Mid-Term Outcomes after Percutaneous Closure of the Secundum Atrial Septal Defect with the Figulla-Occlutech Device.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mid-term outcomes after percutaneous closure of the secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) using the Figulla-Occlutech device (FOD). BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure has become the method of choice for most patients with ASD. Although the FOD may have some advantageous characteristics there is a paucity of data on later outcomes after the use of this relatively new device. METHODS: Observational, single arm study including 200 non-consecutive patients who underwent ASD closure between 04/09 and 07/15 in 2 centers. Device performance, deployment technique, and immediate and mid-term outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Median age and weight were 24 years (4-72) and 58 kg (15-92), respectively. Single defects were observed in 171 patients (median size of 19 mm). The remainder had multiple or multifenestrated defects. Implantation of FOD (median size of 24 mm) was successful in all (99%), but 2 patients (1 with deficient postero-inferior rim; 1 with a large ASD for the size of the child). Embolization with device retrieval occurred in 2 (1%). Median follow-up of 36 months was obtained in 172 patients. Serial echocardiographic assessment showed complete closure in all but 2 patients, in whom an additional small non-significant posterior defect was purposely left untouched. There have been no episodes of late arrhythmias, device embolization, cardiac erosion, endocarditis, thromboembolism, wire fracture, or death. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of ASDs in older children, adolescents, and adults using the FOD was highly successful in a wide range of anatomical scenarios with high closure rates and no complications in mid-term follow-up.

Intracoronary ultrasound assessment late after the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries.

OBJECTIVES: This research was undertaken to assess the status of the coronary wall morphology late after the arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries employing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). BACKGROUND: Long-term patency of the reimplanted coronary arteries is a key issue after ASO. Follow-up studies have demonstrated coronary obstruction in up to 8% of patients that may be related to progressive fibrocellular intimal thickening. METHODS: Twenty-two asymptomatic children were enrolled at a median age of 9.5 years (range 5 to 22 years); IVUS images were obtained in 20 children at cardiac catheterization 5.0 to 21.6 years after the operation (in two cases IVUS study was not feasible due to technical constraints). Quantitative analysis was performed in 37 coronary arteries involving segments with a mean length of 28.4 +/- 1.8 mm. RESULTS: Thirty-three arteries (89%) displayed variable degrees of proximal eccentric intimal proliferation, with the maximal intimal thickening being 0.26 +/- 0.14 mm (range 0.06 to 0.71 mm) at the most thickened site. According to the Stanford classification, all children had coronary artery involvement with 50% having moderate-to-severe lesions (>0.3 mm). No risk factors for such abnormalities were encountered, including age, origin of the coronary arteries, hemodynamics, and follow-up duration after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular ultrasound assessment late after the ASO revealed proximal eccentric intimal thickening in most of the studied vessels. This observation suggests the development of early atherosclerosis in the reimplanted coronary arteries, which may have a role in the genesis of late coronary events.

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects.

The isolated perimembranous ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital cardiac malformations. Although surgery has been performed and has a low associated risk, it still involves morbidity due to factors such as residual leaks, atrioventricular block, postpericardiotomy syndrome and arrhythmias. It has been speculated that percutaneous closure of these defects could minimize such complications. Recently, a device designed specifically for perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure, the Amplatzer membranous ventricular septal defect occluder, has been developed. Initial clinical experience with this device has been very encouraging with results showing a high rate of complete closure and a low incidence of complications at mid-term follow-up. In this article, the authors review their own and others' experience with this device.

Obliteration of a competitive forward flow from the ventricle after a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt with an Amplatzer duct occluder.

A 7-month-old boy who was status post-bidirectional Glenn shunt implantation with residual ventricular flow to the pulmonary arteries (PA) presented with massive edema of the head and systemic desaturation soon after surgery. After test occlusion, an Amplatzer duct occluder was implanted at the PA banding site with subsequent decrease in the PA pressure, resolution of the edema and extubation.

Percutaneous occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus with the amplatzer device for atrial septal defects.

We report two cases in which adult patients with large and short patent ductus arteriosus with shallow/no aortic ampulla and associated pulmonary hypertension had the defects successfully closed percutaneously using Amplatzer devices designed for atrial septal defect occlusion. The defects were stretched with a sizing balloon for optimal ductal size determination and device selection. Surgical treatment for associated discrete membranous subaortic stenosis was deferred in one patient because of significant gradient reduction in the left ventricular outflow tract after ductal occlusion. The technique of this novel approach and its possible advantages are discussed.

Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects with complex anatomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) in patients with complex anatomy. From September 1997 to July 2003, a total of 40 patients (median age, 34 years; 65% female) with complex ASDs, defined as the presence of a large defect (stretched diameter >26 mm) associated with a deficient rim (n=23); multiple defects (n=8); a multi-fenestrated septum (n=5); and defects associated with an aneurysmal septum irrespective of their size (n=4) underwent closure. The Helex device was used in 4 patients and the Amplatzer in the remaining. Two devices were implanted in 2 patients each. Implantation was unsuccessful in 5 patients, with 4 having large defects associated with a deficient anterior rim and a floppy posterior septum. Occlusion was observed in 22 of 35 patients (63%) immediately after implantation and in 31 (89%) at a mean follow-up of 18+/-9 months. No major complications occurred. Right ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (indexed for body surface area) decreased from 135+/-25% before closure to 124+/-15% 24 hours after closure, and to 92+/-12% after 12 months. Two patients with 2 distant defects and 2 patients with large defects remained with shunts (<4 mm) at the latest visit. Transcatheter closure of complex secundum ASDs was feasible, safe and effective; however, large defects associated with a deficient anterior rim and a floppy posterior septum may not be suitable for this approach.

A new use for the amplatzer duct occluder device.

We report a case in which the Amplatzer device for percutaneous occlusion of ductus arteriosus was successfully used for occluding a large systemic-pulmonary collateral vessel in a patient who had previously undergone surgery for correction of pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (Rastelli technique), and was awaiting the change of a cardiac tube. In the first attempt, the device embolized to the distal pulmonary bed and, after being rescued with a Bitome, it was appropriately repositioned with no complications and with total occlusion of the vessel.

Initial experience in Brazil with the Helex septal occluder for percutaneous occlusion of atrial septal defects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial clinical experience with the Helex septal occluder for percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects. METHODS: Ten patients underwent the procedure, 7 patients with ostium secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) with hemodynamic repercussions and 3 patients with pervious foramen ovale (PFO) and a history of stroke. Mean age was 33.8 years and mean weight was 55.4 kg. Mean diameter by transesophageal echocardiography and mean stretched ASD diameter were 11.33 3.3mm, and 15.2 3.8mm, respectively. The Qp/Qs ratio was 1.9 0.3 in patients with ASD. RESULTS: Eleven occluders were placed because a patient with 2 holes needed 2 devices. It was necessary to retrieve and replace 4 devices in 3 patients. We observed immediate residual shunt (< 2mm) in 4 patients with ASD, and in those with patent foramen ovale total occlusion of the defect occurred. No complications were noted, and all patients were discharged on the following day. After 1 month, 2 patients with ASD experienced trivial residual shunts (1mm). In 1 patient, we observed mild prolapse in the proximal disk in the right atrium, without consequences. CONCLUSION: The Helex septal occluder was safe and effective for occluding small to moderate atrial septal defects. Because the implantation technique is demanding, it requires specific training of the operator. Even so, small technical failures may occur in the beginning of the learning curve, but they do not involve patient safety.

Short- and midterm follow-up results of valvuloplasty with balloon catheter for congenital aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report short and midtem follow-up results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty to treat congenital aortic stenosis. METHODS: Seventy-five patients (median age: 8 years) underwent the procedure through the retrograde femoral or carotid route. RESULTS: The procedure was completed in 74 patients (98.6%). The peak-to-peak systolic gradient dropped from 79.6 27.7 to 22.3 17.8 mmHg (P<0.001), the left ventricular systolic pressure dropped from 164 39.1 to 110 24.8 mmHg (P<0.001), and the left ventricular end diastolic pressure dropped from 13.3 5.5 to 8.5 8.3 mmHg (P< 0.01). Four patients (5.3%) died due to the procedure. Aortic regurgitation (AoR) appeared or worsened in 27/71 (38%) patients, and no immediate surgical intervention was required. A mean follow-up of 50 38 months was obtained in 37 patients. Restenosis and significant AoR were observed in 16.6% of the patients. The estimates for being restenosis-free and for having significant AoR in 90 months were 60% and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Aortic valvuloplasty was considered the initial palliative method of choice in managing congenital aortic stenosis, with satisfactory short- and midterm results.

