Hepatic and splenic venous access tract closure using the VASCADE vascular closure system following percutaneous intervention in patients with CHD.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic and splenic venous access are specialised techniques used to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Bleeding events are the most commonly reported complication following hepatic or splenic venous access. The VASCADE Vascular Closure System (Cardiva Medical Inc. Santa Barbara, CA) is an approved device for closure of femoral vascular access tracts in patients ≥18 years of age. We report our experience using VASCADE to close the hepatic or splenic venous access site in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. METHODS: This is a single centre retrospective review of all patients who had percutaneous hepatic or splenic venous access obtained in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory from March 1, 2022 through October 30, 2023 and underwent tract closure with VASCADE. RESULTS: Ten patients (six male) underwent 16 procedures (median age and weight 3.5 years and 12.5 kg) with 15 hepatic and two splenic veins accessed. Successful closure of the access tracts with VASCADE was performed in all patients. There were no major adverse events related to closure of the access sites with VASCADE. CONCLUSION: VASCADE can be used following transhepatic and trans-splenic venous access in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory to safely close the access tract and potentially reduce the risk of post-procedural bleeding complications. Further evaluation in a larger cohort of patients is needed to ensure VASCADE is safe for use and provides adequate haemostasis following hepatic or splenic venous access, particularly in children.

Pre-Fontan Assessment Utilizing Combined Cardiac Catheterization and Cardiac MRI: Comparison to the Pre-Fontan Catheterization.

Single ventricle patients eligible for Fontan completion undergo pre-Fontan catheterization for hemodynamic and anatomic assessment prior to surgery. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may be used to evaluate pre-Fontan anatomy, physiology, and collateral burden. We describe our center's outcomes in patients undergoing pre-Fontan catheterization combined with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. A retrospective review of patients undergoing pre-Fontan catheterization from 10/2018 to 04/2022 at Texas Children's Hospital was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: combined cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and catheterization (combined group) and those who underwent catheterization only (catheterization only group). There were 37 patients in the combined group and 40 in the catheterization only group. Both groups were similar in age and weight. Patients undergoing combined procedures received less contrast, and experienced less in-lab time, fluoroscopy time and catheterization procedure time. Median radiation exposure was lower in the combined procedure group but was not statistically significant. Intubation and total anesthesia times were higher in the combined procedure group. Patients undergoing a combined procedure were less likely to have collateral occlusion performed than in the catheterization only group. Bypass time, intensive care unit length of stay, and chest tube duration were similar in both groups at the time of Fontan completion. Combined pre-Fontan assessment decreases catheterization procedure and fluoroscopy time associated with cardiac catheterization at the expense of longer anesthetic times, and results in similar Fontan outcomes compared to when cardiac catheterization alone is utilized.

Extra-cardiac and complex Fontan baffle fenestration using radio frequency current via surgical electrocautery.

BACKGROUND: Fontan baffle punctures and creation of Fontan fenestration for cardiac catheterisation procedures remain challenging especially due to the heavy calcification of prosthetic material and complex anatomy. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate our experience using radiofrequency current via surgical electrocautery needle for Fontan baffle puncture to facilitate diagnostic, electrophysiology, and interventional procedures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all Fontan patients (pts) who underwent Fontan baffle puncture using radiofrequency energy via surgical electrocautery from three centres were performed from January 2011 to July 2021. RESULTS: A total of 19 pts underwent 22 successful Fontan baffle puncture. The median age and weight were 17 (3-36 years) and 55 (14-88) kg, respectively. The procedural indications for Fontan fenestration creation included: diagnostic study (n = 1), atrial septostomy and stenting (n = 1), electrophysiology study and ablation procedures (n = 8), Fontan baffle stenting for Fontan failure including protein-losing enteropathy (n = 7), and occlusion of veno-venous collaterals (n = 2) for cyanosis. The type of Fontan baffles included: extra-cardiac conduits (n = 12), lateral tunnel (n = 5), classic atrio-pulmonary connection (n = 1), and intra-cardiac baffle (n = 1). A Fontan baffle puncture was initially attempted using traditional method in 6 pts and Baylis radiofrequency trans-septal system in 2 pts unsuccessfully. In all pts, Fontan baffle puncture using radiofrequency energy via electrocautery needle was successful. The radiofrequency energy utilised was (10-50 W) and required 1-5 attempts for 2-5 seconds. There were no vascular or neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency current delivery using surgical electrocautery facilitates Fontan baffle puncture in patients with complex and calcified Fontan baffles for diagnostic, interventional, and electrophysiology procedures.

