Catheter Closure Research Articles

School electrocardiography screening program prompts the detection of otherwise unrecognized atrial septal defect in children in Japan.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart disease that often presents without symptoms or murmurs. If left untreated, children with ASD can develop comorbidities in adulthood. In Japan, school electrocardiography (ECG) screening has been implemented for all 1st, 7th, and 10th graders. However, the impact of this program in detecting children with ASD is unknown. This is a retrospective study that analyzed consecutive patients with ASD who underwent catheterization for surgical or catheter closure at ≤18 years of age during 2009-2019 at a tertiary referral center in Japan. Of the overall 116 patients with ASD (median age: 3.0 years of age at diagnosis and 8.9 years at catheterization), 43 (37%) were prompted by the ECG screening (Screening group), while the remaining 73 (63%) were by other findings (Non-screening group). Of the 49 patients diagnosed at ≥6 years of age, 43 (88%) were prompted by the ECG screening, with the 3 corresponding peaks of the number of patients at diagnosis. Compared with the non-screening group, the screening group exhibited similar levels of hemodynamic parameters but had a lower proportion of audible heart murmur, which were mainly prompted by the health care and health checkups in infancy or preschool period. Patients positive for a composite parameter (rsR' type of iRBBB, inverted T in V4, or ST depression in the aVF lead) accounted for 79% of the screening group at catheterization, each of which was correlated with hemodynamic parameters in the overall patients. The present study shows that school ECG screening detects otherwise unrecognized ASD, which prompted the diagnosis of the majority of patients at school age and >one-third of overall patients in Japan. These findings suggest that ECG screening program could be an effective strategy for detecting hemodynamically significant ASD in students, who are asymptomatic and murmurless.

Abstract 17665: School Electrocardiography Screening Program Prompts the Detection of Otherwise Unrecognized Atrial Septal Defect in Children in Japan

Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart disease that often presents without symptoms or murmurs. If left untreated, children with ASD can develop comorbidities in adulthood. In Japan, school electrocardiography (ECG) screening has been implemented for all 1st, 7th, and 10th graders. However, the impact of this program in detecting children with ASD is unknown. Hypothesis: School ECG screening program prompts the detection of otherwise unrecognized ASD in children in Japan. Methods: This is a retrospective study that analyzed consecutive patients with ASD who underwent catheterization for surgical or catheter closure at ≤18 years of age during 2009-2019 at a tertiary referral center in Japan. Results: Of the overall 116 patients with ASD (median age of 3.0 years at diagnosis and 8.9 years at catheterization), 43 (37%) were prompted by the ECG screening (Screening group), while the remaining 73 (63%) were by other findings (Non-screening group). Of the 49 patients diagnosed at ≥6 years of age, 43 (88%) were prompted by the ECG screening, with the 3 corresponding peaks of the number of patients at diagnosis. Compared with the non-screening group, the screening group exhibited similar levels of hemodynamic parameters but had a lower proportion of audible heart murmur (Levine 2/6 or higher) and coexisting diseases at catheterizarion (p=0.016), which were mainly prompted by the health care and health checkups in infancy or preschool period. Patients positive for a composite parameter (iRBBB, inverted T in V4, or ST depression in the aVF lead) accounted for 79% of the screening group at catheterization, each of which was correlated with hemodynamic parameters in the overall patients (p<.05). Conclusions: The present study showed that school ECG screening detected otherwise unrecognized ASD, which prompted the diagnosis of the majority of patients at school age and > one-third of overall patients in Japan. These findings suggest that ECG screening program could be valuable for detecting hemodynamically significant ASD in students, who are asymptomatic and murmurless.

Percutaneous closure of postoperative residual ventricular septal defects, including dehiscence of surgical patches.