Estado atual do tratamento dos defeitos do septo atrial / Current status of the treatment of atrial septal defects

A comunicação interatrial tipo ostium secundum (CIA OS) é uma cardiopatia congênita relativamente frequente, que causa repercussão hemodinâmica para o ventrículo direito, com sobrecarga volumétrica e dilatação da câmara. A maioria dos pacientes é assintomática, porém sintomas podem aparecer depois da segunda década de vida. O tratamento eletivo é usualmente realizado próximo ao quinto ano de vida, podendo ser indicado mais precocemente quando houver sintomatologia exuberante. O fechamento transcateter usando uma prótese de duplo disco é bem estabelecido como a primeira escolha de tratamento para a maioria dos pacientes de anatomia favorável. Foi comprovado que o forame oval patente (FOP) está associado à acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) em pacientes com poucos ou nenhum fator de risco de doença cardiovascular. Recentemente, foi demonstrado que a oclusão transcateter do FOP é superior ao tratamento clínico para prevenir recorrências de AVCI nessa população, em um estudo randomizado com acompanhamento clínico de longo prazo. Este manuscrito revisa as atuais indicações, critérios de seleção do paciente e o seguimento clínico dos pacientes com CIA OS e FOP submetidos ao tratamento transcateter

Ostium secundum atrial septal defect (OS-ASD) is a relatively frequent congenital heart defect that causes hemodynamic burden on the right ventricle with volume overload and chamber dilatation. Most patients are asymptomatic, however symptoms can appear after the second decade of life. Elective treatment is usually performed around the fifth year of life, and may be occasionally indicated earlier if there are exuberant symptoms. Transcatheter closure using a double disc device is well established as the first choice of treatment for most patients with suitable anatomy. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been shown to be associated with ischemic stroke in patients with no or limited risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It was recently demonstrated in a randomized trial with long-term follow-up that transcatheter closure of PFO is superior to medical treatment for preventing recurrences of stroke in this patient population. This manuscript reviews the current indications, patient selection criteria, and long-term follow-up in patients with OS-ASD and PFO submitted to transcatheter closure

Experiência Inicial com o Implante Percutâneo da Válvula Melody® no Brasil / Initial Experience with Percutaneous Implantation of the MelodyTM Valve in Brazil

Introdução: Stress is associated with cardiovascular diseases.O implante percutâneo da válvula pulmonar é uma alternativa para condutos com disfunção. Descrevemos aqui a primeira experiência com o implante da válvula Melody® no Brasil. Métodos: Foram selecionados pacientes com estenose ou insuficiência pulmonar significativa em condutos de 16 a 22 mm. Foram empregadas técnicas padronizadas. Factibilidade, segurança e eficácia desse procedimento foram avaliadas. Resultados: Desde dezembro de 2013, dez pacientes (média de idade e peso de 16,5 anos e 49 kg, respectivamente) foram submetidos ao procedimento com intervalo médio de 11,9 ± 8,6 anos desde a última cirurgia. Insuficiência pulmonar foi indicação para o tratamento em três pacientes, estenose em dois e lesão mista em cinco. A válvula Melody® foi implantada com sucesso em todos os casos. A média da pressão sistólica do ventrículo direito e a relação ventrículo direito/ventrículo esquerdo diminuíram de 49,2 ± 15,9 para 35,8 ± 5,7 mmHg e de 0,55 ± 0,18 para 0,39 ± 0,08 mmHg (p < 0,01 para ambos). Não observamos estenose e nem insuficiência pulmonar residual significativa. Um paciente teve extravasamento contido requerendo um stent coberto e um segundo implante valvular. Todos os pacientes receberam alta do hospital em 72 horas. As válvulas funcionaram adequadamente ...

