César Augusto Esteves

Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with the Amplatzer device: technical and morphological considerations.

Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) has been feasible, safe, and effective with the new Amplatzer membranous septal occluder. We report further experience with this device with emphasis on morphological aspects of the VSDs and technical issues. Ten patients (median age and weight, 14 years and 34.5 kg, respectively) with volume‐overloaded left ventricles underwent closure under general anesthesia and transesophageal guidance (TEE). The VSD diameter was 7.1 ± 4.0 mm by angiography and 7.8 ± 3.7 mm by TEE. Three patients had defects associated with aneurysm‐like formations (two with multiple exit holes), four had defects shrouded by extensive tricuspid valve tissue, two had defects with little or no tricuspid valve involvement, and one had a right aortic cusp prolapse with trivial aortic regurgitation. Implantation was successful in all patients, although in two the initial device had to be changed for a larger one. Kinkings in the delivery sheath, inability to position the sheath near the left ventricular apex, and device prolapse through the VSD prompted modifications in the standard technique of implantation. Device orientation was excellent except in one case. Nine patients had complete occlusion within 1–3 months. Device‐related aortic or tricuspid insufficiency, arrhythmias, and embolization were not observed. Two patients had slight gradients across the left ventricular outflow tract, normalizing after 3 months. The Amplatzer membranous septal occluder was suitable to close a wide range of perimembranous VSD sizes and morphologies with good short‐term outcomes. Longer follow‐up is required. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:403–410.

Stenting vs. balloon angioplasty for discrete unoperated coarctation of the aorta in adolescents and adults

More information is needed to clarify whether stenting is superior to balloon angioplasty (BA) for unoperated coarctation of the aorta (CoA). From September 1997, 21 consecutive adolescents and adults (24 ± 11 years) with discrete CoA underwent stenting (G1). The results were compared to those achieved by BA performed in historical group of 15 patients (18 ± 10 years; P = 0.103; G2). After the procedure, systolic gradient reduction was higher (99% ± 2% vs. 87% ± 17%; P = 0.015), residual gradients lower (0.4 ± 1.4 vs. 5.9 ± 7.9 mm Hg; P = 0.019), gain at the CoA site higher (333% ± 172% vs. 190% ± 104%; P = 0.007), and CoA diameter larger (16.9 ± 2.9 vs. 12.9 ± 3.2 mm; P < 0.001) in G1. Aortic wall abnormalities were found in eight patients in G2 (53%) and in one in G1 (7%; P < 0.001). There was no major complication. Repeat catheterization (n = 33) and/or MRI (n = 2) was performed at a median follow‐up of 1.0 year for G1 and 1.5 for G2 (P = 0.005). Gradient reduction persisted in both groups, although higher late gradients were seen in G2 (median of 0 mm Hg for G1 vs. 3 for G2; P = 0.014). CoA diameter showed no late loss in G1 and a late gain in G2 with a trend to being larger in G1 (16.7 ± 2.9 vs. 14.6 ± 3.9 mm; P = 0.075). Two patients required late stenting due to aneurysm formation or stent fracture in G1. Aortic wall abnormalities did not progress and one patient required redilation in G2. Blood pressure was similar in both groups at follow‐up (126 ± 12/81 ± 11 for G1 vs. 120 ± 15/80 ± 10 mm Hg for G2; P = 0.149 and 0.975, respectively). Although satisfactory and similar clinical outcomes were observed with both techniques, stenting was a better means to relieve the stenosis and minimize the risk of developing immediate aortic wall abnormalities. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2005;64:495–506.

Effectiveness of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy during pregnancy

