The experience of transcatheter closure of postoperative ventricular septal defect after total correction

The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with patients who underwent transcatheter closure of a post-operative ventricular septal defect (VSD).

All patients who underwent transcatheter closure of a VSD after total correction of congenital heart disease since 2012 were enrolled. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine the patients’ initial diagnosis, closure device used, and final outcome after device closure.

Six patients with a median age of 17.7 years (range: 7 months–48 years) underwent transcatheter closure of an unresolved VSD. The median time interval from the initial corrective surgery to the percutaneous closure procedure was 10.4 years (range: 0.3–33.0 years). The initial diagnoses included tetralogy of Fallot (one patient), VSD (two patients), double outlet of the right ventricle (two patients), and aortic valve stenosis (one patient). The reasons for unresolved VSD (other than leakage) after corrective surgery included previous fenestration (in two patients), and iatrogenic Gerbode shunt (in one patient). Various devices were used, including the Amplatzer duct occluder I, Amplatzer duct occluder II, Amplatzer vascular plug II, and Cocoon membranous VSD occluder. Only one device was used in each patient. There were no major complications associated with the closure procedures. The immediate results were satisfactory. The median follow-up duration was 2.75 years. All cases were successful, with the exception of minimal leak in one patient.

Transcatheter device closure of post-operative VSD can be performed using various device types of devices and is safe and effective. But more experiences are mandatory.