Combined transcatheter device closure of ruptured sinus of valsalva and a post‐surgical residual ventricular septal defect

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are commonly associated with ventricular septal defects (VSDs). We describe a 14‐year‐old boy who presented with rupture of right sinus of Valsalva (RSOV) into the right ventricular outflow tract (through two openings) along with a residual VSD, four years after surgical closure of the VSD. Both antegrade and retrograde approaches were used to close the RSOV defects. The larger defect was closed from the venous side using an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO‐I) device while the smaller defect was closed from the arterial end using and ADO‐II device. The residual VSD was also closed percutaneously using a ADO‐I device. Successful transcatheter closure of all defects was possible thereby preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with a repeat surgery. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Treatment of congenital non‐ductal shunt lesions with the amplatzer duct occluder II

Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II) is especially designed for closing long ducts in infants. The experience with off‐label use of ADO II in non‐ductal positions is limited. Aim: To evaluate feasibility of use of ADO II in non‐ductal positions, incidence of complete heart block (CHB), advantages and disadvantages. Material and Results: Out of 79 defects closed with ADO II, 61 had perimembranous, 12 apical/mid‐muscular ventricular septal defects (VSD), 4 Gerbode defects, one each of coronary arterio‐venous fistula and aorto‐right ventricular tunnel. Age ranged from 8 months to 21 years (mean 8.9 ± 4.02 years, median 9 years). The mean fluoroscopy time was 5.2 ± 1.1 min with range 4.2–9.2 min. Complete closure was achieved in all. Three cases developed transient junctional bradycardia, treated with steroids. One patient who developed CHB (1.3%) needed temporary pacing. Discussion: ADO II is a low profile device. It can be easily delivered through a 5F guiding catheter and needs very short fluoroscopic time as arteriovenous loop is not needed. The cost is 1/3 of regular ventricular septal occluders. The CHB that is a major challenge for closure of VSDs is less common with soft, specially designed ADO II, which does not compress the conducting system. Conclusions: Use of the ADO II in non‐ductal positions can be achieved with high success and low complication rates, especially CHB; its use is also associated with significantly reduced procedure time and device cost. Device size availability restricts use of the ADO II to defects up to 6 mm in diameter. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Retrograde transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects in children using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II

Objectives: To describe the technique and results of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) by a modified retrograde transarterial approach using the new Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II). Background: Transcatheter device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) by antegrade method is well established, but a challenging procedure. We describe a retrograde technique that obviates the need for arteriovenous looping. Material and Methods: This is a prospective study from a single center. Between April 2009 and February 2010 13 children were identified for closure of various types of perimembranous and muscular VSDs using the ADO II device. All had met the criteria for surgical closure. Following left ventricular angiogram two were excluded as technically nonfeasible. The median age was 48 months (range 15–78). The median weight was 14 kg (range 7.5–20). The device was successfully deployed in the 11 selected children by the method described. The follow‐up evaluation included chest roentgenogram, ECG, and echocardiogram on day 1, at 6 weeks, at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: The immediate and follow up complete closure rates were 73 and 82%, respectively. The median fluoroscopic time was 14 min (range 8.2–45). There were no procedure related complications. All patients were doing well at median follow up of 10 months; none showing any conduction abnormality. Conclusion: Transcatheter retrograde device closure of selected cases of Ventricular Septal Defects using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II is simple and appears safe in the short term and can be completed within a short fluoroscopic time.© 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The Amplatzer Duct Occluder II: A New Device for Percutaneous Ductus Arteriosus Closure

Objective: Study the new Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II). Limitations were encountered with the preexisting devices in nonconical ducts, large ducts, or in small infants. These include failure, residual shunts, protrusion, migration, and vascular damage. Methods: Between June 2008 and March 2009, 20 consecutive patients were enrolled. In cases where different devices were applicable, we favored the use of the ADO II to maximize our experience with this device and prove its superiority. No coils were required in these 20 patients. Results: There were 15 females and 5 males (median age 2 years). ADO II group (n = 16): Immediate complete closure in 75% of the patients, rising to 93.7% at 24 hours. A residual shunt persisted at 3 months in one child. Aortic narrowing from device protrusion was noted in two type E ducts, without any significant gradient, however. ADO I group (n = 4): In two adolescents and in one adult patient, the duct was successfully closed. In a 2‐year‐old patient with a 6.6 mm type B duct, the ADO I totally obstructed the aortic flow and was retrieved before releasing. The child was sent for surgery. Conclusion: Even though we did not compare the ADO II to other devices, we feel that it has the capacity to substitute most of the coils, and some of the original ADO I indications. Arterial access was sufficient in most patients, but venous delivery is advised in small infants with large or long ducts, to avoid aortic protrusion and residual shunts.     

Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects utilizing almost ideal Amplatzer Duct Occluder II: Why limitation in sizes?

Aim: The purpose of this study is to describe the special aspects of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSD) closure by utilizing Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II) devices with a rational request for bigger ADO‐II sizes, based on our experi‐ ence in transcatheter device closure of pmVSD.
Methods and Results: At our institution, placement of an ADO II device was used in 15 patients with pmVSD; the patients’ age ranged between 6 months and 20 years. The indications for closure were CHF (n = 4), hemodynamically significant shunt (n = 7), tricuspid regurgitation (n = 3), and high risk for infective endocarditis (n = 2), respectively. The location of the VSD was infracristal in 13 patients, supracristal in 1, and a postsurgical Gerbode VSD in another one. Implantation of the device was suc‐ cessfully performed without embolization, any evidence of an AV block, or other conductance abnormalities during implantation and follow‐up in the mean of 2.5 years (range 2 months‐6.5 years).
Conclusions: Transcatheter closure of a pmVSD with ADO II is feasible in all pediatric and young adult age groups, by considering the device diameter limitations. The off‐ label use of ADO II implantation seems to be safe for VSDs closure up to 6 mm of size and feasible for various locations including unusual morphology such as postsurgical Gerbode defect.     

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.     

Clinical evaluation of the new Amplatzer duct occluder II for patent arterial duct occlusion

Background: Several devices such as coils and Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) are used for catheter closure of patent arterial ducts (PDA). These carry a high success rate but residual shunts, suboptimal device orientation, and technical problems are encountered. The Amplatzer duct occluder II (ADO II) is designed to address these limitations. Objectives: To evaluate the technical features of the new ADO II device for PDA closure and document the immediate/early closure rate, complications and device behavior during implantation. Methods: Prospective, two center study from February 2008 to January 2009. Twenty‐seven patients (18 females) received the ADO II. The median age was 22 months (range: 7 months–68 years) and the median weight was 11.7 kg (range: 6.9–108). The median PDA diameter was 2.6 mm (range: 1–4.4). The approach was arterial in 13 and venous in 14 patients. Follow‐up included echocardiography at 1 day and 1 month postimplantation. Results: All implantations were technically successful with immediate complete angiographic closure in 21 and trivial contrast flow in six patients. The median procedure time was 43 min (range: 15–82) and the fluoroscopy time was 6 min (range: 2.2–26.5). Echocardiography confirmed no residual shunts on the following day. There were no complications. Conclusion: The new ADO II is a versatile and very effective device for closure of PDAs of various shapes, lengths, and up to diameters of 5.5 mm. The disc articulations, high early closure rate, arterial or venous approach options, and small diameter delivery catheter are all beneficial features. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

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.     

Initial results of primary device closure of large muscular ventricular septal defects in early infancy using perventricular access

Objectives: To report our experience with the use of the Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect (VSD) occluder, using direct right ventricle free wall puncture for primary closure of muscular VSDs in infants. Background: Young infants with heart failure due to large or multiple muscular VSDs often require intervention at a stage when percutaneous device closure is impractical due to delivery system limitations. There are considerable benefits to avoiding bypass in these infants. Methods: Patients with suitable muscular VSDs, considered too small for transvenous closure, underwent perventricular muscular VSD closure under transesophageal echo (TEE) guidance. Results: Eight infants underwent the procedure. The median age was 14 weeks (2–41) with median weight of 4 kg (3–6.6). Four patients had additional VSDs and one patient had previous repair of coarctation. One patient had dextrocardia and severe left ventricular impairment due to an associated cardiomyopathy. The median VSD size was 8 mm (range, 4–10 mm). A single device (6–12 mm) was deployed in each patient, the size chosen being 1–2 mm larger than the TEE measurement. Two patients had subsequent pulmonary artery banding, with absorbable bands, because of moderate residual shunting through additional VSDs. The latest echo study at a median of 7.2 weeks (0.5–66) post device implantation revealed no patients with a hemodynamically significant shunt. Conclusion: Perventricular muscular VSD closure can be safely and effectively undertaken in small infants with suitable muscular defects, and this strategy can avoid the need for bypass. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Double-umbrella closure of atrial defects. Initial clinical applications

