Transcatheter closure of recurrent postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defects utilizing the Amplatzer postinfarction VSD device: a case series

Re-repair of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture

Background

Survivors of post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal rupture (VSR) repair may require reintervention if initial repairs are incomplete or fail. We assessed patients undergoing post-MI VSR re-repair.

Methods

Between January 1976 and July 2023, 38 consecutive patients underwent re-repair of post-MI VSR at Cleveland Clinic. Preoperative characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were obtained through medical records review, and patients were followed for survival.

Results

Thirty-two (84%) re-repairs were elective/urgent, and 6 (16%) were emergencies. Preoperative temporary mechanical circulatory support was used in 14 (37%), with 12 isolated intra-aortic balloon pumps. Indications for re-repair were recurrent VSR detected during postoperative surveillance (n = 25; 66%) and residual VSR after incomplete initial repair (n = 13; 34%). The median time from initial repair to re-repair was 55 days (15th/85th percentiles: 5-331 days). Two patients (5.3%) had residual or recurrent VSR after re-repair but received no intervention due to hemodynamic insignificance. Postoperative complications included sepsis (n = 7; 18%), stroke (n = 6; 16%), and new-onset dialysis (n = 6; 16%). Operative mortality was 32% (n = 12), with differences between patients who underwent surgery before January 2001 (n = 10/18; 56%) and those who did so after January 2001 (n = 2/20; 10%), as well as between patients who received preoperative temporary mechanical circulatory support (n = 8/14; 57%) and those who did not (n = 4/24; 17%).

Conclusions

Patients with failed or incomplete initial post-MI VSR repairs may be considered for re-repair, as modern-day improvements in perioperative care may be associated with more favorable outcomes. Referral to an expert tertiary center should be considered owing to the surgical complexity of re-repair.

Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect: A Comprehensive Review

Post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare but potentially catastrophic mechanical complication that occurs in <1% of patients following a myocardial infarction and it is associated with a high morbidity and mortality despite improvements in medical and surgical therapies. Post-MI VSD is a medical emergency and outcome is very poor in medically treated patients. Treatment of choice remains surgical closure of defect and transcatheter defect closure less so. We performed a comprehensive review of the clinical presentation and management options of post-MI VSD.

Management of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defects: A critical assessment

BACKGROUND

Post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defects (PIVSD) are an uncommon but life-threatening complication of acute MI. Although surgical closure has been the standard of care, mortality, and recurrence of VSD remain high even after emergent surgery. Transcatheter VSD closure (TCC) devices have become an alternative or adjunct to surgical closure.

METHODS

Online database search was performed for studies that included adults with PIVSD who underwent medical treatment (MT) alone, surgical closure (SC) (early or late), and TCC (early, late, or for post-surgical residual VSD).

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were included with a total of 737 patients who underwent either MT (N = 100), SC (early (n = 167), late (n = 100)), and TCC (early (n = 176), late (n = 115), or post-surgical residual VSD (n = 79)). The 30-day mortality among MT group was 92 ± 6.3%, among SC was 61 ± 22.5% (early 56 ± 23%, late 41 ± 30%), and for all TCC patients was 33 ± 24% (early 54 ± 32.7%, late 16 ± 26%), and TCC for post-surgical residual VSD 11 ± 34.9%. The mortality among overall SC, overall TCC and early TCC groups was significantly lower as compared with the MT (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). The overall mortality among all TCC, and late TCC groups was significantly lower when compared with the late SC (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Closure of PIVSD decreases mortality as compared with MT alone and should be attempted as early as possible after diagnosis. Selection of TCC versus SC should be based on factors including complexity of the defect, availability of closure devices, expertise of the operator, and clinical condition of patient.

Percutaneous repair of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect: current approaches and future perspectives

Post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect is a devastating complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Although surgical intervention is considered the gold standard for treatment, it carries high morbidity and mortality rates. We present 2 cases that illustrate the application of percutaneous closure of a post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect: the first in a patient who had undergone prior surgical closure and then developed a new shunt, and the second as a bridge to definitive surgery in a critically ill patient.

Percutaneous occlusion of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septum rupture

Aims

The aim of this systematic review is to gain insight into the published experience on percutaneous closure of a post-infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR).

Method

Relevant literature was obtained by MeSH-term searches in the online search-engine PubMed. Articles published in the last 10 years were included. Further filtering was done by using search limits and individual article selection based on the aims of this systematic review.

