembranous VSD. More experience and long-term follow-up are mandatory to assess safety and effectiveness of this procedure as an alternative to conventional surgery.     

室间隔缺损封堵治疗前后胸部X线表现

目的 观察膜周部室间隔缺损（VSD）封堵术前后的胸部X线表现,总结封堵器在常规胸片上的影像特点。方法 分析资料完整的Amplatzer VSD双面伞封堵VSD患者33例术前及术后4～7 d内的胸部后前位及左侧位X线胸片。结果 大部分VSD患者封堵术后后前位胸片上封堵器位于第8～9椎体正中线的左侧,在形态上呈现1个点、2个点,偶可见1个点1个圈。侧位上封堵器均位于膈肌-脊柱交汇点与胸骨角连线的左前方,多呈2个点,部分呈“H”形。封堵术后短期内即出现肺部X线表现有不同程度的改善。结论 正确安置的VSD封堵器在胸片上具有一定的显影特征,常规胸片可以用来判断VSD介入治疗的疗效以及封堵器的位置和形态。     

Transcatheter closure of congenital ventricular septal defects

We report on the transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in 26 patients with Amplatzer Occluders and Nit- Occlud Coil Systems. Twenty-one patients had a perimembranous and 5 patients a muscular VSD. Patients' age range was 5 months to 59 years (median 8 years) and their body weight 4.5 kg to 167 kg (median 28 kg). Defect diameters were 3-11 mm (median 5 mm). Sixteen patients had left ventricular volume overload and 7 patients pulmonary hypertension (median 50% of systemic pressure). Seven patients suffered from trivial or mild aortic regurgitation. Twenty-eight devices (4-12 mm; median 8 mm) were implanted (16 Amplatzer, 12 Nit-Occlud) through sheaths of 4F to 9F (median 7F). Fluoroscopy times were 8.3- 56.5 min (median 26.2 min). One coil was surgically explanted directly after intervention. One patient needed pulmonary banding due to additional VSDs. After a follow-up of 7 months (1-12 months), 2 patients had a small and 9 a minimal residual shunt. Thirteen defects were completely closed. Transcatheter closure of VSDs with new devices seems to be a promising therapy for suitable defects in different hemodynamic conditions in patients of every age.     

应用Amplatzer封堵器治疗室间隔缺损及对心脏传导系统的影响

目的　探讨新型Amplatzer室间隔缺损封堵器治疗膜周部及肌部室间隔缺损 (VSD)的疗效和对心脏传导系统的影响。方法　 2 0 0 3- 0 7～ 2 0 0 4 - 0 4采用新型Amplatzer膜部及肌部VSD封堵器对 12例膜周部VSD和 2例肌部VSD患者进行封堵治疗。对心脏多普勒超声检查符合导管封堵条件病人术前常规进行心导管检查 ,测定血流动力学各项参数。在X线透视、食管或经胸超声的监测下建立股动静脉轨道 ,经右心系统释放封堵器。对 12例膜周部VSD病人在手术前、后进行心内电生理检查 ,测定房室传导时间 (AV间期 )和房室结不应期 ,观察封堵手术对心脏传导系统的影响。病人分别于术后 2周、1个月、3个月、6个月进行随访。结果　 14例患者 (男 8例 ,女 6例 )封堵器置入全部成功。术后即刻超声及造影均示完全封堵 12例 ,微量残余分流 2例 ,均在 1d内消失 ,总完全封堵率为 10 0 %。 12例膜周部VSD病人封堵后即刻AV间期有不同程度的延长 ,其中 3例术后AV间期 >2 0 0ms,1周后心电图检查 2例PR间期恢复正常。封堵前后房室结不应期无明显变化。未出现Ⅱ度以上房室传导阻滞和束支传导阻滞 ,无心肌受损表现 ,无其它严重并发症发生。结论　应用新型Amplatzer膜部和肌部VSD封堵器治疗膜周部和肌部VSD是安全有效的 ,近期效果良好 ,是导     

Percutaneous closure of congenital and acquired ventricular septal defects--considerations on selection of the occlusion device

