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Abstract Background Airway fistula is a rare but threatening complication associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. We report the experience of Amplatzer device application in airway fistulae that failed to be cured with a covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). Materials and methods Patients who failed occlusion with a covered self-expandable metallic stent and received Amplatzer device placement from Jan 2015 to Jan 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 14 patients aged 42 to 66 years (55.14 ± 7.87) were enrolled in this study. The primary diseases, types of fistula, types of stents, duration, size of fistula, and follow-up were recorded. Results All 14 patients with airway fistula failed to be occluded with a covered metallic stent and received Amplatzer device placement. Among the 14 patients, 6 had BPF, 3 had TEF and 5 had GBF. The average stent time was 141.93 ± 65.83 days. The sizes of the fistulae ranged from 3 to 6 mm. After Amplatzer device placement, the KPS score improved from 62.14 ± 4.26 to 75.71 ± 5.13 (P

Background: Airway fistula is a rare but threatening complication associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. We report the experience of Amplatzer device application in airway fistulae that failed to be cured with a covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). Materials and methods: Patients who failed occlusion with a covered self-expandable metallic stent and received Amplatzer device placement from Jan 2015 to Jan 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 14 patients aged 42 to 66 years (55.14 ± 7.87) were enrolled in this study. The primary diseases, types of fistula, types of stents, duration, size of fistula, and follow-up were recorded. Results: All 14 patients with airway fistula failed to be occluded with a covered metallic stent and received Amplatzer device placement. Among the 14 patients, 6 had BPF, 3 had TEF and 5 had GBF. The average stent time was 141.93 ± 65.83 days. The sizes of the fistulae ranged from 3 to 6 mm. After Amplatzer device placement, the KPS score improved from 62.14 ± 4.26 to 75.71 ± 5.13 (P < 0.05). No procedure-related complications occurred. During the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-ups, all the Amplatzer devices were partially surrounded with granulation. Only 1 patient with BPF failed with Amplatzer device occlusion due to the recurrence of lung cancer. Conclusion: In conclusion, the application of the Amplatzer device is a safe and effective option in the treatment of airway fistula that failed to be occluded with SEMSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) refers to an abnormal channel between the pleural space and the bronchial tree. It is a potentially fatal postoperative complication after pulmonary resection and a complex challenge for thoracic surgeons because many patients with BPF ultimately develop refractory empyema, which is difficult to manage and has a major impact on quality of life and survival. Therefore, an operative intervention combined with conservative and endoscopic therapies may be required to control infection completely, to occlude BPF, and to obliterate the empyema cavity during treatment periods. Case presentation Two patients who suffered from BPF complicated with chronic empyema after lobectomy were treated in other hospitals for a long time and did not recover. In our department, we performed staged surgery and creatively combined an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) device (AGA Medical Corp, Golden Valley, MN, USA) with pedicled muscle flap transposition. First, open-window thoracostomy (OWT), or effective drainage, was performed according to the degree of contamination in the empyema cavity after the local infection was controlled. Second, Amplatzer device implantation and pedicled muscle flap transposition was performed at the same time, which achieved the purpose of obliterating the infection, closing the fistula, and tamponading the residual cavity. The patients recovered without complications and were discharged with short hospitalization stays. Conclusions We believe that the union of the Amplatzer device and pedicle muscle flap transposition seems to be a safe and effective treatment for BPF with chronic empyema and can shorten the length of the related hospital stay.

Background: Device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) is a treatment of choice in selected patients with a suitable defect. We aimed to evaluate short- and intermediate-term outcomes with device closure in special reference to complications in Western Indian population. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study enrolled 184 patients with ASD who underwent Device closure. All patients were followed at 15–30 days (short) and 3–12 months (intermediate). Results: Device closure of ASD was done successfully in 180 (97.83%) patients. Systolic (P = 0.02), diastolic (P = 0.007), and mean PA (P = 0.0001) pressure were significantly decreased at postprocedure. Residual defect was resolved in 94.2% of patients by 6 months. Preprocedural Pulmonary artery hypertension was found in 36 (19.56%) patients and was reduced in 15 (8.15%) patients postprocedure and in 10 (5.43%) patients at 1 year. Residual shunt was reported in 34% of patients which was resolved in all by 6 months. At postprocedure and follow–up, patients were developed minor complications included (0.5%) moderate MR, 1 (0.5%) lower respiratory tract infection, and 3 (1.6%) local site hematoma. Eleven (5.98%) major complications involved arrythmia (2.17%), infective endocarditis (0.54%), LAA perforation (0.54%), cardioembolic shock (0.54%), device embolization (0.54%), sudden cardiac arrest (0.54%), intraprocedural acute coronary syndrome (0.54%), and cardiac tamponade (0.54%). Conclusion: Device closure appears to be best available option at the present time. Careful attention to the details of the technique is mandatory to achieve a successful outcome in order to avoid complication related to procedure. Patients of all ages experience reduction in pulmonary artery pressure after percutaneous device closure of ASD.