Conclusion

Percutaneous closure is a potential technique in a select group of patients. The presence of cardiogenic shock and closure in the acute phase after VSR diagnosis are important risk factors of mortality. Device implantation is in general successful with few procedure-related complications. Reduction of the shunt fraction has been reported frequently. This technique is a less invasive alternative to surgical treatment and should be applied on a case-by-case basis.

Percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defects

Isolated ventricular septal defect is the most common form of congenital heart disease. Surgery has been performed for many years and is considered the gold standard for the treatment of ventricular septal defects. However, it is associated with morbidity and mortality. Less invasive techniques have been developed and currently percutaneous closure of muscular and perimembranous ventricular septal defects has to be considered a possible alternative to the standard surgical approach.

Percutaneous ventricular septal defect closure with Amplatzer devices resulting in severe tricuspid regurgitation

While percutaneous intervention is an alternative for patients who are not surgical candidates, the rate of morbidity and mortality is comparable to open repair. Appending the reported complications associated with percutaneous intervention (device mal-positioning, dislodgement, and entrapment in the sub-valvular apparatus), we report mechanical damage to the tricuspid valve (TV). Percutaneous closure with an Amplatzer septal occluder device was attempted on three patients who developed a ventricular septal defects (VSD) after myocardial infarction. In all three cases, damage to the tricuspid leaflet was noted post-procedure. The accompanying severe tricuspid regurgitation led to right ventricular failure, even in the patients where the VSD was considered successfully occluded. Despite successful deployment of the Amplatzer device, complications with catheter manipulation may still arise. Damage to the TV can occur during percutaneous VSD closure with Amplatzer device. Periprocedure TEE monitoring can detect damage to the tricuspid leaflets.

Transcatheter Closure of Post-myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture

Background—

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a potentially lethal mechanical complication of acute coronary syndromes. Given high surgical mortality, transcatheter closure has emerged as a potential strategy in selected cases. We report our single-center experience with double-umbrella device percutaneous closure of post-AMI VSR.

Methods and Results—

In this single-center, retrospective, cohort study, patients who underwent transcatheter closure of post-AMI VSR between 1988 and 2008 at Boston Children’s Hospital were included. Data were analysed according to whether the patients underwent direct percutaneous VSR closure or closure of a residual VSR after a previous surgical approach. Primary outcome was mortality rate at 30 days. Clinical predictors of primary outcome were investigated using univariate logistic regression. Thirty patients were included in the study (mean age, 67±8 years). A total of 40 closure devices were implanted. Major periprocedural complications occurred in 4 (13%) patients. Cardiogenic shock, increasing pulmonary/systemic flow ratio, and the use of the new generation (6-arm) STARFlex device all were associated with higher risk of mortality. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score at the time of VSR closure seemed to be most strongly associated with death (odds ratio, 1.6; confidence interval, 1.1–2.2; P <0.001).

Conclusions—

Transcatheter closure of post-AMI VSR using CardioSEAL or STARFlex devices is feasible and effective. The MELD-XI score, a marker of multiorgan dysfunction, is a promising risk stratifier in this population of patients. Early closure of post-AMI VSR is advisable before establishment of multiorgan failure.

Device closure of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect three weeks after coronary angioplasty

Percutaneus device closure appears to be safe and effective in patients treated for a residual shunt after initial surgical closure, as well as after two to three weeks of index myocardial infarction. The index case presented with a ventricular septal defect on second of acute myocardial infarction thrombolysed with streptokinase. The general condition of the patient was fairly stable. Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography showed significant left to right shunt and there was 90 % proximal stenosis of left anterior descending coronary artery. Other coronary arteries were normal. Angioplasty and stenting to the coronary artery lesion was done using drug eluting stent (DES) with very good angiographic result. Patient was discharged after four days in stable condtion. After 3 weeks his ventricular septal defect was closed percutaneusly using cardio -O-fix device with tiny residual shunt. The procedure was uneventful and of brief duration. He was discharged after 5 days of the post procedure in very stable condition with minimal residual shunt. A staged procedure is a better option if the condition of the patient allows strengthening ventricular septal defect border.

