Aortic arch embolization of an Amplatzer® occluder after an atrial septal defect closure: hybrid operative approach without circulatory arrest

Percutaneous closure of the secundum type atrial septal defects is becoming increasingly popular. We report the case of a 49-year-old man who presented for an unusual embolization of an Amplatzer occluder (AO) 6 weeks after a percutaneous closure of his secundum type atrial septal defect. Emergency cardiac surgery was performed and the device was safely removed by a combined surgical and endovascular approach with no need of circulatory arrest or of profound hypothermia.