Complications associated with transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects

Objectives : To identify the complications associated with transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PmVSD) using the Amplazter PmVSD occluder (AGA Medical, USA). Methods : Between October 2002 and November 2006, transcatheter closure PmVSD was attempted in 210 patients and performed in 206 patients. Those patients were followed‐up for 6–24 months (mean, 10.6 ± 3.9 months) to identify the complications. Results : Device implantation was successfully accomplished in 206 of the 210 patients (98%). Serious complications such as high degree atrioventricular block (AV block), infective endocarditis, and device embolization occurred in eight cases (3.8%). Other complications including mild aortic or tricuspid regurgitation, femoral pseudoaneurysm, and femoral arteriovenous fistula occurred in four cases. Conclusions : Transcathter closure of PmVSD can be performed safely and successfully. But further studies should continue to evaluate the potential complications associated with this procedure. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Percutaneous thoracic aortic aneurysm repair through transcaval aortic access

Transcaval aortic access has been used for deployment of transcatheter aortic valves in patients in whom conventional arterial approaches are not feasible. This access can be vital in other situation when large bore access is needed. We described a case of 65‐year‐old man who had large thoracic descending aortic aneurysm with diffuse bilateral iliac disease precluding the arterial access required for the procedure. The patient underwent successful transcaval access with placement of 22‐Fr balloon expandable sheath followed with successful deployments of 32 mm × 32 mm × 150 mm Valiant stent graft (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). The aorto‐vena cava tract was closed successfully using 12 × 10 PDA occluder device with no residual flow at the end of the case, which was confirmed on repeated CT next day.     

Closure of Atrial Septal Defects With the Amplatzer Occlusion Device: Preliminary Results

Objectives. This study reports our clinical experience with transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) in children, using the Amplatzer, a new occlusion device.Background. None of the devices previously used for transcatheter closure of interatrial communications has gained wide acceptance.Methods. We examined the efficacy and safety of the Amplatzer, a new self-centering septal occluder that consists of two round disks made of Nitinol wire mesh and linked together by a short connecting waist. Sixteen patients with secundum ASD met established two- and three-dimensional echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization criteria for transcatheter closure. The Amplatzer’s size was chosen to be equal to or 1 mm less than the stretched diameter. The device was advanced transvenously into a 7F long guiding sheath and deployed under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. Once its position was optimal, it was released.Results. The mean ASD diameter by transesophageal echocardiography was 14.1 ± 2.3 mm and was significantly smaller (p < 0.001) than the stretched diameter of the ASD (16.8 ± 2.4 mm). The mean device diameter was 16.6 ± 2.3 mm. No complications were observed. After deployment of the prosthesis, there was no residual shunt in 13 (81.3%) of 16 patients. In three patients there was trivial residual shunt immediately after the procedure that had disappeared in two of them at the 3-month follow-up.Conclusions. The Amplatzer is an efficient prosthesis that can be safely applied in children with secundum ASD. However, a study including a large number of patients and a longer follow-up period are required before this technique can be widely used.     

Midterm follow‐up results of transcatheter treatment in patients with unroofed coronary sinus

Objective : We present the midterm results of transcatheter treatment of unroofed coronary sinus (CS) using the Amplatzer septal occluder. Background : The unroofed CS is a rare atrial septal defect communicating the left atrium and CS. Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment. Methods : In a 4.5‐year period, nine patients (five males) with ages ranging from 26 to 69 years (median 39 years) diagnosed with an unroofed CS but without a persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) underwent transcatheter treatment. Computerized tomography (CT) was performed in eight patients. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used to monitor the procedure. Results : The mean Qp/Qs ratio was 2.4 ± 1 and mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 35 ± 19 mm Hg. An Amplatzer septal occluder was deployed in all nine patients. The device was implanted in the defect in one patient and at the CS ostium in the other eight patients. The median device size used was 22 mm (16–28 mm). The left disc herniated into the CS in the single patient in whom the device was implanted within the defect. All patients were available for the 3‐month follow‐up. None had a residual shunt on the 3‐month follow‐up echocardiography. One patient died of a stroke 4.5 months after the procedure. At mean follow‐up of 42.6 ± 18.3 months, symptomatic improvement was documented in the remaining eight patients. All eight patients had an O₂ saturation above 96%. Conclusion : Transcatheter treatment for unroofed CS without persistent LSVC using Amplatzer septal occluder is safe and feasible. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, 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.     

