title: Cardiac perforation after device closure of atrial septal defects with the Amplatzer septal occluder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO)-associated cardiac perforation (CP) at our institution prompted this retrospective review.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Cardiac perforation is a rare complication after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure.
  
  
  METHODS
  To identify CP after transcatheter ASD closure with ASO, cardiac events (CE) describing definite CP, hemopericardium, pericardial effusion, cardiovascular collapse, or sudden death were analyzed. Cardiac events were identified from published literature (MEDLINE), medical device regulating agencies in North America and the European Commission, and AGA Medical Corporation (Golden Valley, Minnesota). Institutional cases were reviewed. Cardiac events were defined as early (pre-discharge) or late (post-discharge).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-nine CEs were identified. Five were excluded because findings were inconclusive for device-related CP. Ten patients were <18 years of age. Late CEs occurred in 66.6%; 25% presented weeks later (longest, three years). Three deaths were reported. Cardiac perforation occurred predominantly in the anterosuperior atrial walls and/or adjacent aorta.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Amplatzer septal occluder-associated CP uniquely involves the anterosuperior atrial walls and adjacent aorta. Pathophysiology remains poorly understood.
authors.affiliation: Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Health Sciences Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. adivekar@exchange.hsc.mc.ca
authors.forename: Abhay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Divekar
authors.forename: Tidimogo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gaamangwe
authors.forename: Nasir
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shaikh
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raabe
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ducas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001011:Aorta / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000293:injuries; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*