Percutaneous closure of residual ventricular septal defects (VSDs) after congenital heart surgery may provide a safer and more efficient alternative to redo surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of transcatheter closure of residual postoperative VSD. This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at the tertiary care institutions of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from March 2012 to March 2022. All patients who underwent transcatheter closure of postoperative residual VSD were included. As catheter closure of VSD related to surgical patches is challenging, patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised patients with VSD related to the surgical patches, while Group 2 included residual muscular VSD. Various occluders and approaches were utilized based on the patient's weight and the VSD type, size, and proximity to the cardiac valves. Demographic, echocardiographic, catheterization, and outcome data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Thirty-three patients underwent 37 VSD catheter closure procedures. Twenty-two procedures were done to close residual VSD related to the surgical patch, while fifteen were done for additional muscular VSD. The median age of the patients was 3.3 years, and the interquartile range (IQR) ranged between 9 months and 7 years. The median weight was 13.1 kilograms, with an IQR of 5.1 to 16.8 kilograms. The median pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (QP/QS) was 1.6 with an IQR of 1.5 to 2.44; the median systolic pulmonary pressure was 46 mmHg with an IQR of 32 to 54 mmHg. The median procedure duration was 120 minutes, with an IQR of 90 to 160 minutes. Patients in Group 1 were older and had a lower mean pulmonary pressure than Group 2 (P=0.02, P=0.007, respectively). Of the 37 procedures, 35 (94.6%) were done successfully, while two patients had redo surgery due to failed procedures (one had device embolization). Ten successful catheterizations were performed for infants weighing ≤5 kilograms. The functional heart failure class improved significantly after the closure of the residual VSD. There were three documented mortalities, none related to the procedure. No significant difference between patient groups regarding hospital stay or survival (P=0.660, P=0.791, respectively). After congenital heart surgery, transcatheter closure of residual VSD may be a safe and effective alternative to surgical closure. It can be applied to various residual VSD using a variety of occluders with satisfactory results. Moreover, using specific approaches can close residual VSD, even in small infants.

Catheter closure of residual muscular VSD after VSD, interrupted aortic arch repair using Amplatzer muscular occluder (patient number 2 in Table S1). VSD, ventricular septal defect.

Catheter closure of residual muscular VSD after VSD, interrupted aortic arch repair using Amplatzer muscular occluder (patient number 2 in Table S1). VSD, ventricular septal defect.

Catheter closure for residual VSD after AVSD-TOF repair using ADO II (patient number 12 in Table S1). AVSD, atrioventricular septal defect; TOF, tetralogy of Fallot; ADO, Amplatzer duct occluder.

Catheter closure for residual VSD after AVSD-TOF repair using ADO II (patient number 12 in Table S1). AVSD, atrioventricular septal defect; TOF, tetralogy of Fallot; ADO, Amplatzer duct occluder.

Catheter closure of residual muscular VSD after common arterial trunk repair using Amplatzer muscular occluder (patient number 3 in Table S1). VSD, ventricular septal defect.

Catheter closure of residual muscular VSD after common arterial trunk repair using Amplatzer muscular occluder (patient number 3 in Table S1). VSD, ventricular septal defect.

Comparative Effectiveness of Surgical Ligation and Catheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants.

To evaluate the association, if any, between closure modality (surgical ligation SL vs. catheter CC) of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), after failure of or contraindication to medical therapy, and immediate procedural complications, and post-procedure physiologic status in preterm (gestational age < 32weeks) infants. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, data were accessed on infants < 32weeks gestation, who underwent SL or CC of PDA, born from 2019-2021. The choice of modality was determined by parents, after they were provided information on both procedures. Our cohort (n = 112) included 36 (32.1%) infants who underwent SL while 76 (67.9%) underwent CC. The SL group of infants were significantly more immature at birth, younger on admission to the level IV NICU and received more mean (SD) surfactant doses than the CC group. Higher proportions of infants in the SL group had 5-min Apgar scores ≤ 5, seizures, severe intracranial hemorrhage and had received medical therapy for PDA. Both procedures were highly efficacious, with 1 unsuccessful device placement attempt and had low associated adverse events. Two (2.6%) infants had device migration 24h after CC. SL was associated with a higher rate of immediate postoperative hypothermia whereas, in the CC group, mean airway pressure was significantly lower 48h after, compared to before the procedure. SL and CC are comparable in short-term efficacy and safety for PDA closure. Long-term outcomes data are needed following both procedures.

