Sivadasan Radha Anil

Transcatheter closure of very large (≥ 25 mm) atrial septal defects using the Amplatzer septal occluder

Between June 1999 and September 2002, 45 patients (age, 34 ± 13 years; mean shunt ratio, 2.6 ± 0.6) underwent transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure at our institution with the Amplatzer septal occluder (mean device size, 31.4 ± 3 mm). Patients were selected by transesophageal echocardiography. The mean ASD dimension was 25.3 ± 3.7 mm and 33 (73%) patients had deficient anterior rim. Specific procedural details included the use of 13 or 14 Fr introducer sheaths and the right upper pulmonary vein approach if the conventional approach failed. There were two procedural failures, with device embolization in both (surgical retrieval in one, catheter retrieval in one). During follow‐up (3–30 months; median, 16 months), one patient (59 years) with previous atrial flutter had pulmonary embolism and was managed with anticoagulation. Two patients developed symptomatic atrial flutter. Fluoroscopy time was 31.6 ± 19.5 min for the first 22 cases and 19.6 ± 11.4 min for the rest (P = 0.04). Transcatheter closure of large ASDs is technically feasible but careful long‐term follow‐up is needed to document its safety. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;59:522–527.

Bioptome-assisted coil occlusion of moderate-large patent ductus arteriosus in infants and small children.

Coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), although inexpensive, is technically challenging for the moderate‐large ducts in small children. Bioptome assistance allows better control and precision. We describe case selection strategies, technique, immediate and short‐term results of bioptome‐assisted closure of moderate‐large (≥ 3 mm) PDA in 86 infants and children ≤ 10 kg (age, 18 days to 3 years; median, 8 months; weight, 6.6 ± 1.9 kg; duct size, 3.6 ± 0.8 mm; pulmonary artery mean pressures, 33 ± 12 mm Hg). Patients with PDA > 6 mm (> 4 mm for children under 5 kg) and/or shallow ampullae (by echocardiography) underwent operation (n = 41). Specific technical modifications included use of long sheaths (5.5–8 Fr) for duct delineation and coil delivery, cutting of coils turns (51 patients) to accommodate the coils in the ampulla, and simultaneous delivery of multiple coils (n = 43). As far as possible, coils were deployed entirely in the ampulla. Median fluoroscopy time was 7.3 min (1.2–42 min). Successful deployment was feasible in all (final pulmonary artery mean pressures, 20 ± 4.6 mm Hg). Coils embolized in 14 (16%) patients (all retrieved). Complete occlusion occurred immediately in 63 patients (73%) and in 77 patients (89%) at 24 hr. Three patients had new gradients in the left pulmonary artery. Follow‐up (62 patients; median duration, 13 months) revealed small residual Doppler flows in 11 patients (18%) at the most recent visit. Bioptome‐assisted coil occlusion of moderate‐large PDA in selected infants and small children is feasible with encouraging results. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:266–271.

Clinical course and management strategies for hemolysis after transcatheter closure of patent arterial ducts.

Residual flows following transcatheter coil or device closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can result in hemolysis. Of 611 patients who underwent transcatheter PDA closure at our institution, 5 patients (age, 6–63 years) developed overt hemolysis (after coil occlusion in 4 and Amplazter device closure in 1). All had ducts > 3 mm and residual flows after the procedure. In one patient, hemolysis occurred 3 months after coil occlusion following a period of uncontrolled hypertension. The occurrence of hemolysis correlated significantly with both age as well as duct size (P < 0.00001). Hemolysis was associated with a fall in hemoglobin of 3–6 g/100 ml (n = 3), jaundice (n = 2), and renal failure (n = 1). Hemolysis subsided spontaneously in one patient and four patients required flow elimination. Deploying additional coils in three patients eliminated residual flows. In one patient (after Amplatzer device closure for 12.5 mm duct with aneurysm), flow persisted after 25 additional coils, transient balloon occlusion, and gel foam instillation. Flow elimination was eventually achieved through thrombin instillation after balloon occlusion of the ampulla. All patients recovered completely and were well on follow‐up. Although hemolysis after duct occlusion is rare (0.8% in this series), residual flow at the end of the procedure merits careful monitoring. Aggressive elimination of residual flows is often necessary to control hemolysis. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;59:538–543.

Neonatal Kawasaki disease

The authors report a case of Kawasaki disease that manifested in a newborn and presented at the age of 6 weeks of age with coronary artery aneurysms

Closure of muscular ventricular septal defects guided by en face reconstruction and pictorial representation.

