Medium to long-term echo follow-up after ventricular septal defect device closure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

• Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are common congenital heart abnormalities.
• Transcatheter closure offers an alternative to surgical repair for VSDs.
• Amplatzer devices are frequently used for percutaneous VSD closure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the medium to long-term echocardiographic outcomes of perimembranous and muscular VSD closure using Amplatzer devices.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of transcatheter VSD closure.
• To identify potential device-related complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 49 patients undergoing percutaneous VSD closure with Amplatzer devices.
• Detailed echocardiographic assessment including transthoracic and transesophageal views.
• Follow-up duration averaged 54.5 months.

Main Results:

• Successful closure achieved in 45/49 patients (91.84% success rate).
• Complete closure observed in 91% of patients at follow-up; 9% had tiny residual defects.
• Mild aortic regurgitation developed in 13.3% and tricuspid regurgitation in 29% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Transcatheter closure of perimembranous and muscular VSDs with Amplatzer devices is an effective procedure.
• Regular echocardiographic follow-up is essential to monitor for device-related complications, particularly valvular regurgitation.
• Long-term surveillance is recommended for patients undergoing percutaneous VSD closure.