Tran Catheter Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD): Preliminary Results in Children Weighing 5kg or Less

<i>Aim: </i>This study aims to evaluate feasibility and complications of device closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) in children weighing 5kg. <i>Methods:</i> Between March 2018 and March 2021, total 15 patients with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) weighing 5Kg or less were taken to Cath lab for percutaneous VSD closure out of which 13 (86%) had successful transcatheter closure and 2 (14%) cases were unsuccessful and subsequently send for surgical closure. All of these13 patients under went transcatheter closure of VSD using either a Amplatzer duct occluder1, Amplatzer duct Occluder 2 or Amplatzer Muscular VSD Occluder. A retrospective review of the results and related complications was done. <i>Results:</i> Among these 15 patients, 7 were females, 6 were male and the mean age was 8.5 (4-16month. The mean weight in this study was 4.46Kg (2.3-5Kg). Mean VSD size was 4.5 (3-10mm), 9 patients had VSD sizes between 3to5mm, 3 had between5-10 mm and 1 with more than 10mm. Among types of VSD, 9 cases were having Perimembranous, 1 was upper muscular, 1was mid while 1was lower muscular and only 1 had outlet muscular VSD. Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADOI) was used in 2 cases, 9 were closed with Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO2) and 2 were selected for closure with Amplatzer Muscular VSD Occluder. Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) in immediate post intervention period revealed all these devices in situ with no or minimal residual flow which subsided within 24 hours period. As far as complications are concerned, we had one device embolization noted in our study. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was noted at the time of discharge in 4 patients but subsided after 48 hours while trivial aortic regurgitation was noted (AR) only in one case which is under close follow up and not increasing in severity after 6 months follow-up. <i>Conclusions</i>: Transcatheter closure of VSD in children 5kg or less is feasible and safe alternative to surgical VSD closure.

Clinical deterioration following arterial switch surgery due to extensive aortopulmonary collaterals, unusual condition but worth considering: case report

BackgroundThe occurrence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) is infrequent in patients with D-transposition of great arteries (D-TGA) with intact ventricular septum (IVS). Hemodynamically significant MAPCAs may complicate the postoperative course of these patients after arterial switch operation (ASO).Case presentationWe present a rare case of neonatal D-TGA-IVS associated with extensive MAPCAs. After the ASO, the patient developed pulmonary hemorrhage, chest wall edema, and deterioration of lung compliance with the need for high-frequency ventilation (HFV). The patient also had a significant capillary leak with skin edema, high chest tube drainage, and high peritoneal drainage. Cardiac catheterization revealed extensive MAPCAs supplying the whole lung segments. After the catheter closure of most of these MAPCAs, the patient had clinical improvement.ConclusionsAlthough the occurrence of MAPCAs with D-TGA-IVS is infrequent, clinicians should suspect their presence in cases with unexplained heart failure, pulmonary hemorrhage, or cardiovascular compromise after ASO. Catheter closure of MAPCAs is feasible with an acceptable short-term outcome.

Device Closure of Aortic Paravalvular Leak

Significant paravalvular leak is a serious complication of surgical valve replacement. Approximately 1–5% of PVLs can lead to serious clinical consequences, including congestive heart failure and/or haemolytic anaemia. Surgical intervention was the standard care of treatment for this for years. We describe a case of aortic paravalvular leak, managed with transcatheter closure. Keywords Paravalvular leak, vascular plug, trans catheter closure

Effect on Pulmonary Atery Presssres after Transcatheter Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Severe Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain how the patent ductus arteriosus will respond to trans catheter closure on the pulmonary artery pressure. Methods: All patients having clinical and echocardiographic evidence of hemodynamically significant isolated PDA and patients with PASP &gt; 20 mmHg will be labelled as PDA with PAH, while patients with mean PASP &gt; 60 mmHg will be labelled as PDA with severe PAH. These patients were all included in the research. Both pulmonary artery pressure measurements and echocardiography were done. Once the patient has been assessed, the viability of a transcatheter closure PDA has been confirmed. Results: The Mean age of the patients were 10.6±8.18 years. Out 40 participants 35% were males and 65% were females. A significant variation (p=0.003) in MPA pressure was observed in patients after balloon occlusion. A significant variation in RV higher (0.007) and lower (0.003) pressure was observed in patients after balloon occlusion. A significant variation (p=0.005) in LV Higher pressure was observed in patients after balloon occlusion. A significant variation (p=0.003) in higher Aorta pressure was observed in patients after balloon occlusion. Conclusion: After PDA closure, some individuals with borderline hemodynamic data with PDA and PAH may get worse or continue to have PAH. Care must be taken while providing these individuals with permanent closure.

