Transcatheter Occlusion Research Articles

Transcatheter occlusion of a residual muscular ventricular septal defect using an Amplatzer duct occluder in a child with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

Transcatheter occlusion has become an acceptable alternative to surgery in patients with congenital muscular and residual post-surgical ventricular septal defects (VSD). We present a case of an 11 year old male with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, dextrocardia, pulmonary atresia, VSD, and advanced second degree atrioventricular block who underwent successful transcatheter occlusion of a residual post-surgical VSD with an Amplatzer duct occluder, in preparation for transvenous pacemaker implantation.

A Rare Complication of Atrial Septal Occluders: Diagnosis by Transthoracic Echocardiography

Atrial septal defect transcatheter occlusion techniques have become a reliable alternative to surgical procedures. Possible complications can derive from unfavorable anatomy of the defect and over-dimensioning of the device. We describe the first case ever reported of anterior mitral leaflet perforation caused by an atrial septal occluder. The diagnosis was performed by conventional echocardiography and 3 dimensions helped for a more accurate anatomic definition. Device removal, atrial septal defect closure, and repair of the mitral tear were then successfully performed.

Abstracts for the British Congenital Cardiac Association Annual Meeting: The Barbican, London, 24–25 November 2005: Poster Presentations: Transcatheter closure of ventricle-pulmonary artery communications after cavopulmonary shunt or Fontan procedure

Background: Ventricle-pulmonary artery connections are rare in patients after the Fontan procedure. However, these can cause significant long term problems. Hence the catheter occlusion of the anterograde flow in these patients would be beneficial. Further, in patients with a cavopulmonary shunt anterograde pulmonary blood flow is frequently maintained, but, in some patients, can cause significant volume loading of the heart or can complicate the subsequent Fontan procedure. Objective: To evaluate the use of interventional catheter closure of a ventricle-pulmonary artery communication in the setting of a cavopulmonary shunt or after the Fontan procedure. Patients and methods:This was a retrospective study at a tertiary referral centre. Eight patients (Age: 1.5–18 years, mean 7.8 years) underwent transcatheter closure of a ventricle-pulmonary artery communication. Indications were cardiac failure or persistent pleural effusions after cavopulmonary shunt (n = 2) or after Fontan (n = 3) and abolishing the volume load of the single ventricle prior to Fontan completion (n = 3). Results: Devices used were 17 mm Rashkind Umbrella device (n = 1), Amplatzer PDA device (n = 7) and Amplatzer ASD device (n = 1). One patient required two devices. There were no procedural complications. All 3 patients with prolonged pleural effusions (1 post CP shunt and 2 post Fontan) showed complete resolution of effusions between 4 and 10 days after catheter closure. Two patients underwent transcatheter occlusion for progressive ventricular dilatation and cardiac failure. The first patient was post Fontan and showed gradual improvement in ventricular function. The second patient after CP shunt died 48 hours post intervention (non procedure related cardiac death). Three patients underwent catheter closure to off-load the systemic ventricle prior to the Fontan procedure. The device had to be removed prior to release in 1 patient, due to unsatisfactory position. All 3 patients underwent successful completion of Fontan 6 weeks to 3 months post catheter. Conclusions: Transcatheter closure of ventricle-pulmonary artery communication is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of selected patients after CP shunt or Fontan procedure with early or late complications due to inappropriate pulmonary blood flow. This intervention should also be considered prior to the Fontan procedure in selected patients with ventricular overload.

