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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Transcatheter closure of a ventricular septal defect following myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Christian Spies1, Franz Ujivari, Rainer Schraeder
1Rush University Medical Center, Section of Cardiology, Chicago, Ill., USA.
Insights
Transcatheter closure is a viable alternative for post-operative ventricular septal defects (VSD) after hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) surgery. A 10-mm VSD was successfully closed using an Amplatzer device, avoiding repeat sternotomy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Post-operative ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare complication following septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).
- Repeat early sternotomy for VSD closure poses significant risks and patient burden.
Observation:
- A 10-mm VSD was identified post-operatively in a patient who underwent surgical therapy for HOCM.
- Transcatheter closure was considered as a less invasive alternative to re-operation.
Findings:
- Successful closure of the 10-mm VSD was achieved using an Amplatzer Muscular VSD Occluder.
- The transcatheter approach provided an effective solution for managing this complication.
Implications:
- Transcatheter VSD closure represents a promising alternative to surgical re-intervention for post-myectomy VSDs.
- This approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with managing HOCM complications.
Abstract:
Post-operative ventricular septal defect (VSD) following septal myectomy in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a rare complication which may warrant closure. Repeat early sternotomy for surgical closure of the VSD seems undesirable and transcatheter VSD closure may be a valid alternative. We report the case of successful closure of a 10-mm VSD following surgical therapy for HOCM using an Amplatzer Muscular VSD Occluder.
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