Results of Transcatheter Closure of Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect

This study reports the midterm results and experience of a single center of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) with Amplatzer membranous VSD occluders. Data of 301 patients who underwent attempted transcatheter closure were collected prospectively from May 2002 to December 2008. Patientsʹ mean age was 9.8 years, and their mean weight was 32 kg. The procedure was successful in 294 patients (97.6%). No death occurred. Complications included aortic regurgitation in 11 patients (3.7%, 2 requiring occluder retrieving), tricuspid regurgitation in 16 patients (5.4%), hemolysis in 2 patients (0.7%), and complete atrioventricular block (cAVB) in 17 patients (15 early cAVBs, 3 late cAVBs, 1 patient had early and late cAVBs). Among the 15 early cAVBs, 12 were transient and 3 were considered prolonged cAVBs (persisted >2 weeks). The 3 patients underwent surgery (1.0%) and obtained stable sinus rhythm. Pacemaker implantation was needed in all 3 patients with late cAVB (1.0%). Univariate analysis showed that risk factors were age (p = 0.01) and weight (p = 0.021). No risk factors were found in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, midterm results of transcatheter closure of perimembranous VSD showed high closure rate and limited complications. The major concern is the occurrence of cAVB. Long-term investigation is needed to assess the efficacy and safety compared to surgery.