Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Transcatheter closure of symptomatic aortopulmonary window in an infant
F Pillekamp1, T Hannes, D Koch
1Pediatric Cardiology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
Insights
Device closure is a feasible treatment for aortopulmonary windows in infants. A 12-month-old infant with an aortopulmonary window underwent successful catheter-based closure using an Amplatzer septal occluder.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Aortopulmonary window (APW) is a rare congenital cardiac defect.
- Surgical repair is the standard treatment for symptomatic neonates and infants with APW.
- Catheter-based closure is an emerging alternative for selected infants.
Observation:
- This report details the case of a 12-month-old infant with an APW.
- The infant underwent successful transcatheter closure of the APW.
- A 6mm Amplatzer septal occluder device was utilized for the closure.
Findings:
- The catheter-based closure of the aortopulmonary window was technically successful.
- The procedure was performed without complications.
- Post-procedure follow-up was uneventful, indicating a favorable outcome.
Implications:
- Transcatheter closure of APW using devices like the Amplatzer septal occluder is a viable therapeutic option.
- This minimally invasive approach may offer an alternative to surgery in select pediatric patients.
- Further research can explore the long-term efficacy and safety of device closure for APW.
Abstract:
An aortopulmonary window is a rare congenital cardiac defect. In the majority of symptomatic neonates and infants, primary surgical repair is the treatment of choice. In selected infants, catheter closure of the defect with a device may be feasible. We report on the successful closure of an AP window in a 12 month old infant, using a 6mm Amplatzer septal occluder. The procedure and follow-up were uneventful.

