A biodegradable device (BioSTAR™) for atrial septal defect closure in children

Background : Percutaneous closure of atrial defects (ASD) has evolved as the treatment of choice for the majority of defects and patent oval foramens. The BioSTAR? biodegradable implant avoids many issues associated with devices containing substantial amounts of metal. Methods : Reviewed was a consecutive series of 10 ASD occlusions in a pediatric population with the BioSTAR biodegradable device. All implantations were performed by one operator. The inclusion criterion was a balloon stretched ASD diameter of ≤16 mm. Procedural data and acute and early‐term closure rates were retrospectively matched to a cohort of children having defect closure using the Amplatzer Septal Occluder? (ASO?). Results : Acute and 6 month follow up closure rates for the BioSTAR were 90% and 100% vs. 100% and 100% closure with the ASO implants. There was a statistically significant difference in the median procedure time (52 min: BioSTAR; 39.5 min: ASO device, P < 0.05), with fluoroscopy times slightly longer for the BioSTAR group (6.7 min vs. 6.1 min, P = ns). There were no significant complications in either group. Conclusions : The BioSTAR implant can achieve comparable closure rates to the ASO in small‐ to moderate‐atrial septal defects with only a minimal skeleton of foreign material remaining after 6 months. Longer fluoroscopy and procedure times were a drawback; however, these should improve with familiarity with the implant and deployment system. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

房间隔缺损介入治疗封堵器选择的影响因素

目的 探讨房间隔缺损(ASD)介入治疗封堵器选择的影响因素.方法 1114例ASD患者,男388例,女726例,年龄2～75(26.3±17.0)岁.按14岁作为儿童与成人的划分点,成人组779例,平均年龄(34.4±13.5)岁;儿童组335例,平均年龄(7.3±3.9)岁.经胸超声心动图测量不同切面缺损大小及边缘长短,根据ASD最大直径选择封堵器,分析不同年龄、缺损形态和边缘大小时,选择封堵器的差别.结果 1114例ASD患者,成功封堵1085例,技术成功率为97.4%.1085例患者中,ASD最大直径为(19.7±7.8)mm,所选择的封堵器直径为(25.8±8.9)mm,封堵器与ASD最大直径差值为(6.1±3.4)mm,封堵器/最大直径为1.3∶1.成人和儿童组ASD大小相近,但成人组封堵器直径、封堵器加大值明显大于儿童组(P<0.05);封堵器/ASD最大直径成人组为1.2～1.8∶1,儿童组为1.1～1.6∶1.随着缺损直径的增大,成人组选择封堵器的加大值亦增加,但非成比例增加.儿童组随着缺损直径的增大,选择封堵器的加大值有增大的趋势,但差异无统计学意义.ASD的最大直径与封堵器的大小显著相关,成人和儿章组其相关系数分别为0.911和0.944(均P<0.01).以ASD最小直径/ASD最大直径的比例来描述缺损的形态,发现随着最小直径与最大直径比值的增大,各组间ASD最大直径或封堵器直径虽无差异,但封堵器加大值明显增大.主动脉侧无缘组选择的封堵器、封堵器加大值明显大于有缘组(均P<0.01).结论 介入治疗ASD,封堵器选择应以测量的ASD最大直径为主体,尚需参考年龄、缺损的形态及其边缘的状况适当增减.     

Clinical results of percutaneous closure of large secundum atrial septal defects in children using the Amplatzer septal occluder

We reviewed our experience using the Amplatzer septal occluder (AGA Medical, Golden Valley, MN, USA) to close large, secundum-type atrial septal defects (ASDs) in children. Between June 2002 and December 2005, 52 patients (mean age 13.5 +/- 8.7 years) underwent transcatheter closure of large (>/=25 mm), secundum ASDs with the use of the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). Groups 1 and 2 included patients with a retroaortic rim of <5 mm (n = 39) or >/=5 mm (n = 13), respectively. All procedures were performed with general anesthesia and transesophageal echocardiographic guidance except for 10 patients, which involved local anesthesia and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Successful device implantations, device sizes, approaches, complications, and closure rates were assessed. Device implantation was successful in 50 patients (96.1%), with no difference between groups (95% vs 100%, P>0.05). In 2 patients, implantation failed because of embolism or deployment failure. Device were larger in group 1 than in group 2 (29.7 +/- 4.2 vs 26.7 +/- 3.8 mm, P = 0.04). The right upper pulmonary-vein approach was more common in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.0001). Complications and closure rates did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). Transcatheter closure of large, secundum ASD by using the ASO device was feasible, and complication rates were low. A deficient retroaortic rim did not preclude successful device implantation; however, a large device may be needed to close large ASD. Close long-term follow-up is necessary to determine the safety of transcatheter closure of large ASDs in children.     

