Percutaneous Closure of Postmyocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect remains an important complication for myocardial infarction. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Despite early surgical closure attempts, mortality remains about 19–49%. Percutaneous approach, especially in high surgical risk patients is a promising alternative to traditional surgical closure, thus avoiding the deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and the ventriculotomy. The Amplatzer P.I. Ventricular Septal Defect Occluder is a device specifically designed to percutaneously close these defects in adult patients. The results reported using this device are comparable (if not better) to those for surgical closure. Here, we review the experience using this device and depict in detail the technical aspects of the procedure.