Transcatheter treatment of congenital heart diseases using the Amplatzer occluder

Objective:To evaluate the efficiency,safety and complications of transcatheter closure of congenital heart diseases using the Amplatzer occluder.Methods:Of the 28 patients,there were 18 cases of patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) and 10 cases of secundum atrial septal defects(ASD).All of the patients underwent transcatheter closure using the Amplazter occluder followed by the lateral descending aortography to demonstrate the site of the Amplatzer occluder and whether the shunt remained or not.The pressure of ascending and descending aorta, left pulmonary artery and pulmonary trunk was measured. The implantation of the device was accomplished under US and X ray guidance. In all patients, X ray and echocardiography were performed 1 week,3 months and 6 months later,in order to find whether there were residual shunt and recanalization.Results:The device was successfully implanted in all patients.No severe complications such as hemolysis, device thrombosis,residual shunt and recanalization were observed.The median operation time was 58 minutes(range of 25～130 minutes),and median fluoroscopy time 11.5 minutes(range of 8～18 minutes).The positions of occluder were optimal while no residual shunt,no recanalization and no migration of the device were found by X ray and echocardiography 24 hours,a week and a month later after the procedure.No complications were observed during the 3 month follow up in 15 patients.Conclusion:The Amplatzer occluder is a safe and effective device for catheter closure of the PDA and ASD.