Nickel is a component of nitinol, an alloy used in several medical devices. Allergy to nickel may place patients at a high risk for severe hypersensitivity reactions. We report a rare case of a patient who developed severe ulcerative colitis ten years following closure of an atrial septal defect with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder device., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) is a treatment of choice in selected patients with a suitable defect. We aimed to evaluate short- and intermediate-term outcomes with device closure in special reference to complications in Western Indian population. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study enrolled 184 patients with ASD who underwent Device closure. All patients were followed at 15-30 days (short) and 3-12 months (intermediate). Results: Device closure of ASD was done successfully in 180 (97.83%) patients. Systolic (P = 0.02), diastolic (P = 0.007), and mean PA (P = 0.0001) pressure were significantly decreased at postprocedure. Residual defect was resolved in 94.2% of patients by 6 months. Preprocedural Pulmonary artery hypertension was found in 36 (19.56%) patients and was reduced in 15 (8.15%) patients postprocedure and in 10 (5.43%) patients at 1 year. Residual shunt was reported in 34% of patients which was resolved in all by 6 months. At postprocedure and follow-up, patients were developed minor complications included (0.5%) moderate MR, 1 (0.5%) lower respiratory tract infection, and 3 (1.6%) local site hematoma. Eleven (5.98%) major complications involved arrythmia (2.17%), infective endocarditis (0.54%), LAA perforation (0.54%), cardioembolic shock (0.54%), device embolization (0.54%), sudden cardiac arrest (0.54%), intraprocedural acute coronary syndrome (0.54%), and cardiac tamponade (0.54%). Conclusion: Device closure appears to be best available option at the present time. Careful attention to the details of the technique is mandatory to achieve a successful outcome in order to avoid complication related to procedure. Patients of all ages experience reduction in pulmonary artery pressure after percutaneous device closure of ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) refers to an abnormal channel between the pleural space and the bronchial tree. It is a potentially fatal postoperative complication after pulmonary resection and a complex challenge for thoracic surgeons because many patients with BPF ultimately develop refractory empyema, which is difficult to manage and has a major impact on quality of life and survival. Therefore, an operative intervention combined with conservative and endoscopic therapies may be required to control infection completely, to occlude BPF, and to obliterate the empyema cavity during treatment periods. Case presentation: Two patients who suffered from BPF complicated with chronic empyema after lobectomy were treated in other hospitals for a long time and did not recover. In our department, we performed staged surgery and creatively combined an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) device (AGA Medical Corp, Golden Valley, MN, USA) with pedicled muscle flap transposition. First, open-window thoracostomy (OWT), or effective drainage, was performed according to the degree of contamination in the empyema cavity after the local infection was controlled. Second, Amplatzer device implantation and pedicled muscle flap transposition was performed at the same time, which achieved the purpose of obliterating the infection, closing the fistula, and tamponading the residual cavity. The patients recovered without complications and were discharged with short hospitalization stays. Conclusions: We believe that the union of the Amplatzer device and pedicle muscle flap transposition seems to be a safe and effective treatment for BPF with chronic empyema and can shorten the length of the related hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine safety and feasibility of conscious sedation using dexmedetomidine for transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure. Material and Methods: A retrospective institutional review of transcatheter ASD device closure without endotracheal intubation over 18 months. The protocol included topical oropharyngeal anesthesia using lignocaine followed by dexmedetomidine bolus 1 μg/kg intravenously over 10 min and maintenance dose 0.2-0.7 μg/kg/h. Ramsay sedation score 2-3 was maintained. Patients were analyzed regarding demographic profile, device size, procedure time, anesthesia time, recovery time, hospital stay, and any hemodynamic or procedural complications. Results: A total of 43 patients with mean age 31.56 ± 13.74 years (range: 12-56 years) were analyzed. Mean anesthesia duration was 71.75 + 21.08 min. Mean recovery time was 7.6 ± 3.01 min. 16 females and one male patient required additional propofol with a mean dose of 30.8 ± 10.49 mg. No hemodynamic instability was noted. No patient required general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The procedure was successful in 93.02% of patients. Four patients developed atrial fibrillation. All patients were satisfied. Conclusion: Conscious sedation using dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective anesthetic technique for percutaneous ASD closure.