During pregnancy, medically refractory congestive heart failure due to mitral stenosis continues to present a clinical challenge and optimal management remains controversial. Thirteen women underwent balloon mitral valvotomy for control of functional class III or IV congestive heart failure due to mitral stenosis during pregnancy. The mean gestational age at the time of valvotomy was 25 +/- 6 weeks. Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy was performed successfully in all patients. No maternal or fetal mortality occurred. The mean mitral valve area assessed by Doppler echocardiography increased from 0.9 +/- 0.3 cm2 before to 2.1 +/- 0.3 cm2 after valvotomy. The mean mitral valve gradient decreased from 20 +/- 7 to 4 +/- 2 mm Hg. This was associated with a decrease in the pulmonary artery systolic pressure from 62 +/- 24 to 32 +/- 14 mm Hg. Currently, 12 of the 13 patients have delivered at an average gestational age of 38 +/- 0.5 weeks. Symptoms of congestive heart failure improved in all women and all were in New York Heart Association functional class I at the time of delivery. One patient is still pregnant and symptom free. Eleven singlet pregnancies resulted in the birth of full-term, healthy infants (mean birth weight 3.2 kg). The woman carrying a twin pregnancy improved from New York Heart Association class IV to class I after balloon mitral valvotomy but delivered prematurely at 32 weeks. The premature twin infants weighed 1.0 and 1.5 kg and died from respiratory failure at 48 hours. Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy can be performed safely during pregnancy and is effective in relieving symptoms of severe congestive heart failure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regression of infundibular hypertrophy after pulmonary valvuloplasty for pulmonic stenosis

Abstract The first attempt at a nonsurgical pulmonary commissurotomy at cardiac catheterization occurred in 1951 and was performed by Rubio-Alvarez et al. 1 This procedure was forgotten until 1982 when Kan et al, 2 using a balloon catheter, successfully opened a stenotic pulmonary valve. Since then, the technique has been quickly and successfully adopted at most hemodynamic laboratories. Older patients with severe pulmonary stenosis (PS) and associated hypertrophy of the infundibulum of the right ventricle may be “unfavorable” candidates for valvuloplasty, because some surgeons have indicated that the infundibulum needs to be resected in these patients. However, some studies 3–6 showing that infundibular hypertrophy is reversible after surgical commissurotomy suggest that the same phenomenon might occur in patients submitted to pulmonary valvuloplasty. We have therefore performed pulmonary valvuloplasty in patients with severe PS and infundibular hypertrophy. Of 100 patients undergoing valvuloplasty, 33 had suprasystemic right ventricular pressures; they are the subject of this article.

It is valid to dilate native aortic coarctation with a balloon catheter

We report our experience in 37 patients with aortic coarctation who underwent balloon aortoplasty. Of the 37, the lesion was native in 34 cases. Clinical re-evaluation was possible in 22 patients, with a mean follow-up period of 13 months and, of these, 21 patients were asymptomatic. Haemodynamic and angiographic studies were performed in 13 patients, with a mean period of follow-up of 12 months, showing excellent results in 11 patients. Aneurysmal formation had occurred in one and recoarctation in the other patient. Our experience has proved that balloon aortoplasty is an effective method for treating patients with aortic coarctation. Adequate selection in terms of the morphology of the coarctation and the size of the balloon catheter are crucial factors in the success of the procedure.

Multiple atrial septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus : Successful outcome using two Amplatzer septal occluders and gianturco coils

We report on a case of successful percutaneous closure of two atrial septal defects and a persistent ductus arteriosus using two Amplatzer septal occluders and a Gianturco coil in a 9-year-old child.

Initial experience in Brazil with the Helex septal occluder for percutaneous occlusion of atrial septal defects

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the initial clinical experience with the Helex septal occluder for percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects. METHODS Ten patients underwent the procedure, 7 patients with ostium secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) with hemodynamic repercussions and 3 patients with pervious foramen ovale (PFO) and a history of stroke. Mean age was 33.8 years and mean weight was 55.4 kg. Mean diameter by transesophageal echocardiography and mean stretched ASD diameter were 11.33 3.3mm, and 15.2 3.8mm, respectively. The Qp/Qs ratio was 1.9 0.3 in patients with ASD. RESULTS Eleven occluders were placed because a patient with 2 holes needed 2 devices. It was necessary to retrieve and replace 4 devices in 3 patients. We observed immediate residual shunt (< 2mm) in 4 patients with ASD, and in those with patent foramen ovale total occlusion of the defect occurred. No complications were noted, and all patients were discharged on the following day. After 1 month, 2 patients with ASD experienced trivial residual shunts (1mm). In 1 patient, we observed mild prolapse in the proximal disk in the right atrium, without consequences. CONCLUSION The Helex septal occluder was safe and effective for occluding small to moderate atrial septal defects. Because the implantation technique is demanding, it requires specific training of the operator. Even so, small technical failures may occur in the beginning of the learning curve, but they do not involve patient safety.