Impact of Transcatheter Occlusion of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus on Atrial Septal Defect Diameter in Children

A persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may delay closure of a coexisting atrial septal defect (ASD) due to volume loading and enlargement of the left atrium. The purpose of this study was to investigate the natural history of ASD size in patients with a PDA following transcatheter PDA occlusion. All patients with an ASD and a PDA who underwent transcatheter PDA occlusion at Texas Children's Hospital were identified. Patients with ASD diameter <3 mm, or additional cardiac defects were excluded. Eight patients (7 females) with small- to moderate-sized ASDs and a PDA were identified. Patient demographics, echocardiographic data, and cardiac catheterization data were recorded. Data were analyzed by 1-tailed t-test. Following PDA occlusion, ASD diameter decreased in 6 of 8 patients by a mean of 3.8 mm (+/-2.3 mm), including 2 that closed. The median duration of follow-up was 689 days. One ASD remained unchanged and 1 increased in size. The mean maximum ASD diameter decreased from 6.4 mm (+/-2.2 mm) to 3.9 mm (+/-3.4 mm) (P = .03). Two patients underwent subsequent transcatheter ASD occlusion. Following transcatheter PDA occlusion, small- to moderate-sized ASDs have significant probability to decrease in size, and possibly close. In infants and children, we recommend transcatheter PDA occlusion, and serial follow-up of the size of the ASD. This will allow many small- to moderate-sized ASDs to either close, or become smaller, obviating the need for future intervention.

Occlusion of a large coronary‐cameral fistula using the Amplatzer vascular plug in a 2‐year old

A 2-year-old girl underwent transcatheter occlusion of a fistula. The fistula originated from the right coronary artery and drained into the right atrium. Three interlocking Gianturco coils were initially placed in the distal portion of the fistula resulting in near-total occlusion of blood flow. Placing a 12-mm Amplatzer vascular plug obliterated the proximal, dilated portion of the fistula. Complete occlusion with accurate placement was achieved. Advantages and technical implications of the Amplatzer vascular plug in this clinical setting are discussed.

Transcatheter occlusion of a large intercostal sidebranch of left internal mammary artery bypass with detachable platinum coils

Intercostal branches of the internal mammary artery (IMA) are usually tied off during IMA-bypass surgery. Some side-branches may be missed, however, due to anatomical variants or during minimal invasive procedures with limitation of the surgeon's ability to ligate proximal branches. There are a number of reports in the literature describing interventional closure of side-branches using Gianturco coils. Following embolization or malposition, however, these coils may be extremely difficult to retrieve from coronary arteries. We report about interventional embolization of a IMA side-branch with detachable micro-coils in a patient with symptomatic coronary steal. Detachable coils are safer than Gianturco coils and are an effective method to abolish symptomatic coronary steal due to unligated intercostal branches of the IMA graft.

Intracardiac echocardiography during interventional procedures.

As non-surgical percutaneous interventions are increasingly considered for many cardiac conditions, high quality near field continuous imaging is warranted, in order to optimize the results, and to prevent and detect complications. Transesophageal echocardiography is the standard imaging technique, however general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation is required during prolonged monitoring of percutaneous interventions. Intracardiac echocardiography is a novel emerging tool that allows a view within the cardiac chambers and the large vessels and can be employed by the interventional cardiologist. In our department, a phased array, multi-frequency, four-way steerable catheter (AcuNaV - Siemens) was used for anatomic and haemodynamic cardiac assessment and for guidance and monitoring during non-coronary percutaneous interventions. In total 135 patients underwent intracardiac echocardiographic investigation, 4 during diagnostic heart catheterization, 6 during percutaneous coronary intervention with the use of a new left ventricular assist device, the Impella Recover LP 2.5 system, 26 during percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (10 patients were reevaluated with intracardiac echocardiography at 6 months), 50 during interatrial communication closure, 4 during percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion, 7 during percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty, 1 during percutaneous aortic valve replacement and 27 during pulmonary vein ablation. All patients tolerated the procedure very well with no catheter related complications. However, there were two complications, which were due to the guidewire and the sheath, an inferior vena cava dissection and a femoral vein dissection, respectively. Phased array intracardiac imaging is a safe technology, which facilitates non-surgical interventions by providing high quality images. It eliminates the need for general anesthesia and thus increases the patient comfort.

