Cardiac perforation after device closure of atrial septal defects with the Amplatzer septal occluder.
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.
Divekar
Abhay
A
Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Health Sciences Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. adivekar@exchange.hsc.mc.ca
Gaamangwe
Tidimogo
T
Shaikh
Nasir
N
Raabe
Michael
M
Ducas
John
J
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*