Transcatheter Retrieval of Embolized AMPLATZER Septal Occluder

In selected patients, transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects with the AMPLATZER Septal Occluder has yielded excellent results. However, there is a slight risk of device embolization after deployment. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman in whom an embolized AMPLATZER device was retrieved percutaneously from the right pulmonary artery. We also discuss important technical principles for managing this uncommon but potentially severe complication.Key words: Device removal/methods, embolization, therapeutic/instrumentation, heart catheterization/instrumentation, heart septal defects, atrial/ultrasonography, patient selection, prosthesis implantation/adverse effects, prostheses and implants, septal occluder device/adverse effects, treatment outcomeTranscatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) with use of the AMPLATZER® Septal Occluder (St. Jude Medical, Inc.; St. Paul, Minn) has yielded excellent results in properly selected patients.^1,2 The major advantage of the AMPLATZER occluder is its easy retrieval at all stages of deployment before its final release from the delivery cable. Although embolization of AMPLATZER ASD occluders is rare, it can occur even when interventional cardiologists are experienced. Despite an earlier belief that the transcatheter retrieval of embolized AMPLATZER devices would be difficult, success rates from 50% to 75% have been reported.^3,4 We describe the retrieval of an embolized AMPLATZER device in a young woman. In addition, we present some technical principles with which operators practicing device closure should be familiar.     

Transcatheter closure of aortic sinus to left atrial fistula caused by erosion of Amplatzer septal occluder.

One year after Amplatzer device closure of an atrial septal defect, an aortic to left atrial fistula was diagnosed in a patient who developed a new onset murmur with no other symptoms. The fistula was closed with a 4-mm Amplatzer Septal Occluder during a transcatheter procedure, avoiding the need for cardiac surgical repair.     

Amplatzer occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections

Background: Children with complex congenital heart disease often require staged palliation to regulate systemic and pulmonary blood flow. Accessory sources of pulmonary blood flow including aortopulmonary collaterals, aortopulmonary shunts, and ventriculopulmonary connections following Glenn or Fontan palliation can be associated with elevated central venous pressures and persistent pleural drainage. Occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in this setting has traditionally been accomplished surgically. Objective: To review the efficacy of Amplatzer devices in transcatheter occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in children with complex congenital heart disease. Methods: Patients were identified and their records retrospectively reviewed for indication, procedural details, and clinical efficacy and outcome. Results: Between December 2004 and March 2008, seven patients underwent occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections using an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (3), an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (3), or an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (1). Underlying single ventricle physiology was present in six of these patients. The site of occlusion was the right ventricle to pulmonary artery (Sano) conduit in two patients, the native main pulmonary artery in three patients, the pulmonary valve in one patient, and a left ventricle to pulmonary artery homograft in one patient with biventricular physiology. There were no complications associated with these procedures. Conclusions: Amplatzer occlusion devices provide a safe and effective means of eliminating accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in children who have undergone surgical palliation of congenital heart disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Late Bacterial Endocarditis in an Intravenous Drug User With an Amplatzer Septal Occluder

Infective endocarditis of a fully endothelialized cardiac prosthesis, and especially the late presentation of endocarditis, challenges our current understanding of device-related complications. Late bacterial endocarditis associated with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder, a device frequently used to close atrial septal defects, has been documented only rarely. We report the case of an intravenous drug user who had late infective endocarditis associated with his Amplatzer Septal Occluder, secondary to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia nearly 14 years after device insertion. The patient recovered after surgical excision and débridement of the vegetative mass, which may be the first time that a surgical approach has been taken to treat this condition. This report corroborates the need for late screening of high-risk patients who have septal occluder devices.     

Transseptale Punktion nach PFO-Verschluss

Case report

The case of a 40-year-old woman with paroxysmal symptomatic atrial fibrillation and implanted occluder of a patent foramen ovale (PFO; AMPLATZER? Septal Occluder, St. Jude Medical) is reported. Due to the symptomic atrial fibrillation, pulmonary vein isolation was planned.

