Transient renal failure due to hemolysis following transcatheter closure of a muscular VSD using an Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Technique in Specific Severe Mitral Regurgitation: Tips, Tricks, and Outcomes

Background

In specific patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR), mitral valve (MV) pathology is unique and requires creative transcatheter repair techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new transcatheter MV repair technique, using occluder devices in symptomatic high-surgical-risk patients with severe MR, either due to MV leaflet (MVL) perforations or due to post-clips residual MR, and to report on their 6-month outcomes.

Methods

The study enrolled all high-risk patients with severe MR due to MVL perforations and post-clips residual MR who underwent transcatheter MV repair using occluder devices, from November 2016 to August 2019.

Results

The study enrolled 16 patients; 9 (56.25%) with MVL perforations and 7 (43.75%) with post-MitraClip (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois) residual MR, with a mean age of 55.75 ± 16.69 years. Mean perforation/jet diameters were 5.75 ± 1.67 and 6.5 ± 1.93 mm, and the mean 3D-vena contracta area was 0.54 ± 0.14 cm². Perforations were crossed retrograde (transaortic in 7 [43.75%] patients and transapical in 2 [12.5%] patients), and post-MitraClip devices residual jets were crossed antegrade (transvenous/transseptal). Six (37.5%) patients required arteriovenous loop formation for device deployment, that was antegrade transvenous/transseptal in 13 (81.25%) patients and retrograde transapical in 3 (18.75%) patients. Devices used were Amplatzer-ASO in 10 (62.5%) patients and Amplatzer-VP-II in 6 (37.5%) patients. Mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 55.13 ± 16.24 and 16.25 ± 4.03 ​minutes, respectively. Patients passed successfully, without MV gradient change or device-related complications.

Conclusions

Transcatheter MV repair of MVL perforations/post-clips residual MR is a new, feasible, and safe technique for high-surgical-risk patients.

The Gore Cardioform Atrial Septal Defect Occluder: A novel solution to the management of severe hemolysis following transcatheter septal defect closure

Significant hemolysis is a recognized complication of transcatheter high-velocity shunt occlusion using some Amplatzer devices. We describe a case of severe hemolysis following occlusion of an iatrogenic Gerbode defect with an Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder successfully managed by transcatheter device removal and reocclusion with a Gore Cardioform Atrial Septal Defect Occluder.

Assessment of left ventricular systolic function after VSD transcatheter device closure using speckle tracking echocardiography

BACKGROUND

This is a case-control study conducted on 30 children, 15 with VSD who performed VSD transcatheter device closure (group A) and 15 controls of matching age and gender (group B), in the period between September 2015 and February 2018. We aimed to assess the global left ventricular (LV) systolic function by 2D speckle tracking before and after ventricular septal defect (VSD) transcatheter closure, in comparison to normal controls. All patients were subjected to full history taking; general and cardiac examination; ECG; CXR; full transthoracic echocardiographic examination, including VSD number, size, and site; LV dimensions and volumes; estimated pulmonary artery pressure; right ventricular size and function; left ventricular circumferential; and radial strain imaging by 2D speckle tracking. Patients who had ventricular septal defect closed were reassessed by transthoracic echocardiography after 3 months.

RESULTS

The study included 15 children with VSD: 3 males and 12 females; their age ranged from 2 to 13 years; all had subaortic VSD except for 1 who had apical muscular VSD: VSD size ranged from 3 to 8 mm; PFM coil was used to close defect in all patients except for 2 patients who had an Amplatzer duct occlude I (ADOI) device, and 1 patient needed an additional vascular plug after significant hemolysis. Pre-procedurally, group A had a significantly higher LVEDD, LVESD, and LVEDV than group B. Mean circumferential strain was significantly higher (more negative) in group A than that in group B either pre- or post-procedure. Post-procedurally, there was a significant decrease in circumferential strain (less negative) and a significant increase in radial strain (more positive).

CONCLUSION

Following transcatheter VSD closure, there is a significant decrease in LV circumferential strain and a significant increase in LV radial strain, which conclude a decrease in LV volume overload with the improvement of its contractility.

Cardiac prostheses-related hemolytic anemia

Hemolysis is an unintended sequel of temporary or permanent intracardiac devices. However, limited data exist on the characteristics and treatment of hemolysis in patients with cardiac prostheses. This entity, albeit uncommon, often poses significant diagnostic and management challenges to the clinical cardiologist. In this article, we aim to provide a contemporary overview of the incidence, mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of cardiac prosthesis‐related hemolysis.

Spontaneous Resolution of Residual Shunting in 2 Compromised Patients after Amplatzer Occlusion of Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Defects

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare, potentially fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction. When surgical closure is contraindicated, transcatheter closure may be an alternative. Residual shunting after transcatheter closure of postinfarction VSDs has been reported; however, we found few cases of this in patients who also had severe heart failure or hemolysis. We report 2 closures of postinfarction VSDs with use of the Amplatzer Septal Occluder. Both elderly patients-one with severe heart failure, one with persistent hemolysis, and neither a surgical candidate-had high-velocity residual shunting through the occluders. We intensively managed the patients' conditions and used angiography and transthoracic echocardiography to record the gradual disappearance of each shunt over 4 months-the first such serial monitoring of which we are aware. We think that even substantial shunting in the presence of severe heart failure or hemolysis can eventually resolve spontaneously, assuming effective management of the concomitant medical conditions.