Background : Embolization might complicate device closure of large atrial septal defects (ASDs) with deficient margins. When margins are deficient, a precariously placed device can appear to be held in good position by the rigid delivery cable. Once the cable is unscrewed, the device adopts the natural lie of the interatrial septum. This can occasionally expose the inadequately captured margins and lead to device embolization. Most embolizations occur immediately after release. Retrieval of the embolized device required prolonged fluoroscopy and sometimes open heart surgery. Objective : To evolve a new strategy of retrieval of a malpositioned device after unscrewing the cable before impending embolization. Materials and Methods : After deploying the device in place, a snare is passed through the delivery sheath around the cable to grip the screw on the right atrial disc of the device. With the snare holding the screw end, the device is released by unscrewing the cable. The device position is reconfirmed on echocardiography. The snare is subsequently removed if the device was stable. In case of device migration, the same snare is used to retrieve the device before it embolizes completely. Results : Snare assistance was used in 24 patients considered as high-risk for device embolization. Its usefulness was demonstrated in two patients with deficient posterior margin and small inferior margin where the device got malpositioned immediately after release. As the snare was still holding on to the screw end, the device could be retrieved into the sheath easily. Conclusion : This novel snare assisted device release strategy safeguards against device embolization in large ASDs with deficient rims and allows simplified retrieval.

We present two cases of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in which the right portal vein directly communicated with the inferior venacava (IVC) in one patient and with the hepatic vein in the other. Multiple hepatic nodules consistent with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) were seen in the first patient. The second patient presented with recurrent history of hepatic encephalopathy. Percutaneous transhepatic embolization was performed using coils and Amplatz device following which she completely recovered.

Persistan sol vena kava süperiyor ile birlikte sağ vena kava süperiyorun olmaması, normai atriyal situs varlığında son derece nadir bir doğumsal anomalidir. İzole vakalar, kateterizasyon sırasında tesadüfen saptanır. Baş, boyun ve üst extremitenin venöz drenajı sol persistan vena kava aracılığıyla sıklıkla koroner sinüse olduğundan dolayı, genişlemiş koroner sinüsü olan hastalarda vena kava superiyor yokluğundan şüphelenilmelidir. Bu yazıda, transtorasik ekokardiyografiyle VSD, belirgin geniş koroner sinus ve sol persistan vena kava süperiyor tanısı konan ve transkateter kapama sırasında tesadüfen sağ vena kava superiyorunun olmadığı saptanan 7 yaşında kız hasta sunuldu. Böylece, bu nadir venöz anomalinin ekokardiyografik ve anjiyokardiyografik bulgularına dikkat çekilmek istendi.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) with an absent right superior vena cava (RSVC) is an extremely rare congenital anomalie in normal atrial situs. Isolated cases are diagnosed incidentally during catheterization. In patients with PLSVC, due to frequent drainage of upper extremity, head and neck veins into coronary sinus, patients with enlarged coronary sinus should be suspected to have absence of the RVCS. In this report, we presented a 7-year-old girl who was diagnosed perimembranous VSD (ventricular septal defect), apparently enlarged coronary sinus, PLSVC with transthoracic echocardiography, and incidentally was recognized absence of RSVC during percutaneouse VSD closure. Consequently, we wanted to draw attention to echocardiographic and angiocardiographic findings of this rare venous anomaly.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to establish a guidance for device retrieval based on comprehensive bench tests., Background: Device embolisation remains a major complication in transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. Although percutaneous retrieval is feasible in the majority of cases, surgical retrieval may be required in complicated circumstances. However, the methods of transcatheter device retrieval have not been completely established., Methods: Bench tests of device retrieval were performed to verify the appropriate retrieval method according to device type/size. The devices used for testing were Amplatzer Septal Occluder (Abbott, Chicago, IL, United States of America), Figulla Flex II (Occlutech GmbH, Jena, Germany), Amplatzer Duct Occluder-I (Abbott), Amplatzer Duct