Methods

Under transesophageal, echocardiographic control the transseptal puncture was performed posterior inferior of the occluder without any complications. The pulmonary vein was successfully isolatedusing radiofrequency energy.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that transseptal puncture in pulmonary vein isolation with an inserted PFO occluder under additional transesophageal, echocardiographic monitoring is safe and feasible.

     

Ventricular septal defect closure in a small children with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II

Transcatheter technique for muscular ventricular septal defect closure remains challenging, particularly in small patients. We report the successful use of the low profile Amplatzer Duct Occluder II for multiple ventricular septal defect closure in an infant with D‐transposition of the great arteries, status postpulmonary artery banding. The multiple apical ventricular septal defects were successfully closed with two Amplatzer Duct Occluder II and one Amplatzer Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder during two interventional catheterizations. The patient subsequently underwent successful surgical repair. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

经食管超声心动图在房间隔缺损及伴心内其他疾患介入治疗中的应用

目的探讨经食管超声心动图(TEE)在房间隔缺损(ASD)及伴心内其他疾患介入治疗中的应用价值。方法采用TEE准确评价ASD的空间方位、大小和边缘状况，及其与周围心内结构的关系，并在TEE引导下对单纯性ASD、Lutembacher综合征，Triology of Fallot三联症(TOF3)、部分适合封堵的房间隔膨胀瘤并ASD、多发性ASD进行综合性介入治疗。结果31例中，30例用Amplatzer封堵器对ASD封堵成功。对伴发的二尖瓣狭窄、肺动脉瓣狭窄于ASD封堵前行瓣膜球囊扩张术；对多发性筛孔状ASD先行球囊房间隔造口术，然后选用匹配的封堵器封堵，无残余分流。1例封堵失败，为ASD伴永存左上腔静脉引流入重度扩张的冠状静脉窦。结论TEE对于术前病例筛选，术中引导心导管、球囊和封堵器送入、定位和释放具有重要作用。     

Transcatheter embolization of a giant coronary artery pseudoaneurysm

A 53-year-old diabetic male with sternal dehiscence presented with recurrent staphylococcus bacteremia 2 years after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). He was found to have a giant right coronary artery (RCA) pseudoaneurysm and a coronary cameral fistula on imaging. Due to excessive surgical risk, the patient underwent percutaneous treatment with a 5 mm Amplatzer vascular plug 4 (St. Jude Medical, St.Paul, MN). Post-procedure imaging showed successful cessation of flow into the pseudoaneurysm and follow-up CT scan demonstrated significant improvement in the size of the pseudoaneurysm.     

The use of two Amplatzer "Cribriform" Septal Occluders to close multiple postinfarction ventricular septal defects

Rupture of the interventricular septum is an uncommon and often fatal complication of myocardial infarction. Herein, we report the successful deployment of the Amplatzer Multi-Fenestrated Septal Occluder-"Cribriform" (AGA Medical Corporation; Plymouth, Minn) during 2 procedures to close multiple postinfarction ventricular septal defects in a severely ill patient. We show that, in selected patients who have multi-fenestrated multiple postinfarction ventricular septal defects, transcatheter implantation of the Amplatzer Cribriform Occluder can be a good therapeutic option.     

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects under echocardiographic guidance without X-ray: initial experiences.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects is performed under fluoroscopy, but echocardiography has gained an important role in the procedure. With the new Amplatzer Septal Occluder a device has become available which is easy to implant with minimal fluoroscopy time. We developed an interventional procedure with this device under transesophageal echocardiography alone without fluoroscopy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four patients (3 to 16 years of age, bodyweight 14 to 60 kg) with atrial septal defects centrally located in the oval fossa were elected for transcatheter closure. After sedation with midazolam and propofol a diagnostic and interventional catheterization was performed in all cases without fluoroscopy. Oxymetric shunt was Qp: Qs = 1.7 (1.5 to 2.1). Under transesophageal echocardiography, the defects were sized over the wire with a balloon catheter. Mean balloon stretched diameter was 10 mm (7 to 14 mm). Under transesophageal echocardiography an Amplatzer Septal Occluder was placed into the defect. In two patients this was achieved with a 5 MHz monoplane pediatric transducer, in two patients a 10mm 5 MHz multiplane probe was used. Complete closure was achieved in all patients and no complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in selected cases with an atrial septal defect located in the oval fossa and clear-cut echocardiographic findings, an Amplatzer Septal Occluder can be safely deployed under echocardiographic guidance alone.     

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.     

Combined catheter-based pulmonary valvuloplasty and atrial septal defect closure in Noonan syndrome. A case report and literature review

The first case of combined procedure of catheter-based balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty and atrial septal defect closure using Amplatzer Septal Occluder, in a patient with Noonan syndrome, is reported. The literature regarding prevalence, genetics, pattern of involvement, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this syndrome is reviewed.     

Device closure of secundum atrial septal defect in a 4.5 kilogram infant: Novel use of the Amplatzer DuctOccluder II device

Modest secundum atrial septal defects (2°ASD) may cause significant pulmonary over perfusion during infancy, particularly in conjunction with left heart obstructive lesions. Amplatzer Septal Occluders are not ideal in this setting especially given recent concerns regarding device erosion. We report the first use of the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II device (ADO2) to close a 2°ASD in a 4.5 kg infant. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder Entrapment Through Mitral Valve

We report on a 77-year-old woman in whom percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure was performed. The patient had a left atrial myxoma resection 3 years previously, and 2 years later, she suffered a transient ischemic attack. Atrial fibrillation was detected and anticoagulation therapy was established. An episode of intracranial bleeding forced interruption of anticoagulation. Thus, percutaneous LAA closure with an Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder (St Jude Medical) was proposed. During the procedure, the LAA occluder migrated and became trapped in the mitral valve. Secondary massive mitral regurgitation and hemodynamic instability forced emergent cardiac surgery. Successful removal of the Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder was achieved.     

Transcatheter occlusion of a post-Fontan residual hepatic vein to pulmonary venous atrium communication using the Amplatzer septal occluder

A residual hepatic vein to left atrial communication may result in progressive cyanosis after the Fontan procedure. This problem has usually been treated surgically by ligation or re-inclusion of the residual hepatic vein in the Fontan circulation. Previous attempts at transcatheter closure of such veins have been unsuccessful. An Amplatzer septal occluder was successfully used for transcatheter closure of a post-Fontan hepatic vein to pulmonary venous atrium fistula in an 8 year old boy.     

Treatment of elevated pulmonary artery pressure in a child after Glenn procedure: transcatheter closure of pulmonary artery banding with subsequent sildenafil therapy

An additional source of pulmonary blood flow in a patient with bidirectional Glenn procedure (BGD) may cause elevation of mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), precluding safe completion of the Fontan operation. We present a case of single ventricle physiology after pulmonary artery banding (PAB) and Glenn procedure. At the age of six years, cardiac catheterisation revealed in the patient elevated MPAP (22 mm Hg). The PAB was closed through the right internal jugular vein with an Amplatzer Atrial Septal Occluder. After the procedure, MPAP remained at a similar level. Sildenafil oral therapy was applied for six months. Subsequent heart catheterisation confirmed complete closure of PAB and decrease of MPAP to 10 mm Hg. The abovementioned complex treatment of elevated MPAP pressure in a child after Glenn therapy allowed safe completion of the Fontan operation.     