Nonsurgical closure of congenital and acquired ventricular septal defects (VSD) has become increasingly acceptable with the availability of various occlusion systems that allow percutaneous treatment of muscular and membranous defects. This study describes a series of 12 patients (0.2-74-years-old) who underwent defect closure with six different occlusion systems. Device selection according to anatomy and outcome is highlighted. Seven VSDs were located in the membranous part of the septum, five in the mid-muscular septum. Complex heart lesions were present in five postmyocardial infarction VSD in one and residual postsurgical defects in three patients. The size of the VSD ranged from 2.6 to 10 mm. The applied devices were: Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder (n=4), Amplatzer septal occluder (n=2), Amplatzer duct occluder (n=1), Amplatzer membranous VSD occluder (n=2), Nit-Occlud coil (n=2), and Cook PDA coil (n=1). The devices were implanted successfully in nine patients. There was complete VSD closure in eight patients within the first 24 hours. In one patient, a trivial residual shunt disappeared at 6 months follow-up. Because of device instability, two occluders were removed during catheterization. In two other cases, tricuspid valve tissue was entrapped in the occluder and had to be removed surgically, one of them during the consecutive Rastelli operation. Neither significant arrhythmia, nor thromboembolism or hemolysis occurred in out patients during follow-up. Transcatheter closure of VSD is an attractive alternative to surgery. In complex congenital heart disease, surgical-interventional hybrid therapy may improve morbidity and total outcome. The recently developed Amplatzer VSD devices allow closure of muscular and membranous VSDs. Implantation and short-term follow-up are superior to the formerly used devices. Long-term effects have to be evaluated in further studies.     

Transcatheter closure of postinfarction ventricular septal defects using the new Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder: Results of a U.S. Registry.

The objective of this study was to assess the immediate and mid-term results of transcatheter closure of postinfarct muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs) using the new Amplatzer postinfarct muscular VSD device (PIMVSD). Ventricular septal rupture occurs in 0.2% of myocardial infarcts and remains associated with very high morbidity and mortality. Data were prospectively collected for 18 patients who underwent attempted device closure of postinfarction VSDs between 2000 and 2003. Five patients underwent the closure in the acute phase (within 6 days from the infarct); the remaining patients underwent closure on day 14-95 after the diagnosis of the infarct. Outcome parameters included procedural success, evidence of residual shunts on echocardiography, and occurrence of procedure-related complications. The procedure was successful in deploying a device across the VSD in 16 of 18 patients. The 30-day mortality was 28%. Eleven patients are still alive and have been followed up for a median of 332 days. Two patients required a second procedure to close a residual VSD. At the most recent outpatient follow-up, the VSD was completely closed in two patients, six patients had a trivial or small residual shunt, and two patients had a moderate residual shunt. We conclude that percutaneous device closure of postinfarction VSDs using the Amplatzer PIMVSD occluder appears to be safe and effective. Further trials are required to assess long-term efficacy and compare the results with those of surgical closure.     

应用国产对称双盘封堵器经导管治疗膜周部室间隔缺损的临床疗效

目的评价应用国产对称双盘封堵器经导管治疗室间隔缺损的安全性及有效性。方法自2003年3月至2007年7月,对我科689例室间隔缺损患者应用国产对称双盘封堵器经导管进行了室间隔缺损的介入治疗,合并房间隔缺损、动脉导管未闭等均进行了同期治疗。并进行术中,术后第1、3、6个月及每年随访,包括12导联心电图及超声心动图检查,观察并发症的情况（有无房室传导阻滞、封堵器形态、对主动脉瓣及三尖瓣的影响以及有无残余分流等）,评估该方法的安全有效性。结果总体技术成功率为98.8%。因术后脑出血死亡1例,因Ⅲ度房室传导阻滞安装永久性心脏起搏器1例,半年后因三尖瓣中-重度关闭不全转外科手术1例,6例改用Amplatzer偏心伞进行封堵成功;2例封堵失败转外科手术。其余随访期间未出现明显并发症。结论应用国产对称双盘封堵器经导管治疗室间隔缺损术后出现各种与手术有关的并发症的几率较低,具有很强的安全性和可行性,应成为室间隔缺损患者的首选治疗方案,但同时应掌握好适应证,注意三尖瓣关闭不全等并发症的预防。     

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。     

Effectiveness and Safety of Transcatheter Closure of Various Ventricular Septal Defects Using Second-Generation Amplatzer Duct Occluders