Further experience with transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus using the Amplatzer duct occluder

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report further experience with transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO). BACKGROUND: The design of previously used devices is not ideal for this purpose, and their use has been associated with several drawbacks, especially in large PDAs. METHODS: Forty-three patients, aged 0.3 to 33 years (mean 6.4+/-6.7 years), with a moderate to large, type A to E PDA, underwent attempted transcatheter closure using the ADO. The device is a plug-shaped repositionable occluder made of 0.004-in. nitinol wire mesh. It is delivered through a 5F to 6F long sheath. The mean PDA diameter (at the pulmonary end) was 3.9+/-1.2 mm (range 2.2 to 8 mm). All patients had color flow echocardiographic follow-up (6 to 24 months) at 24 h, 1 and 3 months after closure, and at 6-month intervals thereafter. RESULTS: The mean ADO diameter was 6.1+/-1.4 mm (range 4 to 10 mm). Complete angiographic closure was seen in 40 of 43 patients (93%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 85.4% to 100%). The remaining three patients had a trivial angiographic shunt through the ADO. At 24 h, color flow mapping revealed no shunt in all patients. A 9F long sheath was required for repositioning of a misplaced 8-mm device into the pulmonary artery. The mean fluoroscopy time was 7.9+/-1.6 min (range 4.6 to 12 min). There were no complications. No obstruction of the descending aorta or the pulmonary artery branches was noted on Doppler follow-up studies. Neither thromboembolization nor hemolysis or device failure was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure using the ADO is an effective and safe therapy for the majority of patients with patency of the arterial duct. Further studies are required to establish long-term results in a larger patient population.     

A comparative study of Cardi‐O‐Fix septal occluder versus Amplatzer septal occluder in percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defects

Aim: We sought to investigate the safety and efficacy of Cardio‐O‐Fix septal occluder (CSO) in percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) as compared to the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). Methods: A consecutive of 351 patients received transcatheter ASD closure with CSO or ASO from July 2004 to October 2010 were studied. The ASDs were divided into simple‐ (isolated defects <26 mm) or complex‐types (isolated defect ≥26 mm, double or multifenestrated defects). The procedures were guided by fluoroscopy and transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography. Clinical and echocardiographic follow‐ups were arranged before discharge, at 1 month and then every 6‐month after implantation. Results: During the study period, 185 (125 males, aged 18.5 ± 15.6 years) and 166 (103 males, aged 21.0 ± 15.7 years) patients attempted CSO and ASO implants, respectively. The CSO group had similar ASD and device sizes, prevalence of complex lesions (17 vs. 16%, P = 0.796), procedural times and success rates (97% vs. 96%, P = 0.635) as compared to the ASO group. Acute residual shunts were less prevalent in CSO than ASO group and most shunts closed spontaneously at 6‐month follow‐ups. The average equipment cost per patient was lower in CSO group (US$ 4,100 vs. US$ 5,900, P < 0.001). The prevalence of device embolization and atrial arrhythmia (all <2%) were similar in both patient groups. Conclusion: Transcatheter ASD occlusion with CSO is safe and effective and it appeared to be an attractive alternative to ASO in closing simple‐type ASD because of its relatively low cost. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous and intracristal ventricular septal defects with the SHSMA occluder

Objectives : The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) and intracristal VSD (icVSD) using the Shanghai Shape Memory Alloy (SHSMA) pmVSD occluder. Background : There is still limited experience with transcatheter closure of pmVSD and icVSD. Methods : Between January 2003 and September 2010, 348 patients with pmVSD and 47 patients with icVSD underwent transcatheter closure using a SHSMA pmVSD occluder. Results : The total successful closure rate in pmVSD and icVSD subjects was 97.4 and 78.7%, respectively. During the perioperative period, no death, major bleeding or hemolysis occurred in both groups. In pmVSD group, one case of occluder dislodgement, one case of pericardial tamponade, and two cases of thromboembolism occurred. None in icVSD group had these complications. During a median of 3.2 years of follow‐up, there was no evidence of significant residual shunt and device‐related valve regurgitation. None in icVSD group and 10 patients (2.9%) in pmVSD group had a persistent arrhythmia. Overall, only one patient (0.3%) with pmVSD acquired complete atrioventricular block requiring implantation of a permanent pacemaker. The rim from the tricuspid valve to the defect < 4 mm was the only predictor of arrhythmic complications after procedure (OR = 4.24; P = 0.021). Conclusions : Transcatheter closure of pmVSD in selected patients using the SHSMA occluder is effective and safe. Transcatheter closure of icVSD in experienced hands using this device is also feasible and safe. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Role of "buttoned" double-disc device in the management of atrial septal defects.

Sixteen patients seen over a 9-month period ending in August 1990 were offered transcatheter closure of their ASD with a custom-made "buttoned" double-disc device. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and informed consent was obtained in each case. The device consists of an occluder, a counteroccluder, and a loading wire and is delivered to the ASD site via an 8F sheath. Parents of two children elected surgical closure. In five children the stretched diameter of the ASD was too large (greater than 20 mm) and transcatheter closure was not attempted. These seven children underwent elective surgical closure without incident. In one child the defect measured 5 mm and the Qp:Qs was 1.4:1 and therefore ASD closure was not recommended. In the remaining eight children transcatheter closure was attempted. In two of the children the occluder pulled through the ASD and was successfully retrieved and the children later underwent uneventful elective surgical closure. The device was implanted across the ASD in six children. In one child the device dislodged from the ASD site within minutes after implantation and the child was sent to emergency surgery, where the device was removed and the ASD was closed. In the remaining five patients, aged 7 months to 45 years (weight 3.6 to 50 kg), with a Qp:Qs range of 1.3 to 2.3 and a stretched diameter of 10 to 19 mm, the ASD closure was successful with 25 to 40 mm size devices. Repeat echo-Doppler studies 2 weeks and 3 months after the procedure in all patients and 6 months later in two children did not reveal any residual shunt. It is concluded that (1) the custom-made "buttoned" double-disc device can be implanted across the ASD safely and effectively via an 8F sheath, thus making transcatheter ASD closure feasible even in very young infants; (2) measurement of stretched diameter of the ASD in the catheterization laboratory is a useful guide for selection of an appropriate-sized device; and (3) additional clinical trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of the device.     

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect with Amplatzer® device in children aged less than 10 years old: Immediate and late follow‐up

Aims: To analyze the efficacy and follow‐up results of percutaneous closure of Atrial septal defect (ASD) with the Amplatzer® septal occluder in children aged <10 years old. Methods: Between November 1998 and September 2005, 27 patients diagnosed with ASD were treated percutaneously with an Amplatzer septal occluder. The procedure was carried out in the cathlab, under general anesthesia and with both fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography guidance. Basal physical examinations and echocardiograms were performed prior to the procedure and at 30 days, 6, and 12 months of follow‐up. Survival free of symptom was estimated by Kaplan–Meier. Results: The mean age, weight, height, body mass index, and corporal surface was: 5.35 ± 2.11 years, 23.07 ± 9.43 kg, 110.55 ± 17.6 cm, 16.77 ± 2.42 kg/m², and 1.24 ± 2.44 m². The prevalence of septal aneurysm was 3.7% and all patients presented single secundum ASD. The mean stretched diameter by fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography were 17.18 ± 6.75 mm and 16.77 ± 5.99 mm, and the prostheses sizes were 18.83 ± 6.98 mm, ranging from 10 to 30 mm. The systolic and diastolic pulmonary pressures were 25.26 ± 5.97 mm Hg and 13.38 ± 3.40 mm Hg, respectively. The procedure time was 82.92 ± 29.14 min and the hospital stay was 2.20 ± 0.26 days. Clinical and echocardiography follow‐ups were performed within 11.59 ± 4.42 months and all devices were in the correct position with no residual shunt. Right ventricular diameter decreased from 19.38 ± 5.23mm to 11.38 ± 11.92 (P 0.001). No major complications or deaths occurred; two patients had a hematoma at the vascular access. Conclusion: Secundum atrial septal defect closure can be safely and successfully performed with the Amplatzer septal occluder in children younger than 10 years old. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Three‐Dimensional CT Overlay in Comparison to CartoMerge for Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation

CT Overlay for PV Antrum Isolation . Introduction: Three‐dimensional (3D) navigation systems are widely used for pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI). To circumvent left atrial (LA) mapping, 3D CT reconstructions of the LA can be superimposed directly (CT overlay) on the fluoroscopy image to guide ablation catheters and to mark ablation sites. Methods and Results: Sixty‐eight patients (pts) with symptomatic AF refractory to medical therapy were randomly assigned to CT overlay (group 1, n = 38) or CartoMerge (group 2, n = 30). In group 1 registration of the CT image was performed with contrast injections in 2 orthogonal projections. In group 2, visualization of all pulmonary vein (PV) ostia was done by PV angiography, followed by merging of the CT image and the Carto shell. We compared procedural success, procedure time, fluoroscopy time and radiation burden, measured as dose area product (DAP). Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Procedural success, defined as disappearance of PV potentials in all PVs, was achieved in 37/38 (97%) of group 1 patients and 27/30 (90%) patients in group 2 (P = NS). Total procedure time was significantly shorter in group 1 compared to group 2 (129 ± 34 vs 181 ± 30 min, P < 0.0001). Although fluoroscopy time tended to be longer in the CT overlay group (47 ± 16 vs 40 ± 13 min, P = 0.06), proper use of diaphragmation resulted in comparable radiation values for both groups (DAP 53 ± 27 vs 56 ± 35 Gy cm², P = 0.76). Conclusions: CT overlay for PV isolation is feasible and may, in comparison to conventional LA navigation systems, shorten procedural time without increases in radiation burden. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 634‐639, June 2010)     

Comparative Changes of Pulmonary Artery Pressure Values and Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation Following Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Adults and the Elderly

Objectives. Opinions vary widely regarding the effectiveness of transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in adults, especially in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the hemodynamic changes after transcatheter ASD closure in two groups of patients, one aged 40–59 years (group 1) and one 60 years of age and older (group 2). Methods. Retrospective analysis of patient files. Results. Forty‐six patients were evaluated (23 in each group). Older patients had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and established coronary artery disease. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in Qp/Qs values, ASD diameter and occluder size. The elderly patients had significantly higher baseline systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAp) levels ?53 ± 16.2 vs. 39 ± 7.7 mm Hg, P = 0.003. One year following the procedure, the mean reduction in PAp values was 11.3% in group 1 and 19% in group 2 (P = 0.099). While significant baseline tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was more frequent in the elderly patients, no significant TR was observed in either group 1 year following the procedure. Conclusion. Transcatheter ASD closure resulted in significant hemodynamic improvement in all patients, but was even more beneficial in the elderly patient cohort.     

Perimembranous ventricular septal defect with aneurysm: two options for transcatheter closure

We present our experience with 2 options for device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect with aneurysm. Thirty-four patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect with aneurysm, aged from 14 to 42 years, underwent transcatheter closure with modified double-disk occluders. A sheath was used to deliver the occluder after establishment of a stable "arteriovenous loop" under fluoroscopy. Electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography were used for follow-up. All but 1 patient experienced successful transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect with aneurysm, when occluders were used in 2 different positions. There were 19 patients whose perimembranous ventricular septal defects were closed at the inlet of the aneurysm and 15 patients whose defects were closed at the outlet. Eight patients had a residual shunt immediately after the procedure, which disappeared during follow-up. One patient developed minor aortic regurgitation. Four patients who manifested different types of conductive block were all in the group that underwent closure at the inlet of the aneurysm. No other complications were observed during follow-up.We infer that perimembranous ventricular septal defect with aneurysm can be successfully closed with modified double-disk occluders. Each of the 2 options that we have presented for transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect with aneurysm has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the configuration of the lesion should decide the type and position of the device.     