Real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for guiding Amplatzer septal occluder device deployment in patients with atrial septal defect

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) device closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) has traditionally been guided by two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) modalities. Real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (RT3D-TTE) provides rotating images to define ASD and adjacent structures with potential as an alternative to 2D-TEE or ICE for guiding the device closure of ASD. Our aim was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of RT3D-TTE in parasternal four-chamber views to guide ASO device closure of ASD. METHODS AND RESULTS: From July 2004 to August 2005, 59 patients underwent transcatheter ASO device closure of ASD. The first 30 patients underwent 2D-TEE guidance under general anesthesia and the remaining 29 patients underwent RT3D-TTE guidance with local anesthesia. All interventions were successfully completed without complications. The clinical characteristics and transcatheter closure variables of RT3D-TTE and 2D-TEE were compared. Echocardiographic visualization of ASD and ASO deployment was found to be adequate when using either methods. Catheterization laboratory time (39.1 +/- 5.4 vs 78.8 +/- 14.1 minutes, P < 0.001) and interventional procedure length (7.6 +/- 4.2 vs 15.3 +/- 2.9 minutes, P < 0.001) were shortened by using RT3D-TTE as compared with 2DE-TEE. There was no difference in the rate of closure following either method, assessed after a 6-month follow-up. The maximal diameter measured by RT3D-TTE and 2D-TEE was correlated well with a balloon-stretched ASD size (y = 0.985x + 0.628, r = 0.924 vs y = 0.93x + 2.08, r = 0.885, respectively). CONCLUSION: RT3D-TTE may be a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to the standard practice of using 2D-TEE to guide ASO deployment.     

Transcatheter atrial septal defect closure: modified balloon sizing technique to avoid overstretching the defect and oversizing the Amplatzer septal occluder.

The objective of this study was to evaluate a new technique of sizing atrial septal defects (ASDs) for transcatheter device closure. ASD closure using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) device is commonly performed. Complications, including arrhythmias, pericardial effusions, and perforations, may be related to oversizing ASDs and choosing larger devices. Two methods were used to size ASDs using a compliant balloon. In some patients, the balloon was inflated until a waist was visible [(+)waist]; in others, only until no shunting was demonstrable by echocardiogram [echo; (-)waist]. The device was selected and implanted using standard procedure and echo guidance. One hundred seventeen patients underwent secundum ASD closure with an ASO device. There were 43 patients in the (-)waist group and 74 in the (+)waist group. All devices were implanted successfully. The initial echo ASD diameter was larger in the (-)waist group compared to the (+)waist group (P = 0.01). There was a smaller difference between the initial echo and balloon-sized ASD diameters in the (-)waist group (P < 0.02). ASO device size implanted (in mm greater than echo ASD diameter) was smaller in the (-)waist group (P < 0.01). There were 0/43 complications in the (-)waist group and 5/74 in the (+)waist group. The complete closure rate was the same in both groups. Sizing an ASD by inflating a compliant balloon just until shunting is eliminated, and not until a waist is visible, results in less overstretching of the ASD and selection of a smaller ASO device, achieving similar closure rates and potentially fewer complications.     

Amplatzer septal occluder and atrioventricular block: A case report and literature review

Transcatheter closure of secondum atrial septal defect (ASD) is an alternative option to open heart surgery with good short and long-term outcomes. For this purpose, the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) device is widely used. Arrhythmias are known complications of ASD device closure including atrial ectopy and heart block.We report a seven-year-old female patient who developed second degree atrioventricular block (AVB) within few hours after ASD device closure using ASO device. At the seventh post-procedure day; while under close observation; patient regained sinus rhythm which was maintained thereafter. A 3-day course of prednisolone was given.     