Abstract 15278: Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect Over the Age of 60

Introduction: The long-term benefits of transcatheter device closure of a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) over 60 remain controversial. The aim of the study was to assess the predictors of death late after device closure in these elderly patients. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 87 patients with successful ASD transcatheter closure over 60 and at least 1 year follow-up after closure. The mean age was 73.3±5 years, and 74 of them were female (85%). All patients had an isolated secundum ASD with a mean defect size of 18±4 (9-30) mm. At the time of closure 10 patients were known with pulmonary hypertension (11%), 52 with atrial arrhythmia (61%), 56 with heart failure (64%), and 15 with coronary artery disease (17%). Demographic, clinical and echo data were compared between values at the time of closure, and at the last follow-up. Predictors of death were analyzed with multivariate Cox regression. Results: After the mean follow-up of 5±4 years 11 patients developed high LV filling pressure, 15 patients had new atrial arrhythmia and 10 patients right heart failure. At the last FU a significant decrease in right ventricular (45±5 vs 38±8 mm, p=0.032) and right atrium dimension (62±10 vs. 59 ±10mm, p=0.045) were seen, together with right ventricular systolic pressure improvement (51±18 vs. 40±19 mmHg, p=0.038). The left atrium showed significant further dilatation after closure (60±9 vs. 62±9.5, p=0.048). The presence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular dilatation and tricuspid regurgitation correlated with the right heart failure after closure, and the atrial dimension, tricuspid regurgitation, and high filling pressure with new atrial arrhythmia. Fourteen patients died during follow-up. On multivariate analysis the main predictor of death was right heart failure (HR: 10; 95% CI 2,15-41). Conclusions: In terms of right heart remodeling, elderly patients still benefit from late ASD catheter closure. However, those who develop right heart failure after closure are at a high risk of death (HR:10). Diastolic dysfunction after the defect closure was not a predictor of death.

Outcome of device atrial septal defect closure in different age groups: a nationwide cohort study

Abstract Background Catheter based ASD closure has been a mainstay therapy for secundum type ASD for over 20 years and up to 80–90% of defects are deemed eligible for catheter closure. We are starting to get long term results for the outcome of the procedure. Numerous studies have reported excellent prognosis and low complication rates in patients with TC closed defects. However, little is known about the disease burden in the long run after the closure. Objectives This nationwide cohort aimed to evaluate long-term outcome of transcatheter closed atrial septal defects (ASD) by evaluating 1) hospitalisations and disease burden, 2) complications and 3) echocardiographic changes. Material and methods We gathered every transcatheter ASD closure done in Finland during 1999–2019. Mean follow-up time was 6.8 years (SD 5.1). We used hospital discharge register to study the incidence of new onset atrial fibrillation, stoke and migraine after the closure. Closure complications and echocardiographic changes were gathered from the electronic health records. Results Overall transcatheter ASD closure was performed for 1000 patients (68.5% females) during the study period. ASD patients had increased risk for new-onset atrial fibrillation (RR 2.55, 95% CI: 1.94–3.36), migraine (RR 3.41, 95% CI: 2.40–4.84) and heart failure. Stroke risk was not increased during the follow-up (p=0.19). Hospitalisations were more common in the ASD group in the following 12 months after the closure (RR 2.52, 95% CI: 2.14–2.98). Adverse events occurred in 6.9% (n=69) of the patients, including 4 erosions and 10 device embolisations. Right heart size was enlarged in 83.9% of the patients before the closure and in 24.4% after the closure. Rate of mild mitral regurgitation increased 21.2% vs. 27.6%, p=0.005) and rate of sever to moderate tricuspid regurgitation decreased (9.4% vs. 5.6%, p=0.009) during the follow-up. Conclusion Catheter based Atrial septal defect closure is a safe procedure with low complication rates. TC closed ASD patients had more new-onset atrial fibrillation, heart failure and migraine during the follow-up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Emil Aaltonen Foundation, Tampere, Finland

Left atrial appendage closure in a patient with contraindications for transesophageal echocardiography: a case report

We present a case of successful intracardiac echocardiography guided left atrial appendage catheter closure in a patient with esophageal varices using deflectable delivery sheath to improve ICE-catheter stability.

