title: Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, Av Dr Dante, Passanese 500, CEP 04012 180, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. cacpedra@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Carlos A C
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Pedra
authors.forename: Simone R F
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Pedra
authors.forename: Cesar A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Esteves
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chamie
authors.forename: Luiz A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Christiani
authors.forename: Valmir F
authors.initials: VF
authors.lastname: Fontes
mesh_terms: D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006345:Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies