Feasibility of retrograde approach for percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defect under solely guidance of transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract

To evaluate the feasibility of retrograde transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD) under trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). Twelve patients with VSD, with 4 residual shunt, treated by transcatheter VSD closure under solely guidance of TEE were summarized. Mean age, body weight and average diameter of VSD in 12 cases were (11.58±6.57) years, (31.85±13.28) kg, (5.50±2.20) mm, respectively. All patients were treated by retrograde transcatheter closure under solely guidance of TEE. The post-operative efficiency was estimated by TEE immediately. Patients were followed up by echocardiography, X-ray examination and electrocardiogram at 24 hours, 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedures. All 12 patients were treated successfully under solely guidance of TEE. The diameter of devices were 5-14 mm. There were 1 case with trivial residual shunt after the procedures immediately. No patients suffered from residual shunt, occluder malposition, peripheral vascular injury and pericardial effusion during the follow-up. Percutaneous transcatheter closure of VSD completely guided by TEE is safe and effective. This method could avoid the radiation and contrast media reaction, and also could simplify the procedure.