Fenestrated atrial septal defects (F-ASDs) may pose a challenge to device closure; recently, a cribriform device with a minimal connecting intrawaist diameter and large, equal left- and right-sided discs has been designed to cover more than one adjacent defect. This study demonstrates the feasibility and technical aspects of closing F-ASDs using this new device. Sixteen patients between August 2003 and January 2006 were included in this study. The inclusion criterion was the presence of a F-ASD diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography. One of the three available cribriform ASD device sizes (18, 25, or 35 mm) was implanted. Patients were followed for at least 1 year after the procedure. Thirteen patients had successful cribriform ASD device implantation (median age and weight, 12.5 years and 36 kg, respectively). Ten patients (62%) had an associated atrial septal aneurysm. The mean procedure time was 75.6 +/- 28.5 min and the mean fluoroscopy time 14.8 +/- 6.3 min. The RVEDD was significantly reduced, from a mean of 24.2 mm to 21.0 (p < 0.05). One patient developed atrial tachycardia requiring cardioversion during the procedure. There were no embolic events, heart block, or mortality. Complete closure was 10 of 13 (77 %) the next day and 12 of 13 (92%) at 6 and 12 months. We conclude that the cribriform Amplatzer device can be successfully and safely used in patients with F-ASDs. Complete closure may take up to 6 months.

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSDs) is a well-established procedure. Recently, Amplatzer duct occluders (ADO) I and II have been reported to close large series of pmVSDs successfully (off-label use). ADOs are economical compared with the standard Amplatzer VSD occluders, a major consideration in developing countries with low-budget programs. We report closure of symptomatic, hemodynamically significant pmVSDs using the ADOI and ADOII devices. Although there are no set criteria for choosing between ADOI and ADOII, the former's price tag includes snare and long sheath. Thus, we aim to predetermine device usage based on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings. Between March 2013 and November 2014, 30 patients had transcatheter closure of pmVSDs using the ADO devices. The median age was 4 years (range 1.1-13 years) and median weight was 15 kg (range 6.5-85 kg). ADOII could not be used in VSDs larger than 6 mm and/or with a large aneurysm. The median VSD size as assessed by echocardiography was 5.5 mm while the mean was 5.5 mm (range 3-12 mm); while by angiography it was 5 mm & the mean was 4.75 mm (range 3-9 mm). The median fluoroscopy time (FT) was 8 min (range 5-38 min). We inserted ADOI in 13 patients and ADOII in 17 patients (no significant difference between median age and weight in each group). VSD size was significantly larger and FT was longer in ADOI patients; the device type matched what was decided from TTE data in 84% of cases. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 24 months (median 12 months). The mean LVEDD z-score of the patients was 1.1 before VSD closure, while it was 0.63, 0.35, and 0.23 at the 1-, 3 months, and last follow-up, respectively. Complete closure rates immediately, at 24 h, and at last follow-up were 87, 90, and 94% respectively. No patient developed heart block or any other complication. ADOI and ADOII are equally safe and effective in pmVSD closure. ADOII use, although cheaper than ADOI, is limited to smaller VSDs. The choice between ADOI and ADOII can be decided by TTE prior to procedure which is convenient in low economic programs.

Objectives. To demonstrate safety and efficacy of using different generations of softer Amplatzer ™ devices for ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure to avoid serious complications at follow-up. Background. Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PmVSD) is a well-established procedure; however, it is associated with unacceptable incidence of complete heart block. Great advantages have been achieved by using softer devices for VSD transcatheter closure. e first and second generation of Amplatzer ™ occluders (AVP II, ADO, and ADO II) seem to offer a safe and attractive alternative for this procedure. ese devices can be delivered using either an arterial (retrograde) or venous (prograde) approach. Methods and Results. Patients with congenital PmVSD who underwent transcatheter closure using ADO, ADO II, and AVP II devices were included. Primary end point was to determine efficacy and safety of these generations of devices and to determine the incidence of complications at follow-up (complete AV block and aortic/tricuspid/mitral regurgitation). One hundred and nineteen patients underwent VSD closure at a median age of 5 years (8 months-54 years). During the catheterization, there were only minor complications and at follow-up of 36 ± 25.7 months (up to 99 months), the closure rate was high of 98.3% and freedom from AV block was 100%. Conclusions. e use of softer Amplatzer ™ devices is a good alternative to achieve PmVSD closure safely with no risk of AVB during the procedure or at midterm follow-up.

This is a retrospective study that includes all patients with fenestrated ASDs who were scheduled for catheter closure between August 2003 and December 2007 in Hamad hospital and University of Cairo. Forty-four patients were diagnosed as having fenestrated ASDs with and without septal aneurysm by transthoracic echocardiography

Transcatheter closure of ASDs in children and adolescents was feasible and safe in the first 4 years experience in our centers, with good short-term outcome. Balloon sizing is not necessary for transcatheter closure of secundum ASD. Multiple defects can be safety closed by a single device.