Background: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation is an alternative for dysfunctional conduits. We report the first experience with the MelodyTM valve implantation in Brazil. Methods: Patients with significant pulmonary stenosis or significant pulmonary insufficiency in conduits measuring 16 to 22 mm were enrolled. Standardized techniques were employed. The feasibility, safety and efficacy of this procedure were assessed. Results: From December 2013, ten patients (mean age and weight of 16.5 years and 49 kg, respectively) have undergone the procedure with a mean interval of 11.9 ± 8.6 years since the last surgery. Pulmonary insufficiency was an indication for treatment in three patients, pulmonary stenosis in two, and mixed lesion in five. The MelodyTM valve was successfully implanted in all cases. Mean right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricle/left ventricle ratio decreased from 49.2 ± 15.9 to 35.8 ± 5.7 mmHg and from 0.55 ± 0.18 to 0.39 ± 0.08 mmHg (p < 0.01 for both). Significant residual pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary insufficiency was not observed. One patient had a contained conduit tear requiring a covered stent and a second valve implantation. All patients were discharged within 72 hours. The valves were properly functioning in a mean follow-up of 4.1 ± 2.2 months with no complications. Conclusions: Transcatheter MelodyTM valve implantation was feasible, safe and effective ...

Percutaneous closure of Blalock-Taussig shunts using Gianturco coils.

Permeability of a Blalock-Taussig shunt can increase the risk of endocarditis and ventricular overload. Percutaneous embolization of these shunts gives variable results. We report our experience in 10 patients with percutaneous closure of modified Blalock-Taussig shunts using retrograde arterial embolization with Gianturco coils. The patients' median age was 2.8 years, and their median weight was 12 kg. Most patients had minor stenosis of the distal portion of the anastomosis. In all cases, complete closure of the shunt was achieved without complications using a median of one coil per patient. The technique was feasible, safe, effective, and inexpensive.

Transhepatic access for atrioseptostomy in a neonate.

We report a case in which a neonate with complete transposition of the great arteries was submitted to an atrial septostomy through transhepatic access due to congenital interruption of the inferior vena cava. The technical aspects of the procedure are discussed.

[Right patent ductus arteriosus with an ipsilateral aortic arch: percutaneous closure with amplatzer devices]. / Conducto arterioso persistente a la derecha con arco aórtico ipsolateral: cierre percutáneo con dispositivos Amplatzer.

The association of a right aortic arch with an ipsilateral patent ductus arteriosus is rare, especially when there are no other intracardiac anomalies. We report three female patients aged 26, 35 and 9 years with this combination in whom previous attempts at surgical closure by thoracotomy and sternotomy were unsuccessful and who subsequently underwent successful percutaneous closure of the defects using Amplatzer devices. In two patients, although angiography demonstrated the presence of type-A patent ductus arteriosus, it was not possible to determine the minimum diameter accurately and it was necessary to measure it using a sizing balloon. An Amplatzer duct occluder was used in two patients and an Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder, in the other. In all patients, full closure was confirmed in the catheterization laboratory and the patients were discharged on the same day with no complications. Percutaneous closure of a right patent ductus arteriosus associated with a right aortic arch is feasible, safe and effective.

New transcatheter techniques for creation or enlargement of atrial septal defects in infants with complex congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a series of 8 consecutive infants (5 with transposition of the great arteries [TGA] and 3 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome [HLHS]) who underwent nonconventional septostomy techniques. BACKGROUND: For some complex congenital heart defects, an unrestrictive atrial septal defect (ASD) is essential to achieve an adequate cardiac output and/or systemic saturation. In some scenarios, the use of conventional septostomy techniques may be technically difficult, hazardous, and/or ineffective. METHODS: Use of transhepatic approach, cutting balloons, and radiofrequency perforation with stenting of the atrial septum. RESULTS: The size of the ASD and the oxygen saturation increased in all patients with no major complications. In those with TGA, the ASDs were considered to be of good size at the arterial switch operation. Two of the 3 patients with hybrid palliation for HLHS have developed some degree of obstruction within the interatrial stent over 2-3 months. At surgery, the stents were found to be secured within the septum with one showing significant fibrous ingrowth after uneventful removal. The other had some nonobstructive ingrowth. CONCLUSIONS: Creation or enlargement of ASDs in infants using new nonconventional transcatheter techniques is feasible, safe, and effective, at least in the short-to-mid-term follow-up. Infants with TGA seem to benefit the most because the procedure results in satisfactory clinical stability for subsequent early surgical intervention. In infants with HLHS palliated by a hybrid approach, stent implantation to the atrial septum seems to buy enough time to bring them to the phase II safely despite progressive in-stent obstruction.