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO): Planning and Follow-Up Using Contrast-Enhanced MRI

3University of Oxford, OCMR, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom. eft atrial thrombus is a frequent cause of cerebral stroke or peripheral embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulation is required to prevent further cerebral events [1]. The main location for left atrial thrombus formation is the left atrial appendage, possibly because of the phenomenon of atrial stunning [2]. Therefore, in patients with contraindications to warfarin treatment, occlusion of the left atrial appendage could be a potential alternative strategy for prophylaxis of embolism. In comparison with surgical amputation, the percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO) is a minimally invasive technique [3]. Currently, after the PLAATO procedure, chest radiography is performed to confirm the correct placement of the occluder and transesophageal echocardiography is performed to evaluate possible thrombotic appositions on the device. To date, it has been impossible to assess the degree of residual left atrial appendage perfusion, which would indicate the degree of noncoverage of the atrial-facing surface of the device with neoendothelial-like cells [4]. In our report, we present the potential of contrast-enhanced MRI, before and after PLAATO, to assess left atrial appendage perfusion in a patient. L

Recent advances in transcatheter treatment of congenital heart disease

Over the last several decades there has been a remarkable change in the therapeutic strategy of congenital heart disease. Development of new tools and devices, accumulations of experience, technical refinement have positively affected the outcome of interventional treatment. Many procedures including atrial septostomy, balloon valvuloplasty, balloon dilation of stenotic vessel with or without stent implantation, transcatheter occlusion of abnormal vascular structure, transcatheter closure of patent arterial duct and atrial septal defect, are now performed as routine interventional procedures in many institutes. In diverse conditions, transcatheter techniques also provide complementary and additive role in combination with surgery. Intraoperative stent implantation on stenotic vessels, perventricular device insertion, and hybrid stage 1 palliative procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome have been employed in high risk patients for cardiac surgery with encouraging results. Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect has been performed safely showing comparable result with surgery. Investigational procedures such as percutaneous valve insertion and valve repair are expected to replace the role of surgery in certain group of patients in the near future. Continuous evolvement in this field will contribute to reduce the risk and suffering from congenital heart disease, while surgery will be still remained as a gold standard for significant portion of congenital heart disease

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO System) to Prevent Stroke in High-Risk Patients With Non-rheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the International Multi-Center Feasibility Trials

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO System) to Prevent Stroke in High-Risk Patients With Non-rheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the International Multi-Center Feasibility Trials

Percutaneous closure of huge patent ductus arterious associated with anomalous inferior vein cava drainage and dextrocardia with muscular ventricular septal defect occluder

Percutaneous closure of huge patent ductus arterious associated with anomalous inferior vein cava drainage and dextrocardia with muscular ventricular septal defect occluder

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO System) to Prevent Stroke in High-Risk Patients With Non-rheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the International Multi-Center Feasibility Trials

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO System) to Prevent Stroke in High-Risk Patients With Non-rheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the International Multi-Center Feasibility Trials

Coil Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Impact of 0.052-Inch Gianturco Coil Without Amplatzer Duct Occluder

Coils are the only devices available for transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in Japan. Since April 1999, we have introduced a 0.052-inch Gianturco coil (0.052-inch coil) to close PDA >or=2.5 mm. A retrospective survey of the outcome of coil occlusions for PDA >or=2.5 mm before and after the 0.052-inch coil became available found that (1) the frequency of PDA >or=2.5 mm among all candidates for coil occlusion significantly increased after the availability of a 0.052-inch coil (p<0.01); (2) deployment complicated by migration (p<0.01), and prolonged procedure time (p<0.05) were significantly decreased after the introduction of the 0.052-inch coil. In a multivariate logistic regression model for uneventful deployment adjusted for age, pulmonary to systemic flow ratio, and use of a 0.052-inch coil, use of the 0.052-inch coil significantly decreased eventful deployment (p<0.05); and (3) successful deployment of a coil for PDA >or=4 mm significantly increased with the 0.052-inch coil (p<0.01). Complete occlusion was achieved once deployment was successful. Introduction of the 0.052-inch coil decreased complicated coil occlusion deployment for PDA >or=2.5 mm, and contributed to a better likelihood of coil occlusion for PDA >or=4 mm.