Mid-term follow-up by speckle tracking and cardiac MRI of children post-transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects.

This is a case-control study of our experience of mid-term follow-up of 40 children who had a transcatheter closure of very large atrial septal defects group (1). All cases had an atrial septal defect device size more than 1.5 times their weight, a ratio considered a contraindication for trans catheter closure (TCC) in some previous reports. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes and mid-term follow-up of transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects using two-dimensional conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and four-dimensional speckle tracking imaging, and as such to compare results of same echocardiographic examination of age-matched control group of 40 healthy children group (2). Cardiac MRI was performed on cases group (1) only to detect right ventricle and left ventricle volumes and function and early signs of complications. There was no difference between cases and matched healthy controls in terms of the assessment of left ventricle and right ventricle by two-dimensional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and four-dimensional speckle tracking imaging. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between four-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac MRI in their respective assessment of both left ventricle and right ventricle volumes and function. We also detected no complications by echo or by cardiac MRI after a median follow-up period of 2 years and recorded a complete remodelling of right ventricle volumes in all children studied. This points to the safety and efficiency of transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects in children on mid-term follow-up.

C36 ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT CLOSURE WITH A NEW OCCLUDER DEVICE, EXPERIENCE ON 100 PATIENTS

Abstract Background This perspective, observational study evaluated safety and efficacy of the GORE® Cardioform ASD Occluder (WL Gore &amp; Associates, Flagstaff, AZ), compliant and potentially innovative prosthesis recently approved for closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defects (ASD). Methods 100 unselected patients with significant ASD were submitted to trans–catheter closure with GORE® Cardioform ASD Occluder at two high–volume Italian Pediatric Cardiology centers. Primary endpoints were procedural success and safety. Secondary endpoints were closure rate and clinical safety at 1–month and 6–month follow–up. Results Patients‘age and weight were 7.8 (6.0–13.6)and 26.1 (20.0–54.0), respectively. ASD diameter was 17.4 + 4.4, resulting in QP/QS of 1.7 ± 0.7 (median 1.6). 33 patients presented an asd larger than 18mm in diameter. 58% of defects were considered complex based on the following characteristics: deficient rim(s) (except aortic rim), aneurismal/multi–fenestrated and ASD size/pt weight ratio &amp;gt;1.2. Device placement was successfully achieved in all but two patients (98%), in whom it embolized early after deployment, resulting in rescue surgical repair. No cross–over with different devices was recorded. Median procedure and fluoroscopy times were 54 and 11 min, respectively. Major adverse events were recorded in 7 pts. Complete closure rate was 87.3% at discharge, rising to 95.5% (39/42 pts) at 1 month evaluation, and 100% at 6 months without cardiac or extra–cardiac adverse events. “Complex” procedures were more time–consuming but as effective and safe as the “simple” ones. Conclusions The GORE® Cardioform ASD Occluder device was highly effective and versatile in closure of ASDs with different anatomy and size, even in challenging settings.

Transcatheter closure of congenital portosystemic shunts - A multicenter experience.

Background:Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are rare and present variably with hepatic encephalopathy, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs), and pulmonary hypertension (PH).Objective:The objective of the study was to see the feasibility of transcatheter closure of CPSS and their outcome.Materials and Methods:We analyzed the data of 24 patients of CPSS who underwent transcatheter closure from five institutions (March 2013 to April 2019). Baseline evaluation included echocardiography with bubble contrast study, ultrasound examination of the abdomen, computed tomography angiogram, and cardiac catheterization with test balloon occlusion of the CPSS. The evaluation showed cyanosis due to PAVM in 12, PH in 8, and respiratory distress in 2. Two had both cyanosis and PH. Criteria for eligibility for complete catheter closure of CPSS included demonstration of intrahepatic portal vein (PV) radicals together with a PV pressure of ≤18 mmHg on occlusion.Results:The median age and weight were 8 years (0.5–21) and 19.5 kg (4.2–73), respectively. Transcatheter closure was performed in 21 patients (22 procedures) using a variety of occlusive devices and stent-graft exclusion was done in one patient. Closure was not done in 3 in view of high portal venous pressures and hypoplastic PVs. During the follow-up (median: 42 months and range: 61 days–4.8 years), saturation normalized in 14 patients with PAVM. PH declined in all eight patients who underwent the procedure. Respiratory distress improved in two patients.Conclusions:Early and short-term follow-up results of catheter closure of CPSS appear promising. However, further, follow-up is needed to demonstrate long-term effectiveness.