Forty patients were catheterized for closure of atrial septal defects with the Rashkind patent ductus arteriosus umbrella device, a modified Rashkind umbrella device, and the newly designed Lock Clamshell Occluder. Patients weighed 8 kg or more (a requirement for transvenous access with the 11F delivery sheath) and had defects suitable for closure based on two-dimensional echocardiography. The new device was at least 1.6 times the diameter of the atrial septal defect as determined by balloon sizing at catheterization. Patients were followed up by telephone, clinical examination, and echocardiography at 6 months. We attempted closure in 34 patients, with atrial septal defects ranging in diameter from 3 to 22 mm; device sizes ranged from 17 to 33 mm. Initial device position immediately after release was correct in all patients. A cerebral embolus occurred in one elderly patient before device placement--the patient died 1 week later. Two instances of early device embolization occurred, and devices were retrieved by catheter without complication. Follow-up of 31 patients discharged with devices in place, for a total of 31 patient-years, has yielded no umbrella-related complications. Adequate imaging studies in 19 patients 6.5 months after device placement revealed no atrial shunt in 12; residual flow through separate, previously unrecognized atrial septal defects occurred in two; and small residual leaks (less than 3 mm) around devices were present in five patients. This initial success indicates that double-umbrella closure of atrial septal defects will aid in the treatment of intracardiac defects.     

Closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with aneurysmal tissue using the amplazter duct occluder I: Lessons learned and medium term follow up

Objectives : The aim of this report is to describe our experience with closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PMVSD) with aneurysm using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder I (ADO I). Background : Atrio‐ventricular block (AVB) remains the most troublesome complication of device closure of PMVSDs. Many PMVSDs are associated with an aneurysm that protrudes into the right ventricle. We believe that devices implanted entirely within the VSD aneurysm avoid the risk of AVB. Methods : A retrospective analysis of patients with PMVSD and aneurysm who underwent attempted ADO I device closure between 3/2004 and 8/2010 [Rady Children's Hospital‐San Diego (n = 16), Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA (n = 4), and Straub Hospital in Honolulu (n = 1)]. Results : Twenty‐one patients (16 male) with PMVSD and aneurysm underwent cardiac catheterization for the purpose of VSD closure using an ADO I. Nineteen patients had successful ADO I implantation with the following devices: 10/8 (n = 8), 8/6 (n = 7), 6/4 (n = 3) and 12/10 (n = 2). The procedure was aborted in 2 cases due to temporary AVB and ventricular ectopy during catheterization. One patient developed hemolysis due device malposition and had surgical device retrieval and VSD closure. One patient had new trivial tricuspid regurgitation and in 5/19 the tricuspid regurgitation improved post device closure. Transient accelerated junctional rhythm occurred within 24 hr in 4 patients and nonsustained slow ventricular tachycardia occurred in one patient. At latest follow‐up (up to 6 years, median 1.9 years) 11/18 had no residual shunt, 4/18 had trivial and 3/18 small residual shunt. No AVB has been observed. Conclusions : Percutaneous closure of PMVSD with aneurysm using the ADO I appears to have acceptable efficacy and risk. Atrio‐ventricular block in up to mid‐term follow up was not encountered. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

ADO II in Percutaneous VSD Closure in Pediatric Patients

Objectives

Main aim of our study to show that ADO II device can be used for the small ventricular septal defects successfully and safely with low complication rates in pediatric population.

Background

It is hard to find an ideal device to use for every VSD successfully. If inappropriate device was chosen; complication rate increases, procedure time gets longer that prolongs exposure to ionizing radiation. Therefore interventionalists are in the search for new ideal devices.

Material

Between the dates April 2011–October 2014, 21 VSD closures with ADO‐II device. were performed. Twenty patients were included, age ranged between 4 months 18 years. Weight of the patients was between 5–76 kg.

Results

VSD diameter ranges between 2–6 mm (3.75 ± 1.25). VSD types were muscular in 2 patients, rest of them were perimembranous type. Most of the perimembranous defects (19/21) were aneursymatic and tunnel shaped. All the cases were successfully closed, no major complications were reported. There was no incidence of left bundle branch block, P‐R prolongation, or complete heart block.

Conclusion

Considering perimembraneous ventricular septal defects as difficult and risky for percutaneous closure because of its proximity to aortic, atrioventricular valves and conduction tissue, we suggest that ADO II device can be safely and effectively used for such defects in particular if an aneurysm formation is present which is also compatible with the literature. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:479–484)

     

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.     