Evaluation of the AMPLATZER vascular plug for embolization of peripheral vascular malformations associated with congenital heart disease

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the recently FDA-approved AMPLATZER Vascular Plug in the embolization of vascular lesions associated with congenital heart disease (CHD). Fistulas and arteriovenous malformations have been occluded using various devices. The AMPLATZER Vascular Plug is a self-expandable, cylindrical device, used for embolization in the peripheral vasculature. A total of 84 vessels in 52 patients with CHD from 11 centers were occluded with 89 AMPLATZER Vascular Plugs, delivered through a coronary guide catheter in various vascular sites, including collaterals, pulmonary arterio-venous and coronary artery fistulas, transhepatic tracts, central shunts, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and excluded hepatic vein. Complete vessel occlusion was demonstrated within 10 min in 94% of patients. There was no device embolization, vascular disruption, or procedure-related complication. One vascular plug implanted in a large type C PDA required surgical removal followed by PDA ligation, after 5 weeks from successful implant because of significant residual flow through the device. The AMPLATZER Vascular Plug is an effective transcatheter occlusion device in the embolization of a wide variety of vascular lesions associated with CHD. Based on our early experience, caution should be used when considering the Vascular Plug as a closure device for large PDA.

Transcatheter occlusion of the left atrial appendage for stroke prevention

Patients with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of having a cardioembolic stroke. Most of the thrombi responsible for these ischemic events originate in the left atrial appendage. Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendange is a new approach to stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication for long-term warfarin treatment. Three different devices have been used so far: the PLAATO™ system, the WATCHMAN® filter system and the Amplatzer® septal occluder. Left atrial appendage occlusion using these devices is feasible and safe and has shown promising results. The risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients appears to be reduced.

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO System) to Prevent Stroke in High-Risk Patients With Non-Rheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the International Multi-Center Feasibility Trials

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO System) to Prevent Stroke in High-Risk Patients With Non-Rheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the International Multi-Center Feasibility Trials

A strategic approach to transcatheter closure of patent ductus: Gianturco coils for small-to-moderate ductus and Amplatzer duct occluder for large ductus

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of the strategy of transcatheter occlusion with the Gianturco coil for small-to-moderate sized ductus and with Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) for large ductus. Patient and methods For ductus closure, the following strategy was applied: ADO was used in large ductus: infants and young children weighing < 15 kg with a ductus diameter ≧ 3 mm and in older children or adults with a ductus diameter ≧ 4 mm and coils were employed in patients with small-to-moderate sized ductus. During a 3-year period, this strategy was applied in 136 patients. The results were compared between 214 patients (group I) undergoing ductus closure using only coil before application of this strategy and strategic closure in 136 patients (group II). Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: subgroup A with large ductus and subgroup B with small-to-moderate ductus. There were 54 patients in subgroup IA, 160 in subgroup IB, 33 in subgroup IIA and 103 in subgroup IIB, respectively. Results In group I, PDA occlusion was successful in 207 (96.7%) and failed in 7 (6 of group IA and 1 of group IB). In group II, ductus closure was successful in 134 patients (98.5%) (32/33 with ADO and 102/103 with coils).There was no significant difference in success rate between group I and II. Distal embolization occurred in 19 patients of group I and in 2 of group II, respectively (19/214 vs. 2/136, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in success rate between group IA and IIA but the distal embolization rate was higher in group IA than IIA (13/54 vs. 1/33, P = 0.014). Left pulmonary artery stenosis was found exclusively in 9 patients of group I at the 6-month follow-up ( P < 0.05). Nine patients in group I required second intervention to achieve complete occlusion. Conclusions The strategy of ductus closure worked well by reducing embolization rate, incidence of left pulmonary artery stenosis and the need of second intervention.