Occluder-II (Abbott), and Amplatzer Vascular Plug-II (Abbott). The retrieval equipment constituted diagnostic catheters (multipurpose catheter and right Judkins catheter, 4-Fr or 5-Fr, Gadelius Medical, Tokyo, Japan), delivery sheath and cables for each device, Amplatz goose neck snares (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America), OSYPKA CATCHER (Osypka ag, Rheinfelden-Herten, Germany), and OSYPKA LASSOS (Osypka). We investigated the retrieval equipment and sheath sizes required for a successful retrieval procedure for variously sized devices., Results: For patent ductus arteriosus devices, the type of snare and the snaring position are considered important. For atrial septal defect devices, simple snare capture or a double-snare technique with a sufficiently large sheath is effective. Special care should be taken when using the OSYPKA CATCHER for device retrieval., Conclusions: The results of this study may assist in the selection of both capture devices and a retrieval sheath or a catheter for complete retrieval.

Bronchopleural fistulas can occur as a rare but severe complication after pulmonary resection. Established guidelines for the proper treatment of patients with bronchopleural fistulas do not exist. Apart from attempts to close the fistula, emphasis is placed on preventive measures, early treatment with antibiotics, drainage of the empyema and aggressive nutritional and rehabilitative support. For inoperable patients, endoscopic procedures are the only therapeutic option. Unfortunately, large (>8 mm) or central bronchopleural fistulas are usually not suitable for such endoscopic management. Recently, some groups have published a few case reports about a novel technique for the endobronchial closure of bronchopleural fistulas, using an Amplatzer device, originally designed for transcatheter closure of cardiac septal defects. We applied the same technique as a life-saving treatment in a ventilated patient who was considered inoperable due to a high oxygen need. The operation was successful. The patient could be weaned from ventilation and was eventually discharged from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility several weeks after the insertion of the device. Until now, endoscopic techniques have only been useful for the treatment of small, peripheral, bronchopleural fistulas and even then only as a bridge to surgery in high-risk surgical patients. In this case report, we demonstrate that the use of an Amplatzer device can expand the importance of endoscopic techniques in the treatment of bronchopleural fistulas. An Amplatzer device, for endobronchial closure, can indeed be administered for large and central bronchopleural fistulas. Moreover, it can be considered as a definite alternative to surgery in inoperable patients.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine safety and feasibility of conscious sedation using dexmedetomidine for transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure.Material and Methods: A retrospective institutional review of transcatheter ASD device closure without endotracheal intubation over 18 months. The protocol included topical oropharyngeal anesthesia using lignocaine followed by dexmedetomidine bolus 1 μg/kg intravenously over 10 min and maintenance dose 0.2-0.7 μg/kg/h. Ramsay sedation score 2-3 was maintained. Patients were analyzed regarding demographic profile, device size, procedure time, anesthesia time, recovery time, hospital stay, and any hemodynamic or procedural complications.Results: A total of 43 patients with mean age 31.56 ± 13.74 years (range: 12-56 years) were analyzed. Mean anesthesia duration was 71.75 + 21.08 min. Mean recovery time was 7.6 ± 3.01 min. 16 females and one male patient required additional propofol with a mean dose of 30.8 ± 10.49 mg. No hemodynamic instability was noted. No patient required general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The procedure was successful in 93.02% of patients. Four patients developed atrial fibrillation. All patients were satisfied.Conclusion: Conscious sedation using dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective anesthetic technique for percutaneous ASD closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defect is an established safe alternative to surgery with rare complications and high primary success rate. This procedure can be complicated by early or late device embolizations. We report an asymptomatic delayed nonobstructive embolization of an amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) into the left ventricle outflow tract detected by routine transthoracic echocardiography 1 week after implantation, which required emergent surgical retrieval in a stable patient.