Recent advances in managing septal defects: ventricular septal defects and atrioventricular septal defects

This review discusses the management of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs). There are several types of VSDs: perimembranous, supracristal, atrioventricular septal, and muscular. The indications for closure are moderate to large VSDs with enlarged left atrium and left ventricle or elevated pulmonary artery pressure (or both) and a pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio greater than 2:1. Surgical closure is recommended for large perimembranous VSDs, supracristal VSDs, and VSDs with aortic valve prolapse. Large muscular VSDs may be closed by percutaneous techniques. A large number of devices have been used in the past for VSD occlusion, but currently Amplatzer Muscular VSD Occluder is the only device approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. A hybrid approach may be used for large muscular VSDs in small babies. Timely intervention to prevent pulmonary vascular obstructive disease (PVOD) is germane in the management of these babies. There are several types of AVSDs: partial, transitional, intermediate, and complete. Complete AVSDs are also classified as balanced and unbalanced. All intermediate and complete balanced AVSDs require surgical correction, and early repair is needed to prevent the onset of PVOD. Surgical correction with closure of atrial septal defect and VSD, along with repair and reconstruction of atrioventricular valves, is recommended. Palliative pulmonary artery banding may be considered in babies weighing less than 5 kg and those with significant co-morbidities. The management of unbalanced AVSDs is more complex, and staged single-ventricle palliation is the common management strategy. However, recent data suggest that achieving two-ventricle repair may be a better option in patients with suitable anatomy, particularly in patients in whom outcomes of single-ventricle palliation are less than optimal. The majority of treatment modes in the management of VSDs and AVSDs are safe and effective and prevent the development of PVOD and cardiac dysfunction.

Hematuria in an Adult with Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the United States now outnumber children with CHD, due in part to the improvement in surgical and medical management. This growing population may present postoperatively to the emergency department (ED) with nonspecific complaints from unforseen complications secondary to cardiac intervention.

CASE REPORT

We describe a 39-year-old male who presented to the ED with hematuria and dysuria after he underwent percutaneous device ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure 10 days before. Upon initial evaluation, laboratory results confirmed a urinary tract infection and hematuria. Given persistent red discoloration of urine and easy fatigability, further investigation and re-evaluation found him to be anemic secondary to intravascular hemolysis. Cardiac catheterization showed residual shunting through the VSD device margins causing the hemolysis. Although this is a rare complication of VSD device closure, the patient's initial presentation of hematuria and dysuria presented a unique diagnostic challenge. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Patients with underlying CHD require emergency physicians to consider a multidisciplinary approach to properly diagnose and facilitate treatment.

Percutaneous closure of the acquired gerbode shunt using the amplatzer duct occluder in a 3-month old patient

The Gerbode shunt, known as the left ventricle to the right atrial communication, is a rather rare finding, following surgical closure of septal defects. Even though the surgical closure is accepted as a treatment of choice, we report a successful percutaneous transcatheter closure of the Gerbode shunt in a 3-months old baby who weighed 3 kilograms.

Hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia after percutaneous device closure of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: a disregarded complication

Surgical repair of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is challenging. Percutaneous closure with an AMPLATZER Septal Occluder (AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, MN) has evolved to be an effective alternative to conventional surgery with less complication. We report a case of severe hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia and acute renal failure after percutaneous left ventricular pseudoaneurysm endoprothesis repair, which required conventional surgical repair through a left thoracotomy to treat this complication. The rationale and results of such an off-the-label usage of AMPLATZER Septal Occluder were reexamined. Residual leakages were not rare findings in the reviewed literature. The indications for this approach should be individualized.

Trans-catheter closure of the native aortic valve with an Amplatzer Occluder to treat progressive aortic regurgitation after implantation of a left-ventricular assist device

We report on a patient with ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy, who developed progressive regurgitation of his native aortic valve after implantation of a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD, HeartMate II). Increasing regurgitant volume led to reduced effective cardiac output and worsening of symptoms. To overcome aortic regurgitation, we successfully closed his aortic valve minimally invasively using the Amplatzer(®) P.I. Muscular VSD Occluder. This led to instant haemodynamic stabilisation. We observed significant residual regurgitation through the Occluder during the initial phase, which led temporarily to increased haemolysis and subsequently to worsening of kidney function; once the haemolysis ceased, we noted a very good interventional and clinical result at short-term follow-up.

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.

Rapid Prototyping

As the appreciation of structural heart disease in children and adults has increased and as catheter-based closure procedures are now being performed in clinical practice, cardiovascular physicians have multiple compelling new reasons to better understand cardiac anatomic and spatial relationships. Current 2-dimensional imaging techniques remain limited both in their ability to represent the complex 3-dimensional relationships present in structural heart disease and in their capacity to adequately facilitate often complex corrective procedures. This review discusses the cardiovascular applications of rapid prototyping, a new technology that may not only play a significant role in the planning of catheter-based interventions but also may serve as a valuable educational tool to enhance the medical community’s understanding of the many forms of structural heart disease.

Device fracture and severe tricuspid regurgitation after percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect: a case report

We report a case in which fracture of an Amplatzer perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) device occurred within 1 month after placement. This was associated with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Surgical removal of the device and repair of the tricuspid valve was performed with reasonable outcome. We propose a hypothesis on how this complication might have occurred and how it could be prevented.