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Accidental closure of the left upper pulmonary vein with an Amplatzer atrial septal defect occluder

Fabien Praz1, Marc Carlier, Bernhard Meier

  • 1Professor and Chairman of Cardiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center Bern, University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland. bernhard.meier@insel.ch

The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|October 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A patient undergoing atrial septal defect closure experienced accidental obliteration of a pulmonary vein. Despite this complication, the patient remained asymptomatic, highlighting a unique clinical outcome.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is a common procedure.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography and fluoroscopy are standard guidance methods.
  • Pulmonary vein stenosis can cause significant respiratory symptoms.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old male underwent percutaneous ASD closure.
  • An Amplatzer ASD occluder device was used for the procedure.
  • The upper left pulmonary vein was unintentionally obliterated during closure.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced no immediate or delayed symptoms.
  • Absence of exertional dyspnea, cough, or hemoptysis was noted.
  • This contrasts with typical presentations of pulmonary vein stenosis.

Implications:

  • This case suggests potential for asymptomatic tolerance of pulmonary vein obliteration.
  • It may prompt re-evaluation of the clinical significance of minor pulmonary vein anomalies.
  • Further investigation into the anatomical and physiological factors allowing for this outcome is warranted.

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