New device for closure of muscular ventricular septal defects in a canine model

Background—Repair of muscular ventricular septal defects (MVSDs) has always been challenging to the surgeon. Long-term morbidity and mortality are significantly increased if the defects are closed via left ventriculotomy or if they are associated with other complex congenital anomalies. The purpose of this study was to close MVSDs with the Amplatz ventricular septal defect device. This device is constructed from 0.004-in nitinol wire mesh filled with polyester fibers. It is retrievable, repositionable, self-centering, and of low profile. Methods and Results—MVSDs were created with the help of a sharp punch in 10 dogs. The location of the defects was anterior muscular (n=3), midmuscular (n=3), apical (n=3), and inlet muscular (n=1). The diameter of the defects ranged from 6 to 14 mm. All defects were closed in the catheterization laboratory. The device was placed with the help of transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy. A 7F sheath was used to deploy the device from the right ventricular side in 8...