BackgroundTranscatheter occlusion of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has become a recognized treatment option for high-risk PFO-related diseases. However, traditional metal occluders have some disadvantages, such as permanent retention in the body, abrasion of tissues, and obstruction of access to the left side of the heart for interventional procedures. With biodegradable occluders that release non-toxic degradation products and are absorbable by the body, the risk of long-term complications could be greatly reduced. The experimental results of using a PFO-degradable occluder in beagle dogs in early stages, independently developed by Shanghai Mallow Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., showed that the occluding umbrella disc network was degraded 6 months after occlusion. The occluder also showed good memory, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties.MethodsAs one of the multi-center research units, this prospective Phase III clinical trial study included 16 patients with PFO-related complications who were treated with a degradable occluder. The follow-up period lasted for 12 months to analyze the echocardiographic characteristics and procedural feasibility.ResultsThe immediate success rate of the procedure was 100% with no serious complications. Postoperative color Doppler transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at 12 months showed that one patient with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) had a residual shunt at the edge of the occluder, and contrast transcranial Doppler (cTCD) showed that all patients were grade I or 0 right-to-left shunts (RLS), indicating that the occlusion success rate was 100%. The occluder gradually degraded after the procedure, particularly when the umbrella disc structure became vague, and the size of the occluder decreased significantly 6 months after occlusion.ConclusionsPFO closure with a Mallow degradable occluder has a high plugging success rate, is safe and effective, and has no serious complications. However, for PFO closure with special anatomical features, further research with a larger sample size is required. TTE can dynamically, conveniently, and accurately observe the entire degradation process of the occluder.Clinical Trial RegistrationChiCTR1900024036.

Background: Anastomotic leakage of postoperative aortic dissection is an intractable complication with different clinical manifestations. It is important to detect and manage anastomotic leakage in a timely manner. This case report describes 2 patients who were admitted to the hospital with different clinical manifestations and were diagnosed with aortic root anastomotic leakage through imaging. Both patients received transcatheter closure treatment with definite early effects.Case presentation: Two middle-aged women with aortic root anastomotic leakage who were admitted with different clinical manifestations and received transcatheter closure.Conclusion: Paying attention to the clinical manifestations and imaging diagnosis of patients after aortic dissection surgery is important for early detection of disease progression. Transcatheter closure can be used as an alternative treatment who cannot tolerate secondary thoracotomy due to its small trauma and exact efficacy in the near and medium terms, but further follow-up is needed for long-term clinical outcomes.