Evolution of surgical repair of intraseptal anomalous left coronary artery with myocardial ischaemia.

BACKGROUND: Anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery with intraseptal course is a rare coronary anomaly associated with an increased risk of myocardial ischaemia. The role and techniques for surgical intervention are evolving, with numerous novel surgical techniques for this challenging anatomy reported in the last 5 years. We report our single-centre experience with surgical repair of intraseptal anomalous left coronary artery in the paediatric population, including clinical presentation, evaluation, and short- to mid-term outcomes. METHODS: All patients with coronary anomalies presenting to our institution undergo standardised clinical evaluation. Five patients aged 4 to 17 years underwent surgical intervention for intraseptal anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery between 2012 and 2022. Surgical techniques included coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 1), direct reimplantation with limited supra-arterial myotomy via right ventriculotomy (n = 1), and transconal supra-arterial myotomy with right ventricular outflow tract patch reconstruction (n = 3). RESULTS: All patients had evidence of haemodynamically significant coronary compression, and three had evidence of inducible myocardial ischaemia pre-operatively. There were no deaths or major complications. Median follow-up was 6.1 months (range 3.1-33.4 months). Patients who underwent supra-arterial myotomy (with or without reimplantation) had improved coronary flow and perfusion based on stress imaging and catheterisation data. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical approaches to intraseptal anomalous left coronary artery with evidence of myocardial ischaemia continue to evolve, with new techniques demonstrating promising improvement in coronary perfusion. Further studies are warranted to determine long-term outcomes and refine indications for repair.

Pulmonary embolism in pediatric and adolescent patients with COVID-19 infection during the SARS-CoV-2 delta wave.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in children has been associated with thrombosis, though few cases of COVID-associated pulmonary embolism (PE) have been described. We performed a retrospective review of the nine cases of COVID-19-associated PE during the B.1617.2 variant surge at Texas Children's Hospital. The patient cohort largely contained unvaccinated obese adolescents. All patients were critically ill with two requiring catheter-directed thrombolysis in addition to anticoagulation. Eight of the nine patients had COVID pneumonia along with PE. This report stresses the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for PE in pediatric COVID-19 infection and vaccinating obese adolescent patients.

SAPIEN S3 valve deployment in the pulmonary position using the gore DrySeal sheath to protect the tricuspid valve.

BACKGROUND: Tricuspid valve injury can occur during implantation of a SAPIEN valve in the pulmonary position. We describe our experience using a long Gore DrySeal (GDS) sheath to protect the tricuspid valve during advancement of the Commander delivery system. METHODS: Retrospective single center review of all patients who underwent placement of a SAPIEN valve in the right ventricular outflow tract between January 2016 and April 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: delivery of the valve using standard technique (Group I), and with the use of a GDS (Group II), for comparison. RESULTS: There were 48 patients in total: 25 in Group I and 23 in Group II. In Group II, the first 10 patients had a 29 mm S3 placed through a 26 French (Fr), 65 cm GDS. We then performed additional crimping of the S3 onto the balloon after the balloon catheter was withdrawn to position the valve on the balloon outside the body. Subsequently, seven had a 29 mm S3 placed through a 24 Fr GDS, and four had a 26 mm S3 placed through a 22 Fr GDS including one weighing 16 kg. Two had a 23 mm S3 placed through a 22Fr GDS as the 20Fr GDS was not available in our lab. Severe tricuspid valve injury occurred in 2/25 (8%) of Group I patients and 0/23 of Group II patients. CONCLUSION: Use of a long GDS may protect the tricuspid valve from injury during implantation of the S3 valve in the pulmonary position, and is technically feasible in smaller patients.

Cardiovascular recurrence of high-grade osteosarcoma presenting as atrial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: A case report and review of the pediatric literature.

In the era of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, extrapulmonary involvement by high-grade osteosarcoma (HGOS) is rare. Importantly however, HGOS metastasis in the form of cardiovascular tumor thrombus portends a dismal prognosis. Thus, prompt and accurate identification of tumor thrombus is crucial. We report here two unique cases of recurrent HGOS, presenting as thrombotic events, in order to increase awareness and index of suspicion among practitioners regarding this presentation. Additionally, we review 14 previously reported pediatric cases of cardiovascular metastatic HGOS.