Transcatheter atrial septal defect closure with the Amplatzer septal occluder: five-year follow-up.

We report 5-year follow-up data of patients following atrial septal defect (ASD) closure with the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). Patients completed a questionnaire related to symptoms pre- and post-ASO implantation. Complete transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess residual atrial septal defect, right ventricular volume overload, and degree of mitral regurgitation. Mean follow-up duration was 4.8 +/- 0.6 years (range, 5.7-3.0 years). Complete closure was observed in all patients. Right ventricular volume overload, present in all patients prior to ASD closure, had resolved in 82% of patients. No mitral valve sequelae were found; 75% of patients were asymptomatic or felt much improved compared to their preclosure symptoms. New onset of migraine-type headaches was encountered in two patients, one for 12 months and one patient persisted with intermittent migrainous episode. In conclusion, we report 100% closure rate of ASD with ASO device, with return of right ventricular size to normal in the majority of patients. New onset of migraine headaches after ASO implantation can persist more than a few months.     

Amplatzer封堵器经导管治疗多孔房间隔缺损

目的 :探讨 Amplatzer封堵器经导管治疗多孔房间隔缺损的临床应用价值。方法 :全组患者 6（男 2 ,女 4）例 ,年龄 4～ 5 0岁 ,经 TTE或 TEE检查诊断为多孔房间隔缺损。均在 X线和 TTE或 TEE监测下经导管行 Amplatzer封堵器治疗。术后重复 TTE或 TEE、ECG及 X线平片检查以评价疗效。结果 :全组 6例患者 Amplatzer封堵器置入均获成功 ,术中无重要并发症发生。其中置入 1个封堵器的患者 5例 ,置入 2个封堵器的患者 1例。术后即刻TTE或 TEE检查 5例无残余分流 ,1例小缺损孔有少量残余分流 ,随访 1年中少量残余分流仍存在。1例肺动脉压中度增高患者 ,术后 3 0 min测量肺动脉压下降 >2 0 mm Hg。随访期间所有患者封堵器位置形态良好 ,未发现封堵器的变形 ,移位以及金属结构断裂等改变 ;右房 ,右室有不同程度的缩小 ,X线平片显示肺血有不同程度减少 ;术后ECG检查均未见心律失常发生。结论 :Amplatzer封堵器经导管治疗多孔房间隔缺损是安全有效的。对于相隔距离较近的多孔房间隔缺损 ,可采用单个封堵器封堵 ;而相隔距离较远的缺损 ,可采用同时置入两个封堵器     

经胸超声心动图在继发孔房间隔缺损封堵术围手术期中的应用价值

目的评价经胸超声心动图（VrE）在继发孔房间隔缺损（ASD）围手术期中的应用价值。方法术前筛选86例有外科手术适应证的继发孔ASD患者,TTE测量各切面ASD大小及残边情况,指导选择封堵器（ASO）型号,术中监测ASO置放及释放过程,术后随访观察。结果86例患者术前TTE测得ASD最大直径5～34（24．4±5．63）mm,所用ASO直径为8—40（27．5±7．12）mm。TTE成功引导81例ASO置人,总成功率为94．2％,其中双孔ASD2例,均置入单个ASO成功。5例术后即刻有微量或少量残余分流,术后3个月复查TTE分流完全消失。结论经导管ASD封堵术是安全可行的方法,T珏对ASD封堵术前病例选择、残边评估、ASO型号选择、术中监测ASO的置放全过程和术后疗效评价有重要临床价值。     

Catheter closure of atrial septal defects using the Cocoon septal occluder: Preliminary results of a European multicenter study

Despite its simplicity, device closure of atrial septal defects is still associated with rare but potentially lethal complications. In this prospective non-randomized multicenter study we investigated the safety and efficacy of the Cocoon septal occluder (CSO) for closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) in 92 patients. Median age of the patients was 10.5 years (range 3–61 years) and median weight was 25 kg (range 13–65 kg). The device is an improved new generation double disc design made of Nitinol wire mesh that is coated with platinum using NanoFusion technology. The discs are connected by a waist with diameter ranging from 6 mm to 40 mm with 2 mm increments. All patients completed a 3-month follow-up. Mean ASD diameter was 21 ± 7 mm (range 10–35 mm), while the mean device diameter was 24 ± 8 mm (range 14–40 mm). The CSO was permanently implanted in all 92 patients. Complete echocardiographic closure of the defect immediately after the procedure or at the one month follow-up, was observed in all 92 patients (100%). No device-related complications were observed during the procedure or at short-term follow-up (range 3–12 months). Our preliminary results indicate that CSO is a promising device for transcatheter closure of ASDs. Further studies are required to document its efficacy, safety and long-term results in a larger patient population.     

