Complications associated with transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects

OBJECTIVES: To identify the complications associated with transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PmVSD) using the Amplazter PmVSD occluder (AGA Medical, USA). METHODS: Between October 2002 and November 2006, transcatheter closure PmVSD was attempted in 210 patients and performed in 206 patients. Those patients were followed-up for 6-24 months (mean, 10.6 +/- 3.9 months) to identify the complications. RESULTS: Device implantation was successfully accomplished in 206 of the 210 patients (98%). Serious complications such as high degree atrioventricular block (AV block), infective endocarditis, and device embolization occurred in eight cases (3.8%). Other complications including mild aortic or tricuspid regurgitation, femoral pseudoaneurysm, and femoral arteriovenous fistula occurred in four cases. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of PmVSD can be performed safely and successfully. But further studies should continue to evaluate the potential complications associated with this procedure.