Transseptal puncture using surgical electrocautery in children and adults with and without complex congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Atrial transseptal puncture (TSP) for cardiac catheterization procedures remain challenging in children and adults with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate our experience using radiofrequency (RF) current via surgical electrocautery needle for TSP to facilitate diagnostic and interventional procedures. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients (pts) who underwent TSP using RF energy (10-25 W) via surgical electrocautery from three centers from January 2011 to January 2017 were evaluated. Echocardiograms were reviewed to define the atrial septum as normal and complex (thin aneurysmal, thick/fibrotic, synthetic patch material, and extra cardiac conduit). RESULTS: A total of 54 pts underwent 55 successful TSP. Median age was 12.5 years (1 day-54 years) and weight was 52.7 kg (2-162). Indications for TSP included; EP study and ablation procedures in structurally normal hearts (n = 24) and in complex atrial septum/CHD and structural heart disease pts (n = 30): Electrophysiology study and ablation in 4, diagnostic catheterization in 9, and interventional procedures in 17 pts were performed. Atrial TSP was successful in 54/55 (98%). Atrial perforation with tiny-small pericardial effusion not requiring intervention was noted in 2 pts. TSP was unsuccessful in one critically ill neonate with unobstructed TAPVR and restricted atrial septum who experienced cardiac arrest requiring CPR, ECMO, and emergent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: RF current delivery using surgical electrocautery for TSP is a feasible and an effective option in patients with complex CHD for diagnostic, interventional, and electrophysiology procedures.

The Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug™ for Vascular Embolization in Children With Congenital Heart Diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the early multi-center, clinical experience with the Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug™ (MVP) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing vascular embolization. BACKGROUND: The MVP is a large diameter vascular occlusion device that can be delivered through a microcatheter for embolization of abnormal blood vessels. METHODS: A retrospective review of embolization procedures using the MVP in children with CHD was performed in 3-centers. Occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus using the MVP was not included. RESULTS: Ten children underwent attempted occlusion using the MVP. The most common indication to use the MVP was failed attempted occlusion using other embolic devices. Five, single ventricle patients (median age 3-years, median weight 14.9 kg) underwent occlusion of veno-venous collaterals following bidirectional Glenn operation. Three patients (Median age 8 years) underwent occlusion of coronary artery fistulae (CAF). Two patients (age 7 months and 1 year) underwent occlusion of large aorto-pulmonary collaterals. A 7-day-old child with a large CAF required 2 MVPs and an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP-II) for complete occlusion. Occlusion of all other blood vessels was achieved using a single MVP. One MVP embolized distally in an 8-years-old child with a large CAF. There were no other procedural complications or during follow-up (median 9 months). CONCLUSIONS: The MVP is a new, large-diameter vascular embolization device that can be delivered through a microcatheter. It may play an important role in providing highly effective occlusion of abnormal vessels in children.

Transcatheter Closure of Coronary Artery Fistulae: Considerations and Approaches Based on Fistula Origin.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate technical approaches for transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistula based on anatomic type of the fistula. BACKGROUND: The variability in coronary artery fistulae (CAF) anatomy that necessitates different transcatheter closure (TCC) approaches has not been well documented. METHODS: Records of patients with CAF who underwent TCC at 2 centers were reviewed for technical details and procedural outcome. CAF were classified as proximal and distal. TCC approaches employed were arterio-venous or arterio-arterial loop, retrograde arterial, and antegrade venous. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with CAF, mean age 12.6 years (0.07-60), 11 male (61%), underwent TCC. All CAF drained predominantly into the right side of the heart. Types of CAF were proximal in 15 and distal in 3 patients. CAF calibers were large in 7, medium in 9, and small in 2 patients. The arterio-venous loop approach was used in the majority of the cases (11 patients) and the CAF size were medium to large. The retrograde arterial approach was used in 4; of these, 3 patients had small to medium sized CAF. In 2 patients with long tortuous CAF an antegrade venous approach was employed. TCC was successful in 17 of the 18 patients (94.4%). There were no peri-procedural deaths or vascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents transcatheter closure approaches for CAF and device selection based on fistula origin. The choices of TCC technique and device selection vary, and are primarily determined by the heterogeneous anatomic characteristics of the fistulae.

A novel balloon assisted two-stents telescoping technique for repositioning an embolized stent in the pulmonary conduit.

