Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
[Atrioventricular block after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure using the Amplatzer septal occluder(®)]
A Chantepie1, B Lefort, N Soulé
1Service de médecine pédiatrique, unité de cardiologie, hôpital Gatien-de-Clocheville, université François-Rabelais, CHRU, 49, boulevard Béranger, 37044 Tours cedex, France.
Insights
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) using Amplatzer devices can cause atrioventricular block in children. Close cardiac monitoring is essential after this minimally invasive procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) is a common alternative to surgical repair in pediatric patients.
- The Amplatzer Septal Occluder is frequently used for ASD closure.
Observation:
- A case of complete atrioventricular block (AVB) developed in a 13-year-old child following transcatheter ASD closure.
- The AVB resolved spontaneously over several days, but first-degree AVB persisted at 1-year follow-up.
Findings:
- The use of large closure devices in young children and a deficient postero-inferior rim are potential risk factors for developing AVB after ASD closure.
- Complete AVB can occur post-procedure, with potential for long-term conduction abnormalities.
Implications:
- Transcatheter ASD closure necessitates vigilant cardiac rhythm monitoring in pediatric patients.
- Identifying and mitigating risk factors like device size and anatomical rim characteristics may reduce the incidence of AVB.
Abstract:
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in children is now an accepted treatment as an alternative to surgery. We report a case of complete atrioventricular block (AVB) observed over several days after closure of an ASD with an Amplatzer Septal Occluder(®) in a 13-year-old child. The spontaneous outcome was good with regression of the complete AVB, but 1 year later, a first-degree AVB was still present. The use of large devices in young children and a small postero-inferior rim seem to be risk factors of AVB. Transcatheter closure of ASD requires close monitoring of cardiac rhythm.