Objective: This study was designed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II) for the closure of various ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Methods: From January 2011 to December 2019, selected VSD patients were treated through transcatheter intervention using ADO II occluders. The closure results and complications from 188 patients, involving 167 perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSDs), 9 intracristal VSDs, 11 post surgery residual shunts and 1 post closure residual shunt with the mean outlet diameter3.1 ± 0.8 mm under angiography, were enrolled in this study. Results: The success rate was 98.9% for all procedures. During the median 77-month follow-up period, no cases of complete atrioventricular block (cAVB), infective endocarditis or death occurred. One major adverse event (0.5%) was recorded: cerebrovascular accident occurred 1 day after the procedure in one patient who was transferred to the neurology department. The residual shunt rate was 44.6%, which was the most common minor adverse event. The cardiac conduction block rate was 4.3%. Specifically, one pmVSD patient developed intermittent LBBB during the 28-month follow-up. There were 3 patients (1.6%) with new-onset mild tricuspid insufficiency, and the insufficiency degree was stable during follow-up. There was no new-onset aortic insufficiency that occurred. Conclusions: Transcatheter closure of pmVSDs, some intracristal VSDs, some postsurgery or postclosure residual shunts using ADO II occluders were both safe and effective and yielded excellent long-term results in selected patients.     

Evolution of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in a single centre

Objectives : To describe the evolution of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PMVSD) using either the Amplatzer membranous or muscular occluders in a single centre. Methods : Retrospective analysis of all patients referred for transcatheter PMVSD closure from December 2003 to December 2007. All patients met unit criteria for surgical closure. Results : There were 27 procedures on 25 patients (11 male) with a preprocedure diagnosis of a PMVSD. Median age was 9.6 years (1.8–32.8). Median weight was 28 kg (10.2–86). Defect size on TOE ranged from 5 to 12 mm. Median Qp:Qs was 1.6:1. A muscular occluder was used in six patients. Median procedure time was 93.5 min (51–214). Implantation was ultimately successful in 23 patients (92%). Acute aortic incompetence resulting in occluder removal occurred in two cases, one requiring surgical removal. Another patient had an aborted attempt but had subsequent successful closure in another unit. Median follow‐up is 19.5 months (1–42). Five patients (22%) have trivial/mild residual leak across the occluder at their latest assessment, the majority of which had an aneurysmal perimembranous septum (n = 4). Two patients (8%) developed new trivial to mild aortic incompetence. To date, none of the patients in our group have developed complete heart block. Conclusions : Transcatheter closure of PMVSD is evolving and should be considered an acceptable alternative to surgery in selected subgroups. Avoidance of oversized occluders and use of muscular occluders in those with aneurysmal defects may help to avoid heart block and aortic regurgitation. Muscular occluders may however interfere with tricuspid valve function. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Transcatheter closure of intracardiac shunts

Opinion statement Intracardiac shunts, such as atrial septal defects (ASDs), patent foramen ovales (PFOs), and ventricular septal defects (VSDs), are common forms of congenital or acquired heart disease. Traditional treatment has consisted of surgical closure. Transcatheter closure using implantable devices is now an alternative approach to the treatment of these lesions. Transcatheter closure offers advantages over surgical closure: 1) it is less invasive, resulting in shorter recovery times, less hospital time, and no scarring; 2) it avoids the deleterious neurocognitive effects of cardiopulmonary bypass; 3) it avoids the proarrhythmic effects of atrial or ventricular incisions; and 4) it is potentially less costly. Device closure of secundum ASDs is the procedure of choice. Device closure of PFOs can be performed under humanitarian device exemption (HDE) guidelines, although the indications for this procedure and its effectiveness compared with medical management remain controversial. Ongoing studies are addressing these issues. Transcatheter closure of muscular VSDs is an alternative to surgical treatment, especially for apical defects or those anterior to the moderator band. The CardioSEAL device (NMT Medical, Boston, MA) has HDE status for this purpose and the Amplatzer muscular VSD device (AGA Medical Corp., Golden Valley, MN) is being reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration for market approval. Phase 1 investigations are underway for device closure of perimembranous VSDs using the Amplatzer perimembranous VSD device (AGA Medical Corp.). Until more data are available, surgical closure of perimembranous VSDs is still the procedure of choice. Closure of postinfarct VSDs can also be accomplished using intracardiac devices; however, this remains a high-risk procedure. Early experience compares favorably with surgical closure. Transcatheter device closure of intracardiac defects is a relatively new procedure. Longterm data for these procedures are currently lacking and, therefore, recommendations regarding the use of these devices will continue to evolve with time.     

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.