Percutaneous closure of postoperative and post-traumatic ventricular septal defects.

Although uncommon, significant postoperative residual leaks may occur after repair of any type of ventricular septal defect (VSD). Post-traumatic VSDs are even rarer, but can be occasionally seen after penetrating or blunt chest trauma. When these defects are associated with significant left-to-right shunting (Qp/Qs > 1.5) with persistent left ventricular volume overload, intervention is generally recommended. Surgical treatment requires cardiopulmonary bypass with its attendant morbidity, increased hospital stay and possible long-term neurological impairment. With the evolving experience of transcatheter closure of postinfarction and native perimembranous and muscular VSDs, this less invasive method became an attractive alternative to manage these postoperative and post-traumatic defects. In this paper, we report on 3 patients with such residual leaks after repair of a perimembranous defect, which was closed using a perimembranous Amplatzer VSD occluded after a failed attempt using a NitOcclud coil. One patient had a mid-muscular post-traumatic defect after a penetrating chest wound, and another patient had a residual leak after a patch repair of a large post-traumatic muscular defect with outlet extension after a blunt chest trauma. Both defects were closed using muscular Amplatzer VSD occluders. All procedures were uncomplicated, and there were no technical difficulties with device implantation. All 3 patients' defects were completely closed at follow up. Percutaneous closure of traumatic and residual postoperative VSDs appears to be safe and effective. A larger number of patients and longer follow-up period are needed before the widespread use of this technique can be recommended.

Oclusão percutânea de defeitos cardíacos congênitos e estruturais com Amplatzer Duct oOccluder II TM / Percutaneous closure of congenital and structural heart defects with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II TM

INTRODUÇÃO: Uma nova geração de próteses Amplatzer com menor perfil e maior flexibilidade foi desenvolvida recentemente para o tratamento percutâneo da persistência do canal arterial (PCA). Neste artigo é relatado o uso desse novo dispositivo, Amplatzer Duct Occludder IITM (ADO II), para o tratamento tanto de PCA como de outros defeitos congênitos e estruturais, avaliando sua eficácia e segurança. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal observacional de um coorte de pacientes portadores de cardiopatias congênitas e estruturais tratados com ADO II entre outubro de 2009 e agosto de 2011. Pacientes com menos de 5 kg e canais > 5,5 mm e/ou do tipo B foram excluídos do estudo. A prótese foi implantada por vias anterógrada ou retrógrada. A cintura foi cerca de 2 mm maior que o defeito e o comprimento da prótese foi de 4 mm para lesões mais curtas ( até 6-8 mm). Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 28 pacientes, com mediana de idade e de peso de 2 anos e 11,7 kg, respectivamente, dos quais 23 eram portadores de PCA com diâmetro mínimo de 2,3 +- 0,8 mm. Os demais apresentavam...

BACKGROUND: A new generation of Amplatzer devices with lower profile and greater flexibility has been recently developed for percutaneous occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In this paper, the use of this new device, the Amplatzer Duct Occludder II TM (ADO II) for percutaneous closure of the PDA as well as for the treatment of other congenital and structural heart defects is reported, assessing its safety and efficacy. METHODS: Longitudinal and observational study of a cohort of patients with congenital and structural heart defects treated with ADO II between October 2009 and August 2011. Patients weighing less than 5 kg and PDAs > 5.5 mm and/or type B were excluded. The device was implanted using the antegrade or retrograde approach. The waist was 2 mm larger than the defect and the length of the prosthesis was 4 mm for shorter lesions (less than 6-8 mm). RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with a median age and weight of 2 years and 11.7 kg, respectively, were included. Twenty-three had a PDA with a mean minimal diameter of 2.3 + 0.8 mm. The remainder had muscular ventricular septal defect (1), pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (1), ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva (1), and univentricular heart in the early postoperative period of bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis with residual antegrade pulmonary flow (2). The device was successfully implanted in all patients, except for an infant weighing 8 kg with a long, tortuous and oblique PDA with a diameter of 2.8 mm and a shallow ampulla. There was total occlusion of the defects in all patients. One patient with univentricular heart and right isomerism died due to complications not related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: ADO II proved to be a flexible, safe and effective device for the percutaneous treatment of infants, children and selected adults with PDA and other congenital and structural heart defects. Its use may have limitations for some anatomical PDA configurations in smaller infants.