Short- and midterm follow-up results of valvuloplasty with balloon catheter for congenital aortic stenosis

OBJECTIVE To report short and midtem follow-up results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty to treat congenital aortic stenosis. METHODS Seventy-five patients (median age: 8 years) underwent the procedure through the retrograde femoral or carotid route. RESULTS The procedure was completed in 74 patients (98.6%). The peak-to-peak systolic gradient dropped from 79.6 27.7 to 22.3 17.8 mmHg (P<0.001), the left ventricular systolic pressure dropped from 164 39.1 to 110 24.8 mmHg (P<0.001), and the left ventricular end diastolic pressure dropped from 13.3 5.5 to 8.5 8.3 mmHg (P< 0.01). Four patients (5.3%) died due to the procedure. Aortic regurgitation (AoR) appeared or worsened in 27/71 (38%) patients, and no immediate surgical intervention was required. A mean follow-up of 50 38 months was obtained in 37 patients. Restenosis and significant AoR were observed in 16.6% of the patients. The estimates for being restenosis-free and for having significant AoR in 90 months were 60% and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSION Aortic valvuloplasty was considered the initial palliative method of choice in managing congenital aortic stenosis, with satisfactory short- and midterm results.

Efetividade clínica e segurança do tratamento percutâneo da comunicação interatrial tipo ostium secundum, com a prótese Amplatzer®

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of the Amplatzer occluder for percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defect. METHODS: Forty-nine patients underwent the procedure guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) while under general anesthesia, afterwards being clinically followed up for 12 months. RESULTS: The defect presented as a single orifice in 91.8% of the cases. The means of the longitudinal and transverse diameters were 14.3±5.0 mm and 14.4±4.9 mm, respectively. The means of the stretched diameters and prostheses were 19.3±5.1 mm and 20.3±4.9 mm, respectively. Technical success occurred in 97.9% of the cases. Immediate residual flow was observed in 54.1% of the patients, being minimum or small in 45.8% and moderate in 8.3%. After 24 hours, residual flow was observed in 25% of the patients (P = 0.0002). At the end of 13.1±1.3 months, the incidence of the overall residual flow decreased to 14.6%, only 4.1% being moderate. A significant reduction in the right ventricular diastolic diameter was observed in the different phases of clinical follow-up (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Implantation of the Amplatzer prosthesis proved to be effective and safe, constituting an option for the treatment of the secundum atrial septal defect in selected cases.

Percutaneous closure of ductus arteriosus with the amplatzer prosthesis. The Brazilian experience

OBJECTIVE - To report the results of percutaneous occlusion of persistent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer prosthesis in 2 Brazilian cardiological centers. METHODS - From May 1998 to July 2000, 33 patients with clinical and laboratory diagnosis of persistent ductus arteriosus underwent attempts at percutaneous implantation of the Amplatzer prosthesis. The median age was 36 months (from 6 months to 38 years), and the median weight was 14kg (from 6 to 92kg). Sixteen patients (48.5%) were under 2 years of age at the time of the procedure. All patients were followed up with periodical clinical and echocardiographic evaluations to assess the presence and degree of residual shunt and possible complications, such as pseudocoarctation of the aorta and left pulmonary artery stenosis. RESULTS - The minimum diameter of the arterial ducts ranged from 2.5 to 7.0mm (mean of 4.0+/-1.0, median of 3.9). The rate of success for implantation of the prosthesis was 100%. Femoral pulse was lost in 1 patient. The echocardiogram revealed total closure prior to hospital discharge in 30 patients, and in the follow-up visit 3 months later in the 3 remaining patients. The mean follow-up duration was 6.4+/-3.4 months. All patients were clinically well, asymptomatic, and did not need medication. No patient had narrowing of the left pulmonary artery or of the aorta. No early or late embolic events occurred, nor did infectious endarteritis. A new hospital admission was not required for any patient. CONCLUSION - The Amplatzer prosthesis for persistent ductus arteriosus is safe and highly effective for occlusion of ductus arteriosus of varied diameters, including large ones in small symptomatic infants.