Transcatheter closure of coronary arterial fistula: A single-center experience

Background: Transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistula has emerged as an alternative to surgery. The management of coronary artery fistula is complicated, and recommendations have been based on anecdotal cases or very small retrospective series. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the safety, feasibility, and immediate and intermediate follow-up results of the transcatheter closure of coronary arterial fistula. Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients presenting with significant coronary arterial fistulae between January 2011 and May 2014. Those with additional complex cardiac disease requiring surgical management were excluded from the study. A total of nine patients aged 11 months to 58 years with congenital coronary arterial fistulae underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure using various devices between January 2011 and March 2014. The immediate closure results and clinical follow-up were reviewed using information from a database or telephone calls to the center. Results: Fistulae originated from the right coronary artery in 4 patients (44.4%), left circumflex coronary artery in 3 patients (33.3%), and left anterior descending coronary artery in 2 patients (22.2%). The drainage site was the right atrium in 5 patients (55.6%), right ventricle in 2 patients (22.2%), left ventricle in 1 patient (11.1%), and coronary sinus in 1 patient (11.1%). All of the patients (100%) underwent successful transcatheter closure using the various devices. Angiography after device deployment revealed complete occlusion in 7 patients (77.7%) and trivial to mild residual flow in 2 patients (22.2%). Two patients (22.2%) had transient ST-T wave changes after the procedure. The Amplatzer Vascular Plug II was used in four patients (44.4%), Amplatzer Duct Occluder II was used in three patients (33.3%), and Lifetech Duct Occluder was used in two patients (22.2%). The left ventricular end-diastolic volume decreased from a mean baseline value of 82.77 ± 4.55 ml/m 2 to 77.22 ± 3.49 ml/m 2 at 1 month after the procedure (P = 0.001) and had normalized in all of the patients at 2 months postprocedure. The cardiothoracic ratio decreased from a mean baseline value of 0.57 ± 0.035 to 0.53 ± 0.02 at the 1-month follow-up and further decreased to 0.50 ± 0.007 at 2 months (P < 0.001). Follow-up was 100% complete and ranged from 2 months to 3 years (mean = 1.44 ± 0.79 years). There were no early or late deaths. All of the patients were asymptomatic at 1 month postclosure, except one patient (11%) who had a mild residual shunt until 3 months of follow-up and dyspnea on exertion that was medically managed. One patient (11%) had an associated ostium secundum atrial septal defect that was percutaneously closed. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of coronary arterial fistula is feasible and safe in anatomically suitable vessels and is a promising alternative to surgery in most patients.