Avoiding pacemaker lead entrapment during PFO closure

We present a case of a patient with a history of cryptogenic stroke and implanted dual‐chamber pacemaker referred for transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). During the procedure ventricular lead of the pacemaker was found to run alongside the PFO. This interrupted correct positioning and deployment of the Amplatzer occluder without sandwiching of the lead. A self‐prepared pigtail catheter with a cut off tip was used to move the lead away from the PFO. Subsequently, an occluder was successfully placed. In conclusion, difficulties in Amplatzer occluder placement in patients with implanted pacemaker may be overcome by a manoeuvre which prevents lead entrapment by the device. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Endoscopic mucosal resection with a ligation device or endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal carcinoid tumors: An analysis of 24 consecutive cases

Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has several advantages over conventional endoscopic mucosal resection, including a higher en bloc resection rate and more accurate pathological estimation. However, ESD is a complex procedure that requires advanced endoscopic skills. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic mucosal resection with a ligation device (EMR‐L) compared to ESD for rectal carcinoid tumors. Methods: Between September 2003 and April 2011, 24 rectal carcinoid tumors in 24 patients treated by ESD or EMR‐L were retrospectively analyzed. The indications for endoscopic treatment were node‐negative rectal carcinoid tumors. We compared the therapeutic outcomes of the ESD group (n = 13) and the EMR‐L group (n = 11). Results: Both groups had similar mean tumor sizes (ESD: 5.5 ± 2.1 mm; EMR‐L: 4.4 ± 2.2 mm). The rates of en bloc and complete resection were, respectively, 100% and 92.3% for ESD, and 100% and 100% for EMR‐L. Perforations did not occur in either group. Postoperative bleeding occurred in one EMR‐L case, and it was endoscopically managed. However, there were no differences in therapeutic outcomes between the two groups. The mean procedure time was longer in the ESD group (28.8 ± 16.2 min) than in the EMR‐L group (17.4 ± 4.4 min), without a significant difference. The mean hospitalization period was significantly shorter in the EMR‐L group (1.8 ± 3.1 day) than in the ESD group (6.2 ± 2.1 day), and eight EMR‐L cases were treated in an outpatient setting. Conclusions: EMR‐L is a simple and effective procedure that compares favorably to ESD for small rectal carcinoid tumors.     

Novel streamlined technique for left atrial appendage closure using a radiofrequency wire-based large access system

Introduction

Transseptal puncture (TSP) to allow for large delivery sheath left atrial (LA) access remains a challenging aspect of LA appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with prior history of TSP, thick or lipomatous septum, atrial septal aneurysms, or other complex cardiac anatomies. This study investigates the use of the VersaCross large access (VLA) system (Baylis Medical/Boston Scientific) to improve procedural efficiency of LAAC compared to the standard needle workflow.

Methods and Results

Fifty LAAC procedures using WATCHMAN FLX between November 2021 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed comparing the VLA workflow (n = 25) to the standard needle workflow (n = 25). Study primary endpoint was time to procedural efficiency, and secondary endpoints included TSP time, acute LAAC success, fluoroscopy use, device recaptures, and periprocedural complications. Acute LAAC was successfully completed in all cases with no intraprocedural complications. TSP time was faster, but not significant, using the VLA workflow compared to the standard RF needle workflow (2.6 ± 1.1 min vs. 3.0 ± 1.8 min, p = 0.38). Time to WATCHMAN sheath in LA from TSP was 27% faster (1.5 ± 0.8 min vs. 2.1 ± 0.9 min; p = 0.03), and time to WATCHMAN release from TSP was 19% faster (10.5. ± 2.5 min vs. 13.0 ± 3.7 min; p = 0.01) with the VLA workflow. Overall procedure time was 15% faster (30.4 ± 5.1 min vs. 36.0 ± 6.6 min; p = 0.003) using VLA. Fluoroscopy time was 25% lower (4.0 ± 2.2 min vs. 5.5 ± 2.3 min; p = 0.003) and fluoroscopy dose was 60% lower (97.0 ± 91.7 mGy vs. 241.8 ± 240.6 mGy; p = 0.01) and more consistent [F-test, p ˂ 0.0001] using the VLA workflow compared to the needle workflow.

Conclusion

The VLA system streamlines LAAC procedures, improving LAAC efficiency and reducing fluoroscopy use by allowing for de novo dilation of the septum for large-bore delivery sheaths, and reducing device exchanges and delivery sheath manipulation.     