Double balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty: multi-track system versus conventional technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether double balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (DBPV) with the Multi-Track system (MTS) may help to simplify the procedure. BACKGROUND: DBPV is usually required for patients with pulmonary valve stenosis with large annulus. However, it needs two venous accesses and can be technically demanding. METHODS: From 07/03, 20 consecutive patients (19 +/- 10 yrs) with typical pulmonary valve stenosis underwent DBPV using the MTS (G1). The results were compared with those achieved by conventional DBPV performed in a matched historical group of 28 patients (21 +/- 11 yrs; P = NS) (G2). RESULTS: MTS balloons were easily advanced through the skin and inflated across the valve. Similar results were observed in regards to residual gradients (12 +/- 11 vs 14 +/- 10 mm Hg; P = NS) and right ventricular to systemic pressures (0.35 +/- 0.22 vs 0.37 +/- 0.26; P = NS). Procedure and fluoroscopic times were significant lower in G1 (78 +/- 24 vs 126 +/- 28; 15 +/- 12 vs 25 +/- 8 min, respectively; both P < 0.001). There was no major complication. Median follow-up was 1.8 yr for G1 and 5 yr for G2 (P = 0.037). At the last visit, peak instantaneous gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract by echocardiography was a mean 22 +/- 10 mm Hg for G1 and 25 +/- 9 mm Hg for G2 (P = NS). No patient had severe pulmonary insufficiency or required reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the MTS helped to expedite the procedure providing satisfactory midterm clinical outcomes, similar to those observed with the conventional DBPV technique.

Endovascular stenting for aortic coarctation.

Surgery had been the traditional treatment for native coarctation of the aorta, one of the most common cardiovascular congenital malformations. As a less invasive mode of treatment, balloon angioplasty has emerged as an alternative to surgery but has not gained universal acceptance due to its rates of restenosis secondary to vessel recoil and concerns over aortic wall injury resulting in aneurysm formation. To overcome these problems, endovascular stents were introduced in the management of this condition. The early- and intermediate-term results are encouraging, with low rates of restenosis and complications. In this article, the authors review the current evidence on coarctation stenting and discuss future trends in this area.

Experiência inicial no fechamento percutâneo da comunicação interatrial tipo ostium secundum com a prótese figulla / Initial experience in the percutaneous occlusion of ostium secundum atrial septal defect with the Figulla device

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento percutâneo da comunicação interatrial tipo ostium secundum é a modalidade terapêutica de escolha em mais de 80 por cento dos casos. Várias próteses encontram-se disponíveis pra tal finalidade. Relatamos nossa experiência com a oclusão percutânea da comunicação interatrial com a prótese Figulla (Occlutech, Praga, República Tcheca), avaliando a segurança e a eficácia do método. Método: De abril de 2008 a março de 2010, foram realizados 25 procedimentos em dois centros de referência em 25 pacientes não-consecutivos (mediana de idade de 22 anos e de peso de 60 kg) sob anestesia geral e monitoração pela ecocardiografia transesofagica. Do total de comunicações interatriais, 23 eram únicas, com diâmetro...

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous treatment of ostium secundum atrial septal defect is the preferred therapy in over 80% of cases. Several devices are available for this purpose. We report our experience with the percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect with the Figulla device (Occlutech, Prague, Czech Republic) assessing the safety and efficacy of the procedure. METHOD: From April 2008 to March 2010, 25 procedures were performed in 2 reference centers in 25 non-consecutive patients (median age 22 years and median weight 60 kg) under general anesthesia and transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring. Atrial septal defects were single in 23 cases and multiple in 2 cases and had a mean diameter of 17.5 ± 9.4 mm. In one patient it was necessary to use two devices in two distant atrial septal defects. The mean diameter of the devices was 20.8 ± 7.4 mm and they were implanted through 9-14 F long sheaths in the femoral vein. RESULTS: Successful implantation was observed in all cases. In one case, there was embolization immediately after device release. The device was retrieved from the descending aorta followed by implantation of a new device. The mean follow-up was 12 months and the occlusion rate was 100%. There were no late complications. CONCLUSION: In this initial experience, percutaneous occlusion of the atrial septal defect with the Figulla device was easy to perform, safe and highly effective.