Transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure with LifetechTM Konar-MF occluder in infants under ten kilograms with only using venous access

Abstract

Abstract Transcatheter closure of VSD remains a complex procedure in infants with technical challenges and carries the risk of significant complications, due to its complex anatomical morphology and closed proximity to the atrioventricular valves and the conduction system. In this article, we presented transcatheter VSD closure in infants under ten kilograms using the Lifetech Konar-MF device via only venous route without TEE guidance and arterial access. Between January 2020 and January 2023, a total of 34 patients weighing less than 10 kg who underwent transcatheter VSD closure antegradely with Lifetech Konar-MF device were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 8.1 (3.5–35) months. Average weight was 6.5kg (range 4.5–10 kg). VSD was perimembranous in 27 patients (79.4%). Successful device placement was achieved in all 34 patients. However, device embolization occurred in three patients. One of the patients was successfully implanted with a one size larger device, the surgical closure was performed other two cases. TR occurred in seven patients (20.6%) after releasing devices. None of the patients developed complete heart block. Right bundle branch block developed in two patients. Residual shunt was observed in 9 patients (six small, two moderate and one large). During follow-up, residual shunt disappeared in six of these patients and only mild residual shunt remained in the other four patients which have not required any further intervention. Transcatheter closure of VSD with Lifetech Konar-MF device is safe and effective in infants less than ten kilograms via only venous access with a high success rate and low complication rate. In these patients, transcatheter VSD closure can be performed by excluding the risk of complications that may occur due to AV loop formation, arterial intervention, endotracheal intubation and TEE use.