Utilization of 3 amplatzer occluders for closure of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect

This case report describes a patient who sustained a post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) with an associated left ventricular aneurysm who developed cardiogenic shock and required an intra-aortic balloon pump for hemodynamic stabilization. After deployment of a single Amplatzer occluder (AGA Medical), a residual VSD measuring 0.5 cm was noted. Therefore, a second Amplatzer occluder was deployed and a minimal residual VSD remained. The patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure and was subsequently extubated with removal of intra-aortic balloon pump. Post-discharge, the patient was readmitted with congestive heart failure. A third Amplatzer device was deployed to ameliorate the recurrent VSD shunt. At 9-week follow-up, transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and findings included: 1) left ventricular ejection fraction of 62%; 2) appearance of 3 Amplatzer devices along the interventrcular septum seated well with no motion and residual shunt; 3) moderate diastolic dysfunction with pseudonormal left ventricular filling pattern; and 4) no valvular abnormalities. The patient had increased exercise tolerance with no shortness of breath at rest or with exertion. This case demonstrates the utility and viability of multiple Amplatzer device deployment as a means of repairing a large post-myocardial infarction VSD and recurrent VSDs.