James A. Joransen

Unusual aspects of atrial myxoma.

Cardiac myxomas arc infrequently encountered lesions. Certain aspects of these tumors arc unusual and include right atrial location, calcification, valve destruction, hematologic abnormalities, occurrence in children, and familial occurrence. A 12-year-old girl manifesting all of these unusual aspects of myxoma is described and each of the unusual aspects is discussed.

Closure of a large pulmonary arteriovenous malformation using multiple Gianturco-Grifka vascular occlusion devices

A large pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was successfully occluded using multiple Gianturco‐Grifka vascular occlusion devices. The filler wire protruded from one of the devices and was successfully retrieved 3 weeks after implantation. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:426–429, 2000.

Catheter closure of accessory pulmonary blood flow after bidirectional Glenn anastomosis using Amplatzer duct occluder

Additional source of pulmonary blood flow in patients with bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis (Glenn shunt) may cause elevation of the pulmonary artery pressure precluding safe completion of the Fontan operation. A case is presented with single‐ventricle bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis and additional flow from the ventricle to the pulmonary artery resulting in elevated Glenn pressure. The communication was successfully occluded using Amplatzer duct occluder with satisfactory reduction in the Glenn pressure. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:95–97.

Gianturco-Grifka Vascular Occlusion Device for Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

We retrospectively reviewed the results of catheter closure of patent ductus areteriosus using the Ginaturco-Grifka vascular occlusion device in our institution. All patients in whom it was attempted had successful implantation, complete closure on follow-up, and no complications.

Transhepatic closure of atrial septal defect and assisted closure of modified Blalock/Taussig shunt.

The details of transhepatic closure of moderate – large size atrial septal defect as well as assisted closure of a modified Blalock Taussing shunt in a 2 1/2 year old patient with occluded femoral vessels are discussed. The technical variations as well as the potential advantages of this route are outlined.

Postsurgical use of Amplatzer septal occluder in cyanotic patients with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum: Significance of cor triatriatum dexter and dilated right atrium

Percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) has been shown to be safe and effective. However, its role after surgery in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease who may have associated cor triatriatum dexter and a dilated right atrium has not been established. This article reports on successful closure in such patients, including precautions and results. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 51:186–191, 2000.

Tetralogy of Fallot with Coexisting Type II Aortopulmonary Window

An infant had a coexisting tetralogy of Fallot and type II aortopulmonary window between the ascending aorta and the right pulmonary artery in which the communication acted as a palliative systemic-pulmonary shunt. Surgical repair is described, and the appropriate literature is reviewed.

Normally Connected Anomalously Draining Obstructed Pulmonary Veins in an Infant with Mitral Atresia: Clinical Presentation and Catheter Management

A patient with hypoplastic left ventricle and double outlet right ventricle underwent pulmonary artery band as a newborn. At age 3 months, cardiac catheterization demonstrated complete closure of his atrial septal defect with decompression of the left atrium via a small levo-cardinal vein. Thus, he had normally connected, anomalously draining obstructed pulmonary veins. He underwent successful catheter intervention with excellent release of the obstruction. This rare finding and technical aspects of catheter intervention are discussed.