RESPECT远期随访结果能否结束PFO封堵疗效的争论？

RESPECT研究是一项前瞻性多中心随机对照试验,对卵圆孔未闭（PFO）并发不明原因脑卒中患者应用Amplatzer PFO 封堵器（St.Jude Medical,Inc.,St.Paul,MN）经导管PFO封堵+药物治疗与单独药物治疗进行对比,比较其二者在降低脑卒中复发风险方面是否有统计学差异。初步研究结果于2013年发表在新英格兰医学杂志上,其结果表明在预防不明原因脑卒中复发方面,经导管PFO封堵与药物治疗相比无统计学差异。但2015年10月15日在美国TCT会议上,公布了RESPECT研究的长期随访结果,得出了预防不明原因脑卒中复发,使用Amplatzer PFO封堵器行经导管PFO封堵优于药物治疗的最终结论。本文主要简介了RESPECT研究的主要内容和近期、远期结果,并对其作出笔者的评价。     

Catheter closure of atrial septal and ventricular septal defects using the Amplatzer devices

The Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) is a device that combines the advantages of being a double-disc with a self-centering mechanism. It is the first and only device to ever receive full approval for clinical use in children and adults with secundum atrial septal defects (AD) from the United States Food and Drug Administration. It has been used successfully to close secundum ASDs, patent foramen avale and Fontan fenestrations. The first patient to undergo closure with the ASO was approximately 6 years ago. So far the mid-term results are very encouraging with no long-term complications for the presence of the device. Complications encountered with the use of the Amplatzer septal occluder are rare and most may be managed in the catheter laboratory. Most of the complications occur in the immediate period post-implantation. The Amplatzer muscular and membranous ventricular septal defect devices are still undergoing clinical trials in the United States; however, they are fully approved in many countries. Long-term results about safety and efficacy, as well as results involving larger defects are being collected.     

Use of Amplatzer septal occluder in a case of residual atrial septal defect causing bidirectional shunting after percutaneous Inoue mitral balloon valvuloplasty

We describe a 70-year-old woman who underwent successful percutaneous Inoue antegrade-technique mitral valvuloplasty. Three months later, the patient developed right-sided heart failure. Color Doppler echocardiography and cardiac catheterization demonstrated an atrial septal defect with bidirectional shunting and no restenosis of the mitral valve (iatrogenic Lutembacher's syndrome). Percutaneous treatment was successfully accomplished using a 13 mm Amplatzer Septal Occluder (AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, Minnesota). The causes of right-to-left shunting and the effects of body position on gas exchange in such patients are also discussed.     

Percutaneous management of cyanosis in Fontan patients using Amplatzer occluders

Objectives : To determine causes of cyanosis and to evaluate percutaneous management of cyanosis in a group of consecutive Fontan patients. Background : A variety of communications allow a right‐to‐left shunt in Fontan circulation causing cyanosis and these communications are amenable to percutaneous closure. Methods : Between November 1997 and November 2007, 45 consecutive patients ranging in age from 2.5 to 26 years (median 8 years) with Fontan circulation and cyanosis underwent cardiac catheterization and percutaneous closure of superfluous communications using different types of Amplatzer occluders. Results : Altogether, 51 communications were detected and 50 of them were closed. In 5 patients (11.1%), multiple communications were present and were closed. Fenestration was detected in 37 of 41 patients (90.2%) after total cavopulmonary connection and all were closed by Amplatzer septal occluders. Five venous collaterals were revealed in 3 of 41 patients (7.3%) with total cavopulmonary anastomosis and were closed by Amplatzer vascular plugs. In 3 patients, lateral tunnel leaks were detected and were closed by Amplatzer PFO occluders. In 4 patients after Kawashima operation, 3 major pulmonary arterio‐venous malformations and single venous collateral contributed to the cyanosis and all were closed using Amplatzer vascular plugs. Conclusions : Different communications cause cyanosis in Fontan patients. Progressive decline of percutaneous oxygen saturation is suggestive of development of venous collaterals or pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Superfluous communications are amenable to percutaneous closure using various types of Amplatzer occluders. A novel use of an Amplatzer PFO occluder for the percutaneous closure of a lateral tunnel leak is described. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.