Key result
Percutaneous VSD occluder retrieval restores and maintains sinus rhythm in complete heart block.
Why the study?
Paroxysmal complete heart block is a rare but serious complication following percutaneous perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure, and its management remains challenging.
Case Report (n=1)
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Percutaneous retrieval of a well-positioned VSD occluder is a feasible and successful strategy for managing serious early complications like intermittent complete heart block.
BACKGROUND: Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSDs) has markedly increased with the development of newer, softer occlusion devices. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 12-year-old girl who underwent percutaneous pmVSD closure. One week later, she was admitted for paroxysmal complete heart block (CHB). She was started on intravenous corticosteroids. A percutaneous retrieval of the device was performed successfully. Sinus rhythm was maintained throughout the 8-month follow-up period. DISCUSSION: Paroxysmal CHB is a rare but serious complication following percutaneous pmVSD closure. Its management remains challenging because of the potential for recurrence despite medical therapy. To our knowledge, percutaneous retrieval of a well-positioned ventricular septal defect occluder in this context represents the first case reported in the literature. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Selecting the optimal device for pmVSD closure is crucial to ensure procedural success and reduce the risk of complications. CHB may occur immediately, early, or late after defect closure.
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Farhati et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Perimembranous ventricular septal defect and paroxysmal complete heart block (n=1). Percutaneous retrieval of VSD occlusion device was evaluated on Maintenance of sinus rhythm. Percutaneous retrieval of a well-positioned ventricular septal defect occluder successfully restored and maintained sinus rhythm over an 8-month follow-up in a patient with complete heart block.
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