Catastrophic basilar artery occlusion by an embolized portion of a torn interatrial septum during percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect

Abstract Percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect is a routine practice in the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory setting. This procedure may be complicated by the occurrence of embolism of clots and air. The occluding device itself can also become a source of complications. Embolization of a torn portion of the interatrial septum is extremely rare. This study presents a case complicated by acute basilar artery occlusion due to an embolized portion of a torn interatrial septum during percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect.