Amplatzer occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections

Children with complex congenital heart disease often require staged palliation to regulate systemic and pulmonary blood flow. Accessory sources of pulmonary blood flow including aortopulmonary collaterals, aortopulmonary shunts, and ventriculopulmonary connections following Glenn or Fontan palliation can be associated with elevated central venous pressures and persistent pleural drainage. Occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in this setting has traditionally been accomplished surgically.

To review the efficacy of Amplatzer devices in transcatheter occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in children with complex congenital heart disease.

Patients were identified and their records retrospectively reviewed for indication, procedural details, and clinical efficacy and outcome.

Between December 2004 and March 2008, seven patients underwent occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections using an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (3), an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (3), or an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (1). Underlying single ventricle physiology was present in six of these patients. The site of occlusion was the right ventricle to pulmonary artery (Sano) conduit in two patients, the native main pulmonary artery in three patients, the pulmonary valve in one patient, and a left ventricle to pulmonary artery homograft in one patient with biventricular physiology. There were no complications associated with these procedures.

Amplatzer occlusion devices provide a safe and effective means of eliminating accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in children who have undergone surgical palliation of congenital heart disease.