Fate of a modified fenestration of atrial septal occluder device after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in elderly patients

Background: Data on closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) in elderly patients with a fenestrated Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) device is limited. Methods: A hemodynamically significant ASD was closed with a fenestrated ASO in 3 patients with ages >62 years. Prior to implant a 4‐mm fenestration was created by balloon dilatation without additional suture fixation just adjacent to the stent part of the device. Indications for fenestration were restrictive left ventricular physiology and/or pulmonary hypertension. Heparin had been administered during and for 48 hours after the procedure. Two patients were maintained on phenprocoumon because of chronic atrial fibrillation, the remaining patient on aspirin and clopidogrel for 3 months after implant. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and hemodynamic evaluation were performed 4–18 months after ASD closure. Results: A trace or small fenestration through the ASO with left‐to‐right shunt was detected by TEE in all 3 patients without any hemodynamic significance. No thrombus formation was observed. Pulmonary hypertension improved in the affected patient. Pulmonary arterial wedge pressure and cardiac index improved in the second patient with improvement in heart failure symptoms and of quality of life in both. The third patient, after initial improvement for 6 months, developed significant comorbidities and clinical deterioration at 18 months follow‐up. Conclusion: The modified fenestration of the ASO decreased significantly in size at follow‐up. Applying this technique to selected patients judged to be at risk for ASD closure avoids acute decompensation and allows gradual diminuition of right ventricular volume overload during mid‐term follow‐up. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:485–490)     

三维可视化技术模拟房间隔缺损介入治疗的临床研究

目的 探讨三维可视化技术模拟在房间隔缺损(ASD)介入治疗中的临床价值.方法 应用超声三维体绘制显示ASD及缺损周边心内结构,同时运用三维建模技术绘制数字化仿真装置.对30例ASD介入术患儿仿真装置大小及装置下缘距房室瓣距离与实际所用房隔封堵装置各参数进行比较.结果 三维可视化可显示患儿ASD的位置、形态、大小.仿真装置左心房面直径为(26.07±5.32)cm、右心房面直径为(22.13±5.31)cm,其距二尖瓣、三尖瓣距离分别为(5.76±2.39)和(8.25±2.40)cm,与实际所用Amplatzer封堵装置相应各参数[分别为(25.91±5.32)、(22.08±5.26)、(5.61±2.26)、(8.02±2.48)cm]之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 三维超声可视化作为一种无创性技术可在ASD封堵术前为介入治疗提供更详尽的缺损及装置信息,指导装置选择.     

国产封堵器介入治疗先天性心脏病53例

目的总结心健^TM封堵器介入治疗房间隔缺损、动脉导管未闭及室间隔缺损的可行性及疗效。方法病人年龄11个月～45岁,体重5～66奴。在X线透视及经胸超声心动图监视下,应用心健^TM封堵器按常规方法行介入封堵术,治疗房间隔缺损29例、动脉导管未闭23例、室间隔缺损合并房间隔缺损1例。房间隔缺损均为继发孔中央型;动脉导管未闭漏斗型9例、管型13例、窗型1例;室间隔缺损为膜周型。结果全组无死亡。即刻成功率98％（52／53）,即刻完全封堵率92％（48／52）。1例窗形动脉导管未闭并重度肺动脉高压术后血尿,经药物治疗4日后症状消失;另术后早期少量残余分流3例,Ⅰ度房室传导阻滞4例,Ⅱ度Ⅰ型房室传导阻滞1例,随访1～6个月症状均消失。结论用心健^TM封堵器介入治疗房间隔缺损、动脉导管未闭及室间隔缺损可靠,疗效确切。     