A 9-year-old male, with history of pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect, status post complete repair with a 16 mm pulmonary homograft in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) underwent 3110 Palmaz stent placement for conduit stenosis. Following deployment the stent embolized proximally into the right ventricle (RV). We undertook the choice of repositioning the embolized stent into the conduit with a transcatheter approach. Using a second venous access, the embolized stent was carefully maneuvered into the proximal part of conduit with an inflated Tyshak balloon catheter. A second Palmaz 4010 stent was deployed in the distal conduit telescoping through the embolized stent. The Tyshak balloon catheter was kept inflated in the RV to stabilize the embolized stent in the proximal conduit until it was successfully latched up against the conduit with the deployment of the overlapping second stent. One year later, he underwent Melody valve implantation in the pre-stented conduit relieving conduit insufficiency. This novel balloon assisted two-stents telescoping technique is a feasible transcatheter option to secure an embolized stent from the RV to the RVOT.

Hybrid Interventions for Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: Leveraging Intraoperative Endovascular Adjuncts in Challenging Clinical Scenarios.

Background: Pediatric pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is often progressive and treatment-refractory, requiring multiple interventions. Hybrid pulmonary vein interventions (HPVIs), involving intraoperative balloon angioplasty or stent placement, leverage surgical access and customization to optimize patency while facilitating future transcatheter procedures. We review our experience with HPVI and explore potential applications of this collaborative approach. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all HPVI cases between 2009 to 2023. Results: Ten patients with primary (n = 5) or post-repair (n = 5) PVS underwent HPVI at median age of 12.7 months (range 6.6 months-9.5 years). Concurrent surgical PVS repair was performed in 7/10 cases. Hybrid pulmonary vein intervention was performed on 17 veins, 13 (76%) with prior surgical or transcatheter intervention(s). One patient underwent intraoperative balloon angioplasty of an existing stent. In total, 18 stents (9 bare metal [5-10 mm diameter], 9 drug eluting [3.5-5 mm diameter]) were placed in 16 veins. At first angiography (median 48 days [range 7 days-2.8 years] postoperatively), 8 of 16 (50%) HPVI-stented veins developed in-stent stenosis. Two patients died from progressive PVS early in the study, one prior to planned reintervention. Median time to first pulmonary vein reintervention was 86 days (10 days-2.8 years; 8/10 patients, 13/17 veins). At median survivor follow-up of 2.2 years (2.3 months-13.1 years), 1 of 11 surviving HPVI veins were completely occluded. Conclusions: Hybrid pulmonary vein intervention represents a viable adjunct to existing PVS therapies, with promising flexibility to address limitations of surgical and transcatheter modalities. Reintervention is anticipated, necessitating evaluation of long-term benefits and durability as utilization increases.

Catheterization-based intervention in low birth weight infants less than 2.5 kg with acute and long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND: The number of low birth weight infants with congenital heart disease is increasing and catheterizations may have an increased risk for mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: We investigate the outcome and complications of cardiac catheterizations in infants weighing < 2.5 kg. METHODS: Retrospective review of catheterization records from 1995 to 2010 in infants weighing < 2.5 kg. The demographics, procedure, outcome, and follow-up data were collected. RESULTS: Of 101 catheterizations performed in 88 patients, 45 (45%) catheterizations were interventional. Balloon atrial septostomy (n = 23), pulmonary valvuloplasty (14), aortic valvuloplasty (4), stent placement (3), balloon angioplasty (2), and temporary pacemaker insertion (1) were successfully performed. Balloon atrial septostomy was performed with pulmonary or aortic valvuloplasty in two catheterizations. Infants < 2.5 kg had higher significant adverse event rate that those 2.5-3.5 kg (13% versus 6.6%, P < 0.05). No procedural death was noted. Significant adverse events (n = 13) included cardiopulmonary resuscitation three, vascular six, arrhythmia three, and apnea requiring intubation one. On median follow-up of 3 years (0.03 to 14), n = 69, mortality rate was 36%. In six patients with valvar pulmonary stenosis with median follow-up of 6 years (0.75-13), four (67%) did not require re-intervention. Of two patients with aortic stenosis, one did not require repeat intervention for 6 years (last follow-up). CONCLUSION: Interventional catheterization is feasible with low procedural morbidity and mortality in high risk infants < 2.5 kg. Catheterization primarily serves as a palliative procedure to stabilize infants for definitive treatment. Balloon valvuloplasty may be effective for isolated valvar pulmonary stenosis in infants < 2.5 kg.

Remodeling and thrombosis following closure of coronary artery fistula with review of management: large distal coronary artery fistula--to close or not to close?

