Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effect of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects(VSD) using the VSD occluder.Methods: From December 2003 to March 2005,13 VSD patients,8 males and 5 females,ranging in age from 4 to 35(15.2±10.7)years,underwent catheter closure using the VSD occluder.Tthe mean diameter of the VSD obtained by transthoracic echocardiography was 4-12(5.4±1.2) mm.Transcatheter closure was performed under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance after left ventriculography.All patients were followed up 1,3 and 6 months after the procedures. Results: The devices were successfully placed in 12 of the patients and complete closure achieved in 11.Trace residual shunt was observed in 1 patient but disappeared within 10 minutes.No severe complications were noted except 1 case of complete right bundle branch block revealed by electrocardiography. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of VSD by the VSD occluder is a safe and effective procedure,with good immediate results.Further clinical trials are under way to assess its long-term effect.