房间隔缺损介入治疗封堵器的选择对心脏重构的影响

目的 探讨经导管介入封堵术治疗继发孔型房间隔缺损(ASD)的封堵器选择对其疗效及心脏形态学重构的影响.方法 入选146例ASD患者,年龄13.5～70.0(33.5±12.4)岁.其中73例(A组)根据椭圆周长数学公式计算缺损直径选择封堵器型号,另外73例(B组)根据超声心动图测量长径选择封堵器型号.应用经胸超声心动图分别测量ASD患者经导管封堵治疗术前、术后3 d、3个月和6个月的左心房收缩末期横径(LALD)、右心房横径(RALD)、RALD/LALD比值、右心室舒张末期内径(RVDD)、左心室舒张末期内径(LVDD)、RVDD/LVDD比值及肺动脉内径.结果 A组缺损内径为(20.16±4.98)mm,B组为(21.36±5.69)mm,差异无统计学意义.封堵器直径A组小于B组[(21.95±6.78)mm比(25.85±6.75)mm,P<0.05].142例封堵术成功,两组成功率差异无统计学意义,无主要手术相关并发症发生.随访6个月无残余分流发生.两组患者随访期间RALD、RVDD、RALD/LALD和RVDD/LVDD比值明显下降,肺动脉内径逐渐缩小,LALD、LVDD逐渐增大.A组改善心房重构程度明显大于B组(P<0.05).结论 椭圆形周长公式在非圆形ASD封堵器选择中具有重要应用价值;封堵器大小对心脏重构有明显影响.     

经胸彩色多普勒超声心动图在房间隔缺损经导管封堵术中的应用价值

目的探讨经胸彩色多普勒超声心动图(TTE)在房间隔缺损(ASD)经心导管封堵治疗中的应用价值。方法应用TTE选择适于行Amplatzer式封堵术的继发孔型ASD患者27例，在TTE监测引导下经右心导管应用房间隔封堵器关闭ASD。结果26例ASD获成功封堵，术后即刻、1天、1个月和3个月TTE检查显示封堵器位置稳定良好，无残余分流。结论在TTE引导下行ASD封堵术是一种简便、可靠和安全的方法。     

Morphological variations of secundum-type atrial septal defects: feasibility for percutaneous closure using Amplatzer septal occluders.

The aim of the study was to assess the morphology of secundum-type atrial septal defects (ASD) with a view to percutaneous closure using Amplatzer septal occluders (ASO). One hundred and ninety patients who underwent closure of isolated secundum-type ASD between September 1995 and January 2000 were included. The morphology of the defects was studied using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Patients with defects of suitable morphology and size underwent percutaneous closure using ASO. The remaining patients underwent surgical closure. Centrally placed defects were observed in 46 patients (24.2%). Morphological variations of secundum-type ASD were detected in 144 patients (75.8%). One hundred and fifty-one patients (79.5%) underwent percutaneous closure using ASO. Thirty-nine patients (20.5%) underwent surgical closure. Centrally placed defects, defects with deficient superior anterior rim, multiple defects, and perforated aneurysms of the interatrial septum are morphological variations of secundum-type ASD suitable for percutaneous closure using ASO. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:386-391.     

The role of transesophageal echocardiography in transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects by the Amplatzer septal occluder

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to determine the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the closure of atrial septal defects by the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (AGA Medical, Golden Valley, Minn). METHODS: A total of 240 patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) secundum were examined by transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography (TTE) and TEE to determine the ASD morphologic features, diameter, and rims. During transcatheter closure TEE was used for determination of the ASD diameter and guidance of the ASO implantation. RESULTS: Sixteen (6%) patients were found not suitable for transcatheter closure with TTE, 35 (14%) with TEE, and 2 during catheterization. Twenty-eight patients (18%) had partial or total deficiency of the posterior, inferoanterior, or inferoposterior rim, 54 (27%) had a centrally positioned ASD, 92 (46%) had insufficient superoanterior rim, and 9 had multiple ASDs, whereas 8 had a septal aneurysm associated with a single defect and 4 a multiperforated aneurysm. A total of 170 patients underwent implantation of ASO. The ASO was correctly positioned in 144 at the first attempt. In the remainder TEE revealed unstable position of the left atrial disk (12), opening of both atrial disks in the left atrium (5), deployment of the device through the smaller defect in patients with multiple ASDs (3), and, in 1 patient, the device was too small and had to be replaced by a larger one. CONCLUSIONS: Morphologic variations of the ASD are common. TEE is crucial for the determination of the ASD morphologic features, diameter, and rims, which are crucial for proper patient selection. TEE allows precise guiding and positioning of the ASO, which is essential for safe and effective transcatheter ASD closure.     