Needle-free connectors to prevent central venous catheter occlusion at a tertiary cardiac center: A prospective before and after intervention study.

To evaluate the effectiveness of needle-free connectors to maintain Central Venous Catheter-CVC patency. Loss of patency is a common complication associated with CVC. For patients, this can be stressful and painful, and can result in a delay in infusion therapy. Pressure-activated anti-reflux needle-free connectors are one of the most modern devices; however, no studies have compared this connector with the open-system three-way stopcock in terms of the incidence of CVC occlusion. This study is a prospective before and after intervention study. From March to August 2018, an observation phase was conducted with the three-way stopcock as the standard central venous catheter hub and closure system (phase 1). After implementation of needle-free connectors (phase 2), post-intervention observations were made from September 2019 to January 2020 (phase 3). Of 199 CVCs analyzed, 41.2% (40/97) occluded in at least one lumen in the first phase, and 13.7% (14/102) occluded after introducing the technological device, absolute risk reduction 27.5% (95% confidence interval 15.6%-39.4%). The lumens supported by needle-free connectors showed a higher probability of maintaining patency compared with three-way stopcocks. No differences were observed in the rate of infection. Pressure-activated anti-reflux needle-free connectors are effective and safe devices suitable for the management of vascular access in cardiac patient care. Staff training, even on apparently simple devices, is essential to avoid the risk of infection.

Case report of worsening of preexisting pericardial effusion after ASD device closure: is it calamitous?

BackgroundSecundum-type atrial septal defects (ASD) constitute 8% to 10% of congenital heart defect. Secundum ASDs can be closed either percutaneously or surgically. However, ASD device closure has proven to be technically safe and feasible; it is not free of complications. These complications include device embolization/malposition which have been reported in 3.5% of cases, arrhythmia, and pericardial effusion in 2.6% and 0.5–1.5% respectively, device thrombus, residual shunting, and impingement of the device on the adjacent structures.Case presentationWe introduce three patients with secundum ASD who had preexisting pericardial effusion, device closure was performed for them, and after the procedure, the effusion size progressed significantly. We used multimodality imaging to diagnose the cause of pericardial effusion (PE). Cardiac erosion was diagnosed in one of the patients that managed surgically. We did not found any specific procedure-related cause for worsening the pericardial effusion in the other two patients.ConclusionSeveral reasons include procedure-related complication and other systemic causes should be considered in patients who develop pericardial effusion after trans catheter closure of ASDs.

Does persistent (patent) foramen ovale closure reduce the risk of recurrent decompression sickness in scuba divers?

Interatrial communication is associated with an increased risk of decompression sickness (DCS) in scuba diving. It has been proposed that there would be a decreased risk of DCS after closure of the interatrial communication, i.e., persistent (patent) foramen ovale (PFO). However, the clinical evidence supporting this is limited. Medical records were reviewed to identify Swedish scuba divers with a history of DCS and catheter closure of an interatrial communication. Thereafter, phone interviews were conducted with questions regarding diving and DCS. All Swedish divers who had had catheter-based PFO-closure because of DCS were followed up, assessing post-closure diving habits and recurrent DCS. Nine divers, all with a PFO, were included. Eight were diving post-closure. These divers had performed 6,835 dives (median 410, range 140-2,200) before closure, and 4,708 dives (median 413, range 11-2,000) after closure. Seven cases with mild and 10 with serious DCS symptoms were reported before the PFO closure. One diver with a small residual shunt suffered serious DCS post-closure; however, that dive was performed with a provocative diving profile. Divers with PFO and DCS continue to dive after PFO closure and this seems to be fairly safe. Our study suggests a conservative diving profile when there is a residual shunt after PFO closure, to prevent recurrent DCS events.