BACKGROUND: To evaluate postdiscovery outcome of coronary artery fistulae (CAF). CAF treatment sequelae and risk factors for coronary thrombosis have not been adequately evaluated. METHODS: Outcome on follow-up of 16 patients with CAF was reviewed. Risk factors for adverse coronary events were assessed based on type, size, and treatment of CAF. RESULTS: Median age was 10 years (0.01-56). Seven patients had large, four medium, and five small sizes CAF. Eight had proximal and 8 distal type CAF. There were 7 in the intervention group (IG) and 9 in nonintervention (NIG). In the IG, 1 had myocardial infarction (MI) <24 hr with distal thrombosis following large distal type CAF closure. Follow-up angiograms in 6 pts showed; decrease in conduit coronary artery size towards normal in 4, 1 had discrete intimal stenosis, persistent coronary dilatation in 1, thrombosis of residual proximal fistula segment without MI in 2, evidence of revascularization in 2 and neovascularization in 1 patient. In the NIG, 6 of the 9 pts available for follow-up were asymptomatic. Angiogram available in 1 patient showed persistent coronary dilatation with partial closure. CONCLUSION: Post-CAF treatment sequelae include thrombosis and MI, revascularization, persistent coronary dilatation, remodeling, and decrease in conduit coronary artery size towards normal. The large size distal type of CAF may be at highest risk for coronary thrombosis post closure. The optimal treatment approach to various morphologies of CAF at various ages remains to be determined.

Single tertiary center experience using Gore Cardioform Atrial Septal Defect Occluder for secundum atrial septal defect closure with a focus on deficient rims.

BACKGROUND: The data on the use of Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder (GCA; W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc.) for atrial septal defect (ASD) with deficient rims is limited. METHODS: All patients evaluated by transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) for ASD occlusion were included. TEE planes at 35°, 0°, and 90° were assessed for anterior-superior (AS) and posterior (P), anterior-inferior (AI) and posterior-superior (PS), as well as superior (S) and inferior (I) rims. ASD size >20 mm, and rims less than 5 mm were defined as large and deficient, respectively. We included patients who had a procedural failure along with the patients in whom the procedure was not attempted after echocardiogram in the unsuccessful group. RESULTS: In 148 patients, the median weight, age, and ASD size were 36 kg (range, 8-60 kg), 11.8 years (range, 1-60 years), and 14.2 ± 8.28 mm, respectively. One or more deficient rims were noted in 112 of 148 (75.7%): 99 (67%) AS, 36 (24%) P, 17 (11%) AI, 30 (20%) PS, 26 (18%) S, and 33 (22%) I. ASD closure was performed in 115 (78%) patients. The procedure was successful in 111 (96.5%) patients with procedural failure in 4 (3.4%) patients. Multiple deficient rims were associated with reduced procedural success (OR 0.36, 95% CI, 0.25-0.56). On multivariate analysis deficient P, PS, and I rims were associated with an unsuccessful group (P = .001, .046, and .005, respectively). Complications included 1 device embolization, 1 vascular injury, and 5 arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of ASDs with deficient rims is feasible using GCA. Large ASDs with deficient P, PS, and I rims were associated with unsuccessful closure. Risk stratification and comprehensive evaluation of ASD rims is vital for the use of GCA.

Retrieval of Large Balloon Fragments During Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation Using a Novel Retrieval System.

The removal of balloon fragments from the pulmonary artery without damaging the pulmonary and tricuspid valves can be difficult. Four cases during transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement are described in which a novel retrieval system was used to facilitate safe removal. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Mullins-Sheath Facilitated Delivery of Gore Cardioform ASD Occluder Devices for Closure of Large or Challenging Secundum Atrial Septal Defects.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a deployment technique of the Gore Cardioform atrial septal defect (ASD) occluder (W.L. Gore and Associates) for large secundum ASDs and ASDs with challenging anatomy. BACKGROUND: The Gore Cardioform ASD occluder has recently been approved for closure of secundum ASDs; however, there are limitations to its delivery system. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on the use of a Mullins sheath (Cook Medical) to facilitate Gore Cardioform ASD occluder delivery for secundum ASD closure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory from June, 2017 to December, 2019 at Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine. RESULTS: Out of 98 patients who underwent an attempt at ASD closure using the Gore Cardioform ASD occluder, a Mullins sheath was used in 52 patients (median age, 8 years [interquartile range, 4-13 years] and weight 27.2 kg [interquartile range, 17.9-51.2 kg]), with a successful implant in 46/52 patients (88%). The Mullins sheath was primarily used to deliver large devices (>32 mm) in 38/46 successful implants (83%). There were 2 major adverse events (atrial fibrillation requiring cardioversion). At a median follow-up of 43 days (interquartile range, 1-374 days), no patient had more than a mild residual shunt. The ASD size, maximum sheath size, and device size were larger in patients in whom the Mullins sheath was used as compared with those patients in whom a Mullins sheath was not used. CONCLUSIONS: The Mullins sheath-facilitated delivery of the Gore Cardioform ASD occluder device may be a useful adjunct technique for closure of large secundum ASDs and secundum ASDs with challenging anatomy.

