[Multicentre study of percutaneous closure of interventricular muscular defects with the aid of an Amplatzer duct occluder prosthesis].

Percutaneous closure of interventricular defects is an alternative or adjunct to surgery with the disadvantage of a sometimes prolonged and difficult catheterisation only during which the choice of prosthesis can be determined. Despite the existence of an occlusion prosthesis, the Amplatzer Septal Defect Occluder, specifically conceived for this purpose, an arterial canal occlusion prosthesis such as the Amplatzer Duct Occluder is sometimes better suited for the occlusion of certain interventricular defects. Since 1999, 11 Amplatzer Duct Occluders were used for the closure of interventricular muscular defects, during 10 catheterisations in 9 patients with a median age of 2.5 (0.1 to 43.9) years. In 5 cases there were residual septal defects after failure of initial surgery. 10 were successful with prostheses of 6/4 mm to 12/10 mm while in one patient the interventricular communication had to be closed surgically because the 14/12 mm prosthesis could not be positioned due to a tortuous introduction route. The only complication was a pericardial effusion requiring surgical drainage in one infant. After a median follow up of 2.1 (0.3 to 4.2) years, all of the patients had a satisfactory functional status, with minimal residual shunt on echocardiography in 2 cases. The Amplatzer Duct Occluder therefore seems better adapted for the closure of post-operative residual interventricular communications, with a thickened interventricular septum or even when the tricuspid valve is very close to the right ventricular side of the orifice.