Perventricular device closure of isolated muscular ventricular septal defect in infants: a single centre experience

Objectives: To evaluate prospective single centre experience of mid-term safety and efficacy of perventricular device closure of isolated large muscular ventricular septal defect (mVSD) in high-risk infants.

Background: Surgical closures of large mVSD in infants represent a challenge with significant morbidity.

Methods: Between August 2008-2010, perventricular closure was attempted in 24 infants of 6.01 ± 2.37 months age and 4.27 ± 0.56 kg weight under TEE guidance.

Results: The device was successfully deployed in 21/24 infants. Size of mVSD was 8.42 ± 1.46 mm (6.1-12 mm). Mean procedure time was 28.8 ± 11.7 min. The closure rate was 84% immediately and 100% at 6 months. Four patients suffered major complications: 2-died, 1-esophageal perforation, 1-persistent CHB. At 26.23 ± 6.63 months follow-up two patients were symptomatic: 1-required device retrieval, 1-died of severe gastroenteritis.

Conclusion: Perventricular device closure of isolated mVSD appears feasible option at mid-term follow-up and may either substitute or complement the conventional surgical technique in selected cases depending on institutional paediatric cardiac surgery performance.