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO System) to Prevent Stroke in High-Risk Patients With Non-Rheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the International Multi-Center Feasibility Trials

These studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion using the PLAATO system (ev3 Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota). Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a five-fold increased risk for stroke. Other studies have shown that more than 90% of atrial thrombi in patients with non-rheumatic AF originate in the LAA. Transvenous closure of the LAA is a new approach in preventing embolism in these patients. Within two prospective, multi-center trials, LAA occlusion was attempted in 111 patients (age 71 +/- 9 years). All patients had a contraindication for anticoagulation therapy and at least one additional risk factor for stroke. The primary end point was incidence of major adverse events (MAEs), a composite of stroke, cardiac or neurological death, myocardial infarction, and requirement for procedure-related cardiovascular surgery within the first month. Implantation was successful in 108 of 111 patients (97.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 92.3% to 99.4%) who underwent 113 procedures. One patient (0.9%, 95% CI 0.02% to 4.9%) experienced two MAEs within the first 30 days: need for cardiovascular surgery and in-hospital neurological death. Three other patients underwent in-hospital pericardiocentesis due to a hemopericardium. Average follow-up was 9.8 months. Two patients experienced stroke. No migration or mobile thrombus was noted on transesophageal echocardiogram at one and six months after device implantation. Closing the LAA using the PLAATO system is feasible and can be performed at acceptable risk. It may become an alternative in patients with AF and a contraindication for lifelong anticoagulation treatment.

The efficacy and safety of the Amplatzer ductal occluder in young children and infants

We have used the Amplatzer ductal occluder for transcatheter closure of large persistently patent arterial ducts, and used our experience to assess the safety and efficacy of the device in young children and infants. We used the Amplatzer ductal occluder prospectively in 43 patients with large patent arterial ducts, reviewing our experience to identify any problems or complications. The procedure proved successful in 42 of the patients. We achieved complete occlusion of the duct in 33 (78.5 per cent) of the patients on the day of insertion. In 6 additional patients, complete occlusion occurred 1 week to 6 months after the procedure. Trivial leaks persisted in 2 patients, while one had a significant residual leak. Problems were encountered in 7 patients. The procedure failed in one, a device was wasted in 2, pulled through in 3, while we experienced kinking of the long Mullins sheath, being unable to retrieve the device, in one patient. Minor complications occurred in 6 patients, finding flow at a peak velocity of 2.2 metres per second in the descending aorta in 2 patients, and at 2.5 metres per second in 2 further patients, and flow at 2.5 metres per second in the pulmonary arteries of two patients. One patient experienced a major complication due to excessive bleeding. Out of the 14 patients suffering adverse events, 13 weighed less than 10 kilograms. This rate of problems and complication in these patients weighing less than 10 kilograms was significantly higher than in the patients weighing more than 10 kilograms. Transcatheter occlusion of moderate to large patent arterial ducts with the Amplatzer ductal occluder device is safe and effective, with a high rate of complete occlusion. Problems and minor complications may be encountered in children weighing less than 10 kilograms. If the device is to be deployed completely in the ductal ampulla, and to avoid descending aortic obstruction, the size of the retention flanges of the occluder should not exceed the largest diameter of the patent arterial duct.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction after Closure of Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Changes in left ventricular dimensions and performance were studied in 43 patients after transcatheter occlusion or surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. The patients were assigned to 2 groups based on their ductal diameter: >/= 3.1 mm to group A (n = 27) and </= 3 mm to group B (n = 16). The mean age and weight of the groups were comparable. Before intervention, group A had a significantly larger mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter than group B, while all patients had normal shortening fraction and ejection fraction. Within 1 month after intervention, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter showed a trend towards regression while shortening fraction and ejection fraction decreased significantly in group A. There were no significant changes in these parameters in group B. Between 1 and 6 months after intervention, left ventricular performance improved in most of the group A patients who were followed up. We conclude that closure of large ductus arteriosus in children leads to significant immediate deterioration of left ventricular performance, which appears to recover within a few months. Echocardiographic study before hospital discharge is recommended in these patients. Serious deterioration of ventricular performance after closure may warrant the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.