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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Embolized Amplatzer septal occluder device presenting with ventricular fibrillation
Murat Yuce1, Orhan Ozer, Musa Cakici
1Cardiology Surgery Department, School of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey. myuce@gantep.edu.tr
Summary
Amplatzer septal occluder embolization into the right ventricle caused ventricular fibrillation (VF) in a patient. This rare complication, leading to immediate surgery, has not been previously reported.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- The Amplatzer septal occluder is widely used for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure with a low complication rate.
- Device embolization is a rare complication, occurring in approximately 0.3-0.55% of cases.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male developed ventricular fibrillation (VF) one hour after successful secundum ASD closure with a 26-mm Amplatzer septal occluder.
- Echocardiography revealed the occluder device freely floating within the right heart chambers.
Findings:
- The embolized Amplatzer septal occluder migrated to the right ventricle, causing VF.
- Percutaneous retrieval of the device was unsuccessful, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.
Implications:
- This case highlights a previously unreported complication of Amplatzer septal occluder use: VF secondary to device embolization.
- Physicians should be aware of this rare but serious complication and its potential management challenges.
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