Transcatheter Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in Infants Less than 12 Months of Age Improves Symptoms of Chronic Lung Disease

Objective. Device closure of secundum type atrial septal defects in young children has now become common with extension of this practice to children less than 1 year of age. We hypothesized that patients less than 12 months of age with moderate increases in pulmonary blood flow due to atrial septal defects may improve clinically with device closure, particularly premature infants with chronic lung disease. Design. Thirteen patients under 12 months of age have undergone atrial septal device closure at our institution from March 2002 to July 2008, with evidence of a left to right shunt by pre‐procedural echocardiogram. We evaluated concomitant conditions and device closure results. Patient charts from follow‐up visits with referring pediatric cardiologists were also reviewed. Follow‐up phone interviews were conducted with parents/guardians of patients who underwent device closure to further evaluate clinical change. Results. The patient ages ranged from 3–11 months (median 7) with weight ranges of 2.9–8.3 kg (median 6.5). Defect sizes ranged from 5–15 mm (median 9). Concomitant conditions included prematurity with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n = 8) and concern of elevated pulmonary artery pressures (n = 5). The median Qp : Qs was 1.6 with a range of 1 to 2.6. The mean pulmonary artery pressures ranged from 16 to 55 mm Hg (median 27). Eleven of 13 patients showed significant improvement in their clinical status, with a reduction in oxygen requirement (six patients) and reduced right heart pressures by echocardiogram (four patients). There were no residual defects on follow‐up echocardiograms. Conclusion. Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in infants can be safe, effective, and may be indicated for situations in which the left to right shunt may be implicated as a cause of ongoing chronic lung disease. Moderate increases in pulmonary blood flow due to atrial septal defects may have a negative clinical impact regarding continuing respiratory insufficiency in these patients.     

Echocardiographic considerations during deployment of the Helex Septal Occluder for closure of atrial septal defects

The Helex Septal Occluder is a new device used to close atrial septal defects via interventional catheterization. In order to study the role of echocardiography during its use, and to describe the morphologic variants of defects suitable for closure with this occluder, we evaluated all patients undergoing intended closure of an atrial septal defect with the Helex occluder. A combination of transthoracic, transesophageal, three-dimensional, and intracardiac echocardiography were used before, during, and after the procedure to characterize anatomy, assess candidacy for closure, guide the device during its deployment, and evaluate results. Among the 60 candidates included in the study, 11 were excluded because of transesophageal echocardiographic and/or catheterization data obtained in the laboratory. Attempts at closure were successful in 46 patients, and unsuccessful in 3. We successfully treated four types of defects. These were defects positioned centrally within the oval fossa with appreciable rims along the entire circumference of the defect, defects with deficient or absent segments of the rim, defects with aneurysm of the primary atrial septum, and defects with multiple fenestrations. Follow-up transthoracic echocardiograms taken at a median of 7 months demonstrated no residual defects in 21, trivial residual defects in 17, and small residual defects in 8 patients. In 20 patients, three-dimensional reconstructions were used to characterize the morphology of the defect and the position of the device. Because transesophageal echocardiography was often limited by acoustic interference from the device, intracardiac echocardiography was utilized in 3 cases to overcome this limitation.     

Single-center experience with the HELEX septal occluder for closure of atrial septal defects in children

Catheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is an accepted procedure among pediatric cardiologists. We report our early experience with the newest of these devices in clinical trials in the United States. Between April and October 2001, 14 patients were enrolled in an FDA phase II multicenter trial comparing the results of ASD closure using the HELEX Septal Occluder to a surgical control group. Of the 14 patients, devices were placed and left in 13, one being removed for an excessive residual leak despite placing the largest device available. Of the remaining 13 patients, all patients had successful closure of their defects. An average of 1.8 devices/patient were deployed, reflecting the learning curve for this new device and new delivery style. Six devices were replaced because of excessive residual leaks, three for premature lock release, and two for improper seating of the device. There were no procedural complications, however, one patient required device removal 4 months postimplant for possible allergic reaction to nickel. The same patient had removal of stainless steel sternal wires for the same reason. At the 6-month follow-up, 11 of 13 patients had complete closure of the ASD, the other two having small, hemodynamically insignificant left to right shunts. In one of these patients, there was complete closure at the 12-month follow-up, whereas the other patient awaits the 1-year evaluation. Early experience at our institution has demonstrated the ease of use of this device, its complete retrievability, and excellent closure of small to moderate ASDs in children.     

Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance of transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure

Objectives. This report describes transesophageal echocardiographic guidance of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects and its value as an adjunct to fluoroscopy and angiography in this procedure.Background. Experience with transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects has identified a diverse group of patients in whom it may be the procedure of choice. Although facilitating other interventional procedures, such as transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects, the value of transesophageal echocardiographic guidance for transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure has not been documented.Methods. All patients who underwent ventricular septal defect closure with transesophageal echocardiographic guidance before November 1992 were included. Angiograms and echocardiograms were reviewed to evaluate device position and relation to valve tissue during placement and to assess residual flow after device implantation. The ability of transesophageal echocardiography to assess these variables was compared with fluoroscopy and angiography.Results. Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance was used in 31 of the 83 catheterizations involving transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure performed between February 1990 and November 1992. Under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, 45 devices were implanted: 23 in muscular ventricular septal defects, 17 in residual postoperative patch margin defects and 5 in other ventricular septal defects. Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance enhanced assessment of device position and proximity to valve structures and markedly improved assessment of residual flow. Assessment of residual flow with transesophageal echocardiography elimuinated the need for multiple angiograms in some patients. Combining transesophageal echocardiography with fluoroscopy and angiography provided the most information.Conclusions. Transesophageal echocardiography facilitates transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects by improving assessment of device position and effectiveness of closure. It is indicated when device placement is likely to be difficult or may interfere with valve structures or when multiple interventional procedures are anticipated.     

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus using a new angled Amplatzer duct occluder: initial clinical experience.

In the present study, we report the initial clinical experience with the new angled Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) for the percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Percutaneous closure of PDA using standard ADO in infants and in patients with small PDA ampulla is difficult, or even impossible, due to protrusion of the aortic disk into the descending thoracic aorta. The aortic disk of an angled ADO is angled at 32 degrees to the body of the device and concave toward the aorta to prevent protrusion of the disk into the aorta. Percutaneous closure of PDA was attempted in nine patients with a median age of 5.2 years (range, 0.5-12.7) and median weight of 20 kg (range, 4.9-55). Selection of the occluder and the implantation technique were similar to the standard ADO. The minimal PDA diameter ranged from 2.1 to 3.7 mm (median, 2.5 mm). Occluders were successfully implanted in all patients. Immediate complete PDA closure was achieved in all patients. There were no complications. The new angled ADO is a safe and effective device for PDA closure, particularly suitable for infants and patients with small PDA ampulla. Further studies and long-term follow-up are necessary to confirm our initial experience.     

Transcatheter closure of muscular ventricular septal defect using the Amplatzer devices

TECHNIQUE: From November 1997 to June 2002, percutaneous transcatheter closure of muscular ventricular septal defects was attempted in seven patients. Four patients had single and three had multiple defects. Surgical closure was performed in two patients in an attempt to close a perimembranous defect, leaving behind a large apical muscular defect, which was successfully closed using a device in one patient, whilst the second patient succumbed to septicemia/endocarditis 3 weeks after failure of device implantation. One patient had previous pulmonary artery banding and in another intraoperative placement of two Clamshell devices followed by additional transcatheter closure using Gianturco coils in two different sessions was performed. RESULTS: Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect was successful in six patients. Three patients underwent closure of their ventricular septal defects using the Amplatzer Septal Occluder and in the remaining three patients. Amplatzer Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder was used. The median age was 15 months (range 14 months to 10 years) and the median weight was 7.8 kg (range 7-16 kg). The devices were deployed antegradely in all patients. Immediate complete closure was obtained in three patients while two patients had small and one had a large residual following the procedure. The later was due to another multiple muscular septal defect. Transient heart block occurred in one patient during the procedure and another patient developed heart block on day 3 post-procedure. The latter required temporary pacemaker. During the follow up, one patient who had residual multiple muscular defects underwent a successful redo transcatheter closure using two Amplatzer Muscular Ventricular Septal Occluder devices. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that transcatheter closure of muscular ventricular septal defect using Amplatzer devices is feasible and effective.     

Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects with the new self-centering Amplatzer Septal Occluder.

AIMS: The study was set up to find out whether a new self-centering prosthesis for transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects could overcome the disadvantages of previously described devices. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-two consecutive patients with a significant atrial septal defect were considered for transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder. The device, made of a Nitinol and polyester fabric mesh, provides a different approach to defect occlusion by stenting the atrial septal defect up to a stretched diameter of 26 mm. Three infants whose large defects were demonstrated on a transthoracic echocardiogram were excluded from transcatheter treatment. On transoesophageal echocardiography, 49 defects ranged from 6-26 mm, in one adult the defect measured 28 mm and this patient was excluded from attempted transcatheter closure. At cardiac catheterization in five further patients, devices were not implanted, in two because the stretched diameter exceeded 26 mm and in three the device was withdrawn because it was unstable or compromised the mitral valve. Thus, device closure was performed in 43 patients. At follow-up after 3 months the complete closure rate was 97%. CONCLUSION: The self-centering Amplatzer Septal Occluder is very efficient and user-friendly and offers interventional closure in 83% of an unselected group of patients presented with an atrial septal defect.