Transfemoral Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect Device Closure in Infants Weighing ≤ 10 kg

Abstract

Transcatheter closure of Perimembranous VSDs (PMVSD) remains challenging particularly in infants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transfemoral PMVSD device closure in infants weighing ≤ 10 kg in a single centre. Retrospective review of departmental databases and medical charts to define patient cohort and collect demographic, procedural and follow-up data. Between July 2014 and March 2021, 16 patients underwent attempted transfemoral PMVSD device closure (12 retrograde) at a median age of 11 months (interquartile range [IQR] 9–15.5) and a median weight of 8.3 kg (IQR 7.2–9.5). All patients were either symptomatic, had progressive left heart dilation or had VSD associated valve regurgitation. Median defect size on pre-procedural transoesophageal echocardiography was 6.8 mm (IQR 6–8.5). Median device waist size was 6 mm (IQR 4.5–8). Successful device placement was achieved in 14 patients (88%). One patient developed moderate aortic and tricuspid valve regurgitation upon retrograde and antegrade device deployment, respectively, and subsequently underwent surgical closure. The second patient developed progressive aortic regurgitation (AR) 2 days post procedure, and also underwent surgical removal with no residual AR. There was no cases of device embolization and no femoral arterial compromise. On median follow-up of 40.5 months (IQR 25–64), none of the patients developed complete heart block. Three patients (18.75%) had small residual shunts at latest follow-up which have not required any further intervention. Device closure of PMVSD’s in children weighing ≤ 10 kg is feasible and safe with good procedural success rates. Use of both the antegrade and retrograde approaches may be necessary depending on anatomical variances.