BACKGROUND A surface reconstruction of the location and dimensions of muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs) on right ventricular (RV) septal surface could serve as a better guide to surgical closure amid different classifications and confusing terminologies. METHODS We reconstructed muscular VSD requiring surgery on an en-face view of the RV septal surface from echocardiographic orthogonal views in 34 consecutive patients. The location, dimensions of the defects, and relation to various RV septal landmarks are illustrated as a diagram. Recommendations are presented regarding surgical approach to the defects, along with predictions on the possibility of residual defects and heart block. RESULTS Surgical findings were as predicted by the diagram in the 27 patients who underwent VSD closure. Seven infants (2.5 to 4.9 kg) underwent pulmonary artery (PA) banding based on predictions of heart block or major residual defects. Two patients with predicted risk of heart block underwent VSD closure with heart block ensuing in one of them. Based on the diagram limited ventriculotomy (n = 2) or detachment of tricuspid leaflets (n = 6) aided access to the VSD. Among patients undergoing VSD closure only 1 patient had a major residual defect that required PA banding. There were clinically insignificant residual defects in 8 patients. Four patients (12%) were anticipated preoperatively because of surgical inaccessibility and intentionally left alone. CONCLUSIONS En-face reconstruction of single or multiple muscular VSDs is feasible from orthogonal echocardiographic views. It helps plan the surgical approach and predict the likelihood of heart block and residual defects after surgery.

Coil occlusion of the small patent arterial duct without arterial access

BACKGROUND Arterial access is traditionally considered mandatory during coil occlusion of the patent arterial duct. Arterial access necessitates heparinization and carries the risk of femoral artery occlusion in small children. METHODS AND RESULTS Between July 1999 and May 2001, we attempted coil occlusion of patent arterial ducts in 104 patients without arterial access. The patients were aged from 3 months to 14 years. The median age was 2 years. They weighed 3-35 kg. The median weight was 9.8 kg. The duct diameter at pulmonary artery insertion was 1.8-3.5 mm. The patients were selected on basis of echocardiographic evaluation of duct diameter at pulmonary artery insertion and morphology of the ampulla. Doppler color flow imaging was used in the catheterization laboratory to confirm duct closure. Arterial access was required in 21 patients. The reasons included accidental puncture in 5 patients, failure to obtain venous access in 1 patient, aortic embolization in 3 patients, poor echo images in 2 patients, requirement for additional coils in 8 patients and, failure to cross the duct from pulmonary artery in 2 patients. The fluoroscopic time ranged from 2.2 to 20 min with a mean of 5.3+/-3.8 min. Immediate closure was achieved in 98 patients and this included 79 of the 83 patients in whom arterial access was avoided. Color Doppler 3-24 h later showed residual flow in 2 patients. Four patients had new-onset left pulmonary artery turbulence with peak gradients below 5 mm of mercury. Coil embolization occurred in 6 patients and all coils were retrieved. Three-month follow up information was available for 78 patients. Small residual ductal leaks were seen in 4 patients, 2 of whom had leaks at 24 h. Two patients had recanalized their ducts. CONCLUSION It is feasible to occlude small patent arterial ducts with coils using venous access alone in carefully selected patients with excellent immediate and short-term results.

Cannulation of patent arterial duct in patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect

During cardiac catheterization in patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect, cannulation of the arterial duct was attempted in 23 children via antegrade approach. It was successful in all but two children. Injection of contrast through antegradely placed catheter resulted in improved opacification of pulmonary arteries. This technique facilitated transcatheter dilation of spontaneously closed arterial duct in two children.

Bioptome-assisted coil closure of large pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.

Large pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with feeding vessels larger than 5 mm cause significant right-to-left shunt resulting in cyanosis and need to be occluded as soon as they are diagnosed. Occlusion of such AVMs by simultaneous delivery of multiple coils was attempted in five patients and was successful in completely occluding the AVM in four of them. One patient had transient chest pain during the procedure, presumably as a result of coronary air embolism. A bioptome was used to hold the multiple coils together for optimal deployment and controlled release of the coils.

Duplication of the tension apparatus of the tricuspid valve.

We report an infant with a large perimembranous ventricular septal defect, who had two separate orifices in the tricuspid valve, each supported by separate cordal apparatus, detected incidentally during surgery.

Giant pulmonary artery aneurysm in a 6-year-old child

A 6-year-old female child was admitted with complaints of progressive dyspnea on exertion since last 3 years. She was saturating 100% on room air with stable vitals. On clinical examination, left precordial bulge was seen with prominent epigastric pulsations. Chest X-ray showed rightward shift of mediastinum and huge homogenous opacity occupying almost entire left lung field. On two-dimensional echocardiography, a large aneurysmal mass was seen occupying left hemithorax which was suspected to be arising from pulmonary artery but its exact site of origin could not be determined. A small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was also seen. PDA could be seen directly supplying the aneurysm (Fig. 1). CT angiography was done to confirm the diagnosis. It showed a huge aneurysmal sac measuring 12 cm × 8.9 cm × 14 cm, arising from left pulmonary artery (LPA) opposite to the site of insertion of PDA. Sac was occupying most of the left lung and pushing down the left diaphragm (Fig. 2). Cause of formation of such a huge aneurysm could not be found out. Surgery was performed and mouth of the sac was closed along with ligation of duct, repair of LPA and drainage of the sac. After surgery, lung expansion was good. Patient was discharged and she is doing well.