Background : Embolization might complicate device closure of large atrial septal defects (ASDs) with deficient margins. When margins are deficient, a precariously placed device can appear to be held in good position by the rigid delivery cable. Once the cable is unscrewed, the device adopts the natural lie of the interatrial septum. This can occasionally expose the inadequately captured margins and lead to device embolization. Most embolizations occur immediately after release. Retrieval of the embolized device required prolonged fluoroscopy and sometimes open heart surgery. Objective : To evolve a new strategy of retrieval of a malpositioned device after unscrewing the cable before impending embolization. Materials and Methods : After deploying the device in place, a snare is passed through the delivery sheath around the cable to grip the screw on the right atrial disc of the device. With the snare holding the screw end, the device is released by unscrewing the cable. The device position is reconfirmed on echocardiography. The snare is subsequently removed if the device was stable. In case of device migration, the same snare is used to retrieve the device before it embolizes completely. Results : Snare assistance was used in 24 patients considered as high-risk for device embolization. Its usefulness was demonstrated in two patients with deficient posterior margin and small inferior margin where the device got malpositioned immediately after release. As the snare was still holding on to the screw end, the device could be retrieved into the sheath easily. Conclusion : This novel snare assisted device release strategy safeguards against device embolization in large ASDs with deficient rims and allows simplified retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The standard procedure in percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with Amplatzer duct occluder-I (ADO-I) is transvenous closure guided by aortic access through femoral artery. The current study aims to compare the procedures for PDA closure with ADOI: only transvenous access with the standard procedure. Methods: This study was designed retrospectively and 101 pediatric patients were included. PDA closure was done by only femoral venous access in 19 of them (group 1), arterial and venous access used in 92 patients (group 2) between 2004 to 2012 years. The position of the device and residual shunt in group1 was evaluated by the guidance of the aortogram obtained during the return phase of the pulmonary artery injection and guidance of transthoracic echocardiography. Shapiro-Wilk's test, Mann-Whitney U, chi-squared tests were used for statistical comparison. Results: The procedure was successful in 18 (95%) patients in group 1 and 90 (98%) patients in group 2. Complications including the pulmonary artery embolization (n=1), protrusion to pulmonary artery (n=1), inguinal hematoma (n=3), bleeding (n=2) were only detected in group 2. In other words, while complications were observed in 7 (7.2%) patients in group 2, no minor/major complication was observed in group 1. Complete closure in group 1 was: in catheterization room 14 (77.8%), at 24th hour in 2 (11.1%), at first month in 2 (11.1%). Complete closure in group 2 was: 66 (73.4%) patients in the catheterization room, 21 (23.3%) at 24th hour, 3 (3.3%) at first month, complete closure occurred at the end of first month. Conclusion: In percutaneouse PDA closure via ADO-I, this technique can be a choice for patients whose femoral artery could not be accessed, or access is impossible/contraindicated. But for the reliability and validity of this method, randomized multicenter clinical studies are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJETIVO: Analisar a experiência inicial no fechamento percutâneo da comunicação interatrial ostium secundum (CIA OS) com a prótese de Amplatzer. MÉTODOS: Sete pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento através da via venosa anterógrada, orientados pela ecocardiografia transesofágica (ETE) e sob anestesia geral. Uma criança era portadora de 2 CIA e de canal arterial (CA). As CIA medidas pelo ETE variaram de 8,7 a 20mm. Um ecocardiograma transtorácico foi realizado na manhã seguinte do procedimento. RESULTADOS: Oito próteses foram implantadas nos 7 pacientes com sucesso. Em um paciente, o CA foi ocluído na mesma sessão com mola de Gianturco, tendo surgido taquicardia supraventricular durante a oclusão de uma das CIA, controlada com adenosina. Todos receberam alta hospitalar na manhã seguinte, com oclusão total dos defeitos. CONCLUSÃO: O procedimento mostrou-se seguro, eficaz e versátil, podendo ser considerado como uma alternativa terapêutica inicial em pacientes selecionados com CIA OS.PURPOSE: To evaluate our initial experience with percutaneous closure of secundum type atrial septal defects (ASD) with the Amplatzer septal occluder. METHODS: Seven patients underwent occlusion by anterograde approach, under general anesthesia and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. One child had 2 ASD and a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The ASD size ranged from 8,7 to 20mm as measured by TEE. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed in the morning after the procedure. RESULTS: Eight devices were successfully implanted in 7 patients and the PDA was occluded with a Gianturco coil at the same session. In this patient, there was an episode of supraventricular tachycardia during the occlusion of one ASD which was reverted with adenosin. All patients were discharged the day after, with complete occlusion of all defects. CONCLUSION: The procedure is safe, effective and versatile. It can be applied as an initial alternative to the treatment of selected patients with ASD.

Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO)-induced complications have been observed. However, little attention is paid to the atrioventricular block (AVB) induced by atrial septum defect (ASD) closure using the Amplatzer device. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors and prognosis of AVB after catheter closure and to reduce the incidence of adverse events. In this study, 706 ASD patients who received closure in our division were investigated retrospectively for the relationship between AVB and factors such as age, size of the ASD ( D), diameter of the occluder ( D), diameter of the septum ( D), D/ D ratio, and D/ D ratio. Data distribution was evaluated with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare non-normal distribution data. A p value lower than 0.05 was considered significant. Of the 706 patients, six had experienced the development of AVB, giving an incidence of 0.85 %. The risk factors included younger age, larger size of the ASD, larger size of the device, and the D/ D ratio (≥0.45). The milder AVB is, the better the prognosis. An AVB of III° and an unchanged electrocardiogram (ECG) within 3 days after the procedure are poor prognostic indicators. More attention should be paid to AVB induced by ASD closure. Younger age, size of the ASD, size of the device, and a D/ D ratio of 0.45 or higher are the risk factors associated with AVB after closure. A timely retrieval of the device should be considered for a good prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) with an absent right superior vena cava (RSVC) is an extremely rare congenital anomalie in normal atrial situs. Isolated cases are diagnosed incidentally during catheterization. In patients with PLSVC, due to frequent drainage of upper extremity, head and neck veins into coronary sinus, patients with enlarged coronary sinus should be suspected to have absence of the RVCS. In this report, we presented a 7-year-old girl who was diagnosed perimembranous VSD (ventricular septal defect), apparently enlarged coronary sinus, PLSVC with transthoracic echocardiography, and incidentally was recognized absence of RSVC during percutaneouse VSD closure. Consequently, we wanted to draw attention to echocardiographic and angiocardiographic findings of this rare venous anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are indicated in patients with Brugada syndrome with resuscitated ventricular arrhythmias. When these patients have atrial septal defects, they also need closure to prevent paradoxic embolism of thrombus from the defibrillator leads. A 15-year-old boy with Brugada syndrome had transvenous ICD placement along with device closure of a large atrial septal defect. When the defibrillation threshold was checked during device testing, a shock was delivered to terminate the induced ventricular fibrillation. The sudden jerk during this shock resulted in device embolization into the left atrium. The device was successfully retrieved and the defect closed with a larger device. This report discusses this extremely rare association of Brugada syndrome with atrial septal defect, unreported complications after device closure, and successful management of the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post lung resection surgery bronchopleural fistula (BPF) continues to be a dangerous complication associated with very high mortality and morbidity. Traditional treatments have included primary closure of the fistula with muscle flaps and thoracic window formation. New techniques for secondary stump closure have included glues, stents and coils. We report another bronchoscopic treatment of BPF using an atrial septal closure/vascular occlusion device combined with bioglue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the characteristics, management strategy and mortality of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and rupture of ventricular septum (RVS). Methods: The study included 40 patients admitted during a period of 8 years, due to AMI complicated with RVS. RVS was confirmed by echocardiogram. The clinical characteristics, type of treatment and hospital mortality were evaluated. Variables were compared by Mann-Withney U tests or Fisher exact test. Results: Patients were 64 years old (56 - 73), 67% men, 53% diabetes mellitus, 43% hypertension, 40% smokers. Treatments were medical (45%), surgical (38%) or Amplatzer (17%). Overall mortality was 65%, in conservative group was 45%, in surgery group 38%, and Amplatzer group 17% (p = 0.02), it was associated to shorter time between AMI and RVS (p <0.001) and shorter time between and treatment (p <0.001). All patients with Killipp Kimbal III or IV died. Conclusions: Currently there is no management strategy in RSV with demonstrated advantage over other strategies. The only marker with good prognosis could be a long time between rupture and treatment. It is likely that the indication of management of International guidelines does not apply to all patients and these should be stratified according to