Mid-term Follow-up of the Transcatheter Closure of Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects in Children Using the Amplatzer

Background: The ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common form of congenital heart defects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the early complications and mid-term follow-up of the transcatheter closure of the VSD using the Amplatzer VSD Occluder. Methods: Between April 2012 and October 2013, 110 patients underwent the percutaneous closure of the perimembranous VSD. During the procedure, the size and type of the VSD were obtained via ventriculography. A device at least 2 mm larger than the VSD diameter measured via ventriculography was deployed. The size of the VSD, size of the Amplatzer, and device-size to VSD-size ratio were calculated. After the confirmation of the suitable position of the device via echocardiography and left ventriculography, the device was released. Follow-up evaluations were done at discharge as well as at 1, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter for the VSD occlusion and complete heart block. Results: The study population comprised 62 females and 48 males. The mean age and weight of the patients at procedure were 4.3 ± 5.6 years (range: 2 to 14) and 14.9 ± 10.8 kg (range: 10 to 43). The average device size was 7.0 ± 2.5 mm (range: 4 to 14). The VSD occlusion rate was 72.8% at the completion of the procedure and rose up to 99.0% during the follow-up. The most serious significant complication was complete atrioventricular block, which was seen in 2 patients. The mean follow-up duration was 10.9 ± 3.6 months. Conclusion: The transcatheter closure of the perimembranous VSD was a safe and effective treatment with excellent closure rates in our study population. This procedure had neither mortality nor serious complications.