Primary percutaneous closure of a traumatic ventricular septal defect after stab wound to the chest: a case report

BACKGROUND: Traumatic ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are life-threatening complications of blunt or stab chest trauma. The standard of care is surgical closure or secondary percutaneous closure due to high surgical risk because of recent sternotomy. CASE SUMMARY: We present a 22-year-old male with an ice pick–related VSD. It was successfully closed by primary percutaneous approach. After 6 months, the echo Doppler shows no residual shunt, normal pulmonary artery pressure, and normal biventricular function. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is one of the first primary percutaneous closures for knife-related VSD. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent heart failure and long-term complications. Less necrotic tissue surrounding the VSD compared with post-infarction (PI) VSD allows for early and secure treatment. Percutaneous closure is a feasible and effective choice even in patients who had no prior sternotomy or who reject surgery as a primary treatment strategy.