their hemodynamic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopically superimposed Amplatzer (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States) septal occluder plug was successfully used in the treatment of septic right main bronchus fistula having developed after extrapleural pneumonectomy and heated chemotherapy in two patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. In the first case the method was curative and in the other Amplatzer served as temporary bridging allowing rehabilitation from empyema and sepsis. After 4.5 and 4.2 years both patients are alive with no sign of relapse of mesothelioma or infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present two cases of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in which the right portal vein directly communicated with the inferior venacava (IVC) in one patient and with the hepatic vein in the other. Multiple hepatic nodules consistent with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) were seen in the first patient. The second patient presented with recurrent history of hepatic encephalopathy. Percutaneous transhepatic embolization was performed using coils and Amplatz device following which she completely recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with device or coil is presently the first line of therapy, but it has got different acute and late complications. A 3 years old male child presented with history of percutaneous closure of the PDA Amplatzer device 18 months back. Now he presented with dislodgement of the device to descending thoracic aorta and reappearance of a large PDA. The child underwent surgical closure of PDA and removal of the device from descending thoracic aorta. We are presenting this case as one of the uncommon late complications of device closure of PDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Foreign body aspiration and consequent atelectasis of the lower lobe of the left lung with rotation of the heart resulted in an unusual radiographic appearance in a young girl who had recently undergone transcatheter closure of a patent arterial duct and coil embolization of an aortopulmonary collateral. The patient''s chest radiography, who was originally admitted at a center with no echocardiography availability, was interpreted as showing embolization of one or both devices. Only clinical evaluation and echocardiography confirmed appropriate device position. Subsequently, foreign body aspiration was suspected and confirmed at bronchoscopy, and successfully treated. Atelectasis resolved within few days. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Despite the progress made in the development of valved stents for trans-apical valve replacement, a reliable closure of the access orifice remains a major issue. The present study was designed to evaluate if device closure of the ventricular wall is safe. Materials and methods: Transventricular access for pulmonary valve replacement was simulated with a 26F sheath and the resulting orifice was closed with an Amplatzer Muscular VSD Occluder (AMuscVSDO) in chronic sheep experiments (body weight 45–48kg). Mean procedure time, blood loss, and standard hemo-dynamics were recorded. The animals were sacrificed electively and the histopathological changes in and around AMuscVSDO in the right ventricular wall were systematically studied by semi-quantitative analysis of collagenisation, inflammatory response and ‘resorptive’ process. Results: Mean procedure time was 31±10.7min, blood loss was 22.5±8.7ml, heart rate was 123±22.6bits/min before and 128±28.7bits/min after, mean arterial blood pressure was 88±16.7mmHg before and 82.6±18.3mmHg after the procedure. Mean survival was 5.3 weeks. The collagen and scar formation studies revealed three different periods: (1) initial fibrosis (0–3 weeks); (2) so-called ‘capsulation’ (3–9 weeks after the implantation of the Occluder); and (3) final remodelling and differentiation (9 weeks). The fabric inside the Occluder played the role of a collagenisation promoter, active from the 3rd week till it vanishes. Inflammation plays a role as a temporary reaction (0–3 weeks) during the healing process, with no signs of any active, focal or circumscribed, myocardial damage. Conclusions: (1) The closure of the free ventricular wall perforation with AMuscVSDO is safe due to the scar tissue resulting from the healing process around and in the device. (2) The myocardial healing around and inside an implanted AMuscVSDO represents two processes: extensive fibrosis ensues around metallic wires with the progression towards the inside of the myocardium, whereas inside AMuscVSDO the loose connective tissue fills the myocardial lesion. During cicatrisation, the fabric elements of AMuscVSDO act as the ground for collagen formation and fibroblast proliferation. (3) The cicatrisation processes after ventricular AMuscVSDO implantation show remodelling, with rearrangement of collagen fibres architecture and distribution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]