Transthoracic echocardiographic guidance of
minimally invasive perventricular device closure
of perimembranous ventricular septal defect
without cardiopulmonary bypass: initial
experience
Background Our purpose was to investigate the feasibility of transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) guidance for minimally
invasive periventricular device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs).
Methods From June 2011 to September 2011, we enrolled 18 young children with perimembranous VSDs to receive minimally
invasive device closure in our hospital. All of the patients were examined by TTE to determine the VSD morphology,
diameter, and rims. During intra-operative device closure, real-time bedside TTE alone was used to guide device
implantation.
Results Device implantation using TTE guidance was successful in 16 patients. Symmetric devices were used in 14 patients,
and asymmetric devices were used in 2 patients. Only one patient experienced mild aortic regurgitation, and there
were no instances of residual shunt, significant arrhythmias, thromboembolism, or device displacement. Two patients
were transferred to surgical closure, one due to residual shunting and the other as a result of unsuccessful wire
penetration of the VSD gap.
Conclusions Our data indicate that TTE-guided VSD closure is feasible in young children, although a longer follow-up may be
needed to document the long-term success.
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