Unplanned staged hybrid management of postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an uncommon but potentially deadly complication of transmural myocardial infarction (MI). Emergency surgical treatment has traditionally offered the best chance for survival. However, operative intervention is associated with high mortality and can be complicated by a recurrent VSD due to tissue friability around the infarcted area. Percutaneous catheter-based closure techniques can be used to treat these critically ill patients, offering a less invasive and less morbid technique. This case demonstrates the successful application of an unplanned, staged hybrid approach utilizing initial percutaneous and subsequent surgical repair after recovery of tissue integrity.

Intraoperative device closure of postinfarction ventricular septal defects

Postinfarction ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are associated with high mortality and typically these are treated urgently with surgery for exclusion patch repair. Percutaneous closure of postinfarction VSDs using occlusion devices is feasible in some patients, but in some cases device deployment may not be possible due to VSD anatomy or valvular apparatus interference. We report the novel technique of deploying Amplatzer VSD devices in the operating room under direct vision through a right atriotomy with and without aortotomy in 2 patients with large inferobasal VSDs after myocardial infarction.

Percutaneous closure of a postinfarction ventricular septal defect and an iatrogenic left ventricular free-wall perforation using two Amplatzer muscular VSD occluders

A 83-year-old woman underwent percutaneous closure of postinfarction ventricular septal defect following anteroseptal myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Postinfarction percutaneous ventricular septal defect closure was initially complicated by an iatrogenic left ventricular free-wall perforation. Both defects were closed using two Amplatzer muscular VSD occluders during the same session.

Percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defects

BACKGROUND

Surgical closure of ventricular septal defects has been performed for many years, and is considered as the gold standard for treatment. It remains associated with morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter techniques have been developed in the last 10 years as a possible alternative to conventional surgery.

METHODS

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, and with continuous fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. Devices of the Amplatzer family, two in particular, have achieved a large popularity in clinical practice, and are currently the devices most commonly used to close muscular and perimembranous ventricular septal defect percutaneously.

RESULTS

Data from literature show that successful closure of muscular defects is obtained in around 96% of patients, with a rate of major complication of around 2%. Pooling data from the literature shows that successful closure of perimembranous defects is also obtained in 96% of patients, again with major acute complications in around 2%. The major problem is the occurrence of complete atrioventricular block, reported in 1.7% of subjects. Acquired defects can occur as residual leaks after surgical closure, or as consequence of myocardial infarction. There are very few data concerning percutaneous closure of postoperative residual defects. As for the surgical approach, in patients with post-myocardial defects the success rate of percutaneous closure is around 88%, with a mortality of 22%.

CONCLUSIONS

Nowadays, in experienced hands, percutaneous closure is a safe and effective procedure. In selected patients, closure of congenital or acquired muscular and perimembranous ventricular septal defects can be considered a real alternative to the standard surgical approach, with the advantage of a significantly reduced rate of mortality and complications.

Percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defects. State of the art

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease. Surgery has been performed for many years and is considered to be the gold standard for the treatment of VSD. However, it is associated with morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous closure of VSDs is performed under general anesthesia and with fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. Two devices of the Amplatzer family are currently used to close percutaneously muscular and perimembranous VSD with a closure rate of 97% (incidence of major complication 2.2%) and 97.5% (major acute complications in 1.2%), respectively. Occurrence of complete atrioventricular block is reported in 1% of subjects. Acquired VSD can occur as post-surgical residual leak, as a traumatic event or as consequence of a myocardial infarction. There are few data about percutaneous closure of post-surgical residual VSD and of traumatic VSD. As for the surgical approach, in patients with post-myocardial infarction VSD success rate of percutaneous closure is around 88% with a mortality of 22%. The currently available data show that, in experienced hands, percutaneous closure is a safe and effective procedure. Device closure of muscular and perimembranous VSD is a real alternative to the standard surgical approach with the advantage of a significantly reduced rate of mortality and complications.

Transcatheter devices used in the management of patients with congenital heart disease

The availability of transcatheter devices has revolutionized the management of patients with congenital heart and vascular disease. Many patients that were in the past exclusively treated through open heart surgical procedures can now be managed using a percutaneous approach. This article describes those devices that are, at present, most frequently used in the USA for transcatheter therapy of congenital heart disease, which have, or are about to receive, US premarket approval. It also focuses on devices for occlusion of septal defects and vascular structures, as well as endovascular stents. In addition, the most important outcome data are discussed.

