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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects
Carlos A C Pedra1, Simone R F Pedra, Cesar A Esteves
1Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, Av Dr Dante, Passanese 500, CEP 04012 180, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. cacpedra@uol.com.br
Insights
Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using the Amplatzer device shows promising results. This minimally invasive approach offers a high closure rate with fewer complications compared to surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSD) are common congenital heart defects.
- Surgical repair, while effective, carries risks of morbidity like arrhythmias and residual leaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous closure for pmVSD.
- To assess the performance of the Amplatzer membranous ventricular septal defect occluder.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical experience with the Amplatzer pmVSD occluder.
- Analysis of procedural success rates and complication incidence.
Main Results:
- The Amplatzer device demonstrates a high rate of complete closure for pmVSD.
- Mid-term follow-up indicates a low incidence of complications associated with percutaneous closure.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous closure of pmVSD with the Amplatzer occluder is a safe and effective alternative to surgery.
- This technique may minimize complications associated with traditional surgical repair.
Abstract:
The isolated perimembranous ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital cardiac malformations. Although surgery has been performed and has a low associated risk, it still involves morbidity due to factors such as residual leaks, atrioventricular block, postpericardiotomy syndrome and arrhythmias. It has been speculated that percutaneous closure of these defects could minimize such complications. Recently, a device designed specifically for perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure, the Amplatzer membranous ventricular septal defect occluder, has been developed. Initial clinical experience with this device has been very encouraging with results showing a high rate of complete closure and a low incidence of complications at mid-term follow-up. In this article, the authors review their own and others' experience with this device.