Transcatheter closure of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer duct occluder.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the acute and follow-up results of transcatheter closure of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with the Amplatzer duct occluder. METHODS: Between April 2000 and June 2005, 237 patients underwent attempted transcatheter closure of PDA, of whom Amplatzer duct occluder was used in 68 patients with moderate-to-large-sized PDA (45 females, with ages ranging from 56 days to 75 years, median 3.3 years). Moderate to large PDA is defined as ductus diameter > or =2.5 mm (> or =3 mm in early phase of this study) in infants and young children, or > or =4 mm in adolescents and adults. The size of device selected was generally at least 1-2 mm larger than ductus diameter. RESULTS: The ductus diameter ranged from 2.5 to 8.5 mm (4.1 +/- 1.3 mm). Amplatzer duct occluder was successfully deployed in 66 out of 68 patients. The size of device deployed ranged from 4 to 12 mm (6.3 +/- 1.6 mm). The causes of failure in the 2 patients included calcification of ductus resulting, in failure in advancing a sheath to descending aorta in 1 and kinking of a Cook sheath in the other. Distal embolization of the device occurred several hours later in one. After the device was retrieved percutaneously, the patient was sent to surgery. No other significant complications occurred. In the 3-month follow-up, complete occlusion was achieved in all patients. No patient had left pulmonary artery stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of moderate-to-large-sized ductus with Amplatzer ductus occluder is effective and safe.     

经导管介入性治疗动脉导管未闭68例临床疗效分析

目的 :应用Amplatzer堵闭器经导管介入性治疗动脉导管未闭 (PDA)并对其疗效进行初步分析。方法 :于主动脉弓降部造影 ,测量PDA大小 ,在透视下经传送装置将Amplatzer堵闭器置入PDA内 ,使之在PDA最窄处固定 ,即刻或 10min后再次造影。术后 2 4h行超声心动图 (UCG)检查。结果 :全组技术成功率 10 0 %。术后 6 1例 (89 7% )即刻无分流 ;7例 (10 3% )即刻有少量残余分流 ,其中 4例术后2 4hUCG示分流消失 ;肺动脉高压者术后均有所下降。结论 :应用Amplatzer堵闭器治疗动脉导管未闭操作方法简便、治疗范围广、成功率高 ,不失为很有前途的代替开胸手术的介入性治疗方法     

Transcatheter closure of a traumatic VSD in an adult requiring an ASD occluder device

Traumatic ventricular septal defects (VSD) can occur after blunt or penetrating chest trauma or cardiac procedures. There are few publications reporting the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of traumatic VSDs. We report a case of a large VSD resulting from penetrating chest trauma that was not repaired at the initial surgical procedure on the disrupted right ventricle. Because of the late identification of the VSD postoperatively, transcatheter closure after the original surgical procedure was recommended and performed requiring an Amplatzer atrial septal defect occluder device because of defect size and configuration. This case describes the technique and postprocedure imaging leading to a cautionary note regarding VSD closure device techniques. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

应用Amplatzer封堵器经导管治疗直径≥8mm动脉导管未闭的疗效评价

目的 :应用 Amplatzer封堵器经导管治疗直径≥ 8mm的大型动脉导管未闭 （PDA）并对其疗效进行评价。方法 :全组 5 0例 ,年龄 2 6 .4± 2 3.2 （4.0～ 6 0 .0 ）岁。 PDA最窄处直径为 10 .2± 2 .3（8.0～ 15 .0 ） mm。封堵 10 m in后行侧位降主动脉造影 ,术后 1d及 1月行超声心动图检查 ,观察有无残余分流及 PDA再通。结果 :47例 PDA采用Amplatzer PDA封堵器治疗 ,2例采用 Amplatzer ASD封堵器治疗 ,1例 PDA伴有阻力性肺动脉高压未行介入治疗。术后 10 min降主动脉造影显示 ,19例存在微～少量残余分流 ,30例封堵完全无残余分流。术后 2 4h、术后 1月超声心动图未见残余分流及再通。结论 :应用 Am platzer封堵器治疗直径≥ 8mm的大型动脉导管未闭是一种安全有效的介入方法。