Repeated successful surgical rescues of early and delayed multiple ruptures of ventricular septum, right ventricle and aneurysmal left ventricle following massive biventricular infarction

A 58 year old man underwent 6 surgical interventions for various complications of massive biventricular myocardial infarction over a period of 2 years following acute occlusion of a possibly "hyperdominant" left anterior descending coronary artery. These included concomitant repair of apicoanterior post-infarction VSD and right ventricular free wall rupture, repeat repair of recurrent VSD following inferoposterior extension of VSD in the infarcted septum 5 weeks later, repair of delayed right ventricular free wall rupture 4 weeks subsequently, repair of a bleeding left ventricular aneurysm eroding through left chest wall 16 months thereafter, repair of right upper lobe lung tear causing massive anterior mediastinal haemorrhage, mimicking yet another cardiac rupture, 2 months later, followed, at the same admission, 2 weeks later, by sternal reconstruction for dehisced and infected sternum using pedicled myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. 5 years after the latissimus myoplasty, the patient remains in NYHA class 1 and is leading a normal life.

Percutaneous closure of congenital and acquired ventricular septal defects--considerations on selection of the occlusion device

Nonsurgical closure of congenital and acquired ventricular septal defects (VSD) has become increasingly acceptable with the availability of various occlusion systems that allow percutaneous treatment of muscular and membranous defects. This study describes a series of 12 patients (0.2-74-years-old) who underwent defect closure with six different occlusion systems. Device selection according to anatomy and outcome is highlighted. Seven VSDs were located in the membranous part of the septum, five in the mid-muscular septum. Complex heart lesions were present in five postmyocardial infarction VSD in one and residual postsurgical defects in three patients. The size of the VSD ranged from 2.6 to 10 mm. The applied devices were: Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder (n=4), Amplatzer septal occluder (n=2), Amplatzer duct occluder (n=1), Amplatzer membranous VSD occluder (n=2), Nit-Occlud coil (n=2), and Cook PDA coil (n=1). The devices were implanted successfully in nine patients. There was complete VSD closure in eight patients within the first 24 hours. In one patient, a trivial residual shunt disappeared at 6 months follow-up. Because of device instability, two occluders were removed during catheterization. In two other cases, tricuspid valve tissue was entrapped in the occluder and had to be removed surgically, one of them during the consecutive Rastelli operation. Neither significant arrhythmia, nor thromboembolism or hemolysis occurred in out patients during follow-up. Transcatheter closure of VSD is an attractive alternative to surgery. In complex congenital heart disease, surgical-interventional hybrid therapy may improve morbidity and total outcome. The recently developed Amplatzer VSD devices allow closure of muscular and membranous VSDs. Implantation and short-term follow-up are superior to the formerly used devices. Long-term effects have to be evaluated in further studies.

Combined catheter ventricular septal defect closure and multivessel coronary stenting to treat postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect and triple-vessel coronary artery disease: a case report

Ventricular septal defect following acute myocardial infarction is a rare but life-threatening complication. Early surgical closure improves survival but carries a considerable risk. Percutaneous transcatheter closure is an alternative but experience to date is limited. We report a case of successful transcatheter closure of postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a 55-year-old male with the Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder device and complete percutaneous revascularization with successful multivessel coronary stenting for three-vessel disease as a staged procedure. The technique and its potential use as an alternative to surgical approach for treatment of acute myocardial infarction and its complication (VSD) are discussed.

Interventional approach to congenital heart disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes important publications and advances in the field of interventional pediatric cardiology. The article focuses on new interventional techniques, devices, and catheter equipment and reviews modifications and advances made in already well-established techniques such as atrial septal defect device closure. Some interventions that reflect mainly the adult population, such as patent foramen ovale device closure and closure of postinfarct ventricular septal defects, are also discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent results of device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using the Amplatzer membranous ventricular septal defect device have been encouraging. We discuss a modification of the delivery system for the membranous ventricular septal defect device that is aimed to overcome the difficulty in correctly positioning the device and delivery sheath. Important device modifications discussed in this article include the angled Amplatzer Ductal Occluder, the cribriform atrial septal defect device for use in multifenestrated atrial septal defects and the fenestrated atrial septal defect device. The hybrid approach to congenital heart disease is discussed in this article.

SUMMARY

Interventional pediatric cardiology is a constantly evolving specialty. Surgical procedures are being partially replaced by percutaneous interventions or hybrid approaches. We believe that the primary treatment for coarctation beyond the neonatal period as well as for muscular ventricular septal defects should be the transcatheter approach.