Anatomical Classification and Posttreatment Remodeling Characteristics to Guide Management and Follow-Up of Neonates and Infants With Coronary Artery Fistula: A Multicenter Study From the Coronary Artery Fistula Registry.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) presenting in infancy are rare, and data regarding postclosure sequelae and follow-up are limited. METHODS: A retrospective review of all the neonates and infants (<1 year) was conducted from the CAF registry for CAF treatment. The CAF type (proximal or distal), size, treatment method, and follow-up angiography were reviewed to assess outcomes and coronary remodeling. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included from 20 centers. Of these, 30 were proximal and 18 had distal CAF; 39 were large, 7 medium, and 2 had small CAF. The median age and weight was 0.16 years (0.01-1) and 4.2 kg (1.7-10.6). Heart failure was noted in 28 of 48 (58%) patients. Transcatheter closure was performed in 24, surgical closure in 18, and 6 were observed medically. Procedural success was 92% and 94 % for transcatheter closure and surgical closure, respectively. Follow-up data were obtained in 34 of 48 (70%) at a median of 2.9 (0.1-18) years. Angiography to assess remodeling was available in 20 of 48 (41%). I. Optimal remodeling (n=10, 7 proximal and 3 distal CAF). II. Suboptimal remodeling (n=7) included (A) symptomatic coronary thrombosis (n=2, distal CAF), (B) asymptomatic coronary thrombosis (n=3, 1 proximal and 2 distal CAF), and (C) partial thrombosis with residual cul-de-sac (n=1, proximal CAF) and vessel irregularity with stenosis (n=1, distal CAF). Finally, (III) persistent coronary artery dilation (n=4). Antiplatelets and anticoagulation were used in 31 and 7 patients post-closure, respectively. Overall, 7 of 10 (70%) with proximal CAF had optimal remodeling, but 5 of 11 (45%) with distal CAF had suboptimal remodeling. Only 1 of 7 patients with suboptimal remodeling were on anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: Neonates/infants with hemodynamically significant CAF can be treated by transcatheter or surgical closure with excellent procedural success. Patients with distal CAF are at higher risk for suboptimal remodeling. Postclosure anticoagulation and follow-up coronary anatomic evaluation are warranted.

Preclosure pressure gradients predict patent ductus arteriosus patients at risk for later left pulmonary artery stenosis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pre-existing catheterization left pulmonary artery (LPA) gradients and correlation of these gradients with later LPA stenosis after successful patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion. We performed a single-center review of 130 patients with PDA closure from October 1993 to February 2005. We analyzed the pre-PDA closure LPA pressure gradients at catheterization to determine if these were predictive of late LPA stenosis. On follow-up, a V (max) >2 m/s by echocardiogram (transthoracic echocardiography; TTE) was considered indicative of possible LPA stenosis. Left lung perfusion of <35% was considered diagnostic of significant LPA stenosis. Post PDA closure, possible LPA stenosis by TTE was seen in 8 of 128 patients (6.25%). Seven of these eight had precatheter LPA gradients >7 mm Hg. Five of these had perfusion scans, three of the five had significant LPA stenosis, and two underwent LPA angioplasty. Patients with LPA catheter gradients >7 mm Hg were more likely to have possible LPA stenosis by TTE, significant LPA stenosis by lung scan, and intervention with LPA angioplasty. In conclusion, a preclosure main pulmonary artery-to-LPA pressure gradient >7 mm Hg was found in all patients who developed significant LPA stenosis on follow-up after transcatheter PDA closure. It appears likely that these patients have LPA abnormality rather than stenosis caused by the PDA occlusion device. Patients with preclosure LPA gradients >7 mm Hg should undergo follow-up evaluations for detection of significant stenosis and may require treatment if an important flow abnormality is documented.