Catheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using the new Amplatzer membranous VSD occluder: initial clinical experience.

The surgical closure of membranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) is associated with morbidity and low mortality. Six patients with VSDs located in the membranous part of the ventricular septum underwent an attempt of catheter closure using a new device specifically designed for the membranous septum. Patients ranged in age from 3.5 to 19 years (median, 10.5 years) and in weight from 15 to 45 kg (median, 29 kg). One patient with associated pulmonary valve stenosis had shortness of breath. The median Qp/Qs ratio was 1.6 (range, 1.1-3) and the median left ventricle end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) was 44 mm (range, 38-52 mm). The devices were deployed via the femoral vein using 7-8 Fr sheaths. There was immediate complete closure in all patients. One patient developed trivial aortic regurgitation. There were no other complications. The median fluoroscopy time was 15.5 min (range, 10.3-53.4 min). At 24 hr, all patients were doing well. The median LVEDD decreased to 38 mm (range, 34-47 mm). One patient continued to have trace aortic regurgitation. All patients were discharged home after 24 hr. Transcatheter occlusion of membranous VSDs is safe and effective. Further clinical trials are underway to assess the long-term safety and results. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.