Choice of device size and results of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using the amplatzer septal occluder

The impact of device size choice on closure results was analyzed in 138 (101 females, 37 males; age 0.5-84.0 years) consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter closure of the secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). The balloon stretched diameter (SD) of ASD was 19.5 +/- 7.2 mm in 123 patients with single defects, and 20.4 +/- 6.6 mm for the largest defects in 15 patients with multiple ASDs. The difference (delta) between ASO size chosen for closure and the stretched diameter of the defect was calculated and divided into groups: A (delta < -2 mm); B (delta -2.0 to -0.1 mm); C (delta = 0); D (delta 0.1-2.0 mm) and E (delta > 2 mm). The results demonstrated that immediate and 24-hour complete closure rates were significantly higher in patients in groups C and D (P < 0.001). However, at 6-month follow-up, the complete closure rates were similar in patients of groups A-D, while patients of group E had a lower closure rate of 75%. The complication rates were similar in all groups. In conclusion, a choice of a device size identical to or within 2 mm larger than the SD of the defect should be used to maximize the closure rates of ASD using the ASO.     

采用Amplatzer封堵器介入治疗继发孔房间隔缺损的并发症的防治

目的　探讨经导管植入Amplatzer封堵器治疗继发孔房间隔缺损 (ASD)的并发症发生的原因及其防治方法。方法　对 710例采用Amplatzer封堵器介入治疗继发孔房间隔缺损的患者中术中及术后 (随访 1个月～ 7年 )发生并发症的 5 3例患者作回顾性分析 ,将其分为与心脏有关的并发症组、局部血管并发症组及其他组。结果　全组并发症总发生率为 7 5 % (5 3/ 710 ) ,其中与心脏有关的并发症有 2 7例 (3 8% ) ,2 7例中心电图改变 2 3例 ,包括ST段抬高 15例 ,心房颤动 4例 ,Ⅲ度房室传导阻滞、阵发性室上性心动过速、房性心动过速及房室分离各 1例 ;另外 ,残余分流 3例 (0 4 2 % ) ,主动脉 右房瘘 1例 (0 14 % )。局部血管并发症 6例 (0 85 % ) ,包括股动静脉瘘 5例 ,髂股静脉痉挛 1例。其他并发症 2 0例 (2 8% ) ,包括头痛 17例 ,封堵器脱落 2例 ,封堵器脱载 1例。紧急手术 2例 (0 2 8% )。本组无死亡病例。结论　采用Amplatzer封堵器治疗继发孔房间隔缺损并发症的发生率低 ,但晚期严重并发症应引起高度重视 ,严格地定期随访是十分必要的。     

Embolization and retrieval of the Amplatzer septal occluder.

Embolization and percutaneous retrieval of the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) after release have been reported. However, the incidence, the causes of embolization, and the methods for effective retrieval have not been systematically described. In a survey of the ASO company-designated proctors, the incidence of ASO embolization in this group's experience was 0.55% (21 embolizations in 3824 device placements) with a wide range of patient demographics, atrial septal defect (ASD) sizes, and device sizes. Most embolizations occurred because of inadequate rim or undersized devices. Of the 21 embolizations, 15 of the devices were retrieved percutaneously with a gooseneck snare without morbidity or mortality. Six were retrieved at surgery. Of the 21 patients, 12 had ASO closure of their ASDs, and 9 had surgical ASD closure. In vitro, all devices could be retrieved with sheathes 2 Fr sizes larger than their recommended delivery sheath. Any device larger than 26 mm could be retrieved with its delivery sheath. The ability to pull the snared button into a sheath was variable and was assisted by pulling the device from above with a bioptome and by using a rigid notched sheath. Because the incidence of ASO embolization is about 1 in 200 in the most experienced hands, all operators should be prepared with the techniques and equipment required for percutaneous ASO retrieval.