Transcatheter closure of acquired left ventricle to right atrium shunts

We describe transcatheter closure of an acquired Gerbode defect (left ventricle to right atrium shunt) in four patients, ranging in age from 8 to 75 years. All of them had undergone previous surgery (VSD closure in 3, aortic valve replacement in 1), and either had persistent symptoms of heart failure, or developed new symptoms several months or years later. The diagnosis was made by one of several imaging modalities (transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography, or MRI), and confirmed at cardiac catheterization. Device closure using a variety of devices was successful in all, with resolution of symptoms. One patient developed complete heart block, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. Transcatheter closure is effective, and may replace surgery in the management of these defects.