Technical considerations for closing secundum atrial septal defect in the small child with the HELEX Septal Occluder via transhepatic access

Closure of a secundum atrial septal defect in two infants with chronic lung disease using the Gore HELEX Septal Occluder

Children with a secundum atrial septal defect are usually asymptomatic and are referred for elective closure after 3-4 years of age; however, in premature infants with chronic lung disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or pulmonary hypertension, increased pulmonary blood flow secondary to a left-to-right atrial shunt, may exacerbate their condition. Closure of the atrial septal defect in these patients can result in significant clinical improvement. We report the cases of two premature infants with chronic lung disease, who underwent atrial septal defect closure with the Gore HELEX Septal Occluder and discuss the technical aspects of using the device in these patients and their clinical outcomes.

Percutaneous atrial septal defect closure in a child with interrupted inferior vena cava: successful femoral venous approach

Interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) with azygous continuation to the superior vena cava (SVC) is a relatively common systemic venous anomaly. This anomaly can occasionally complicate transcatheter intervention by rendering more difficult the usual direct route to the systemic venous atrium afforded by femoral venous access. We report our experience with successful transcatheter closure of a large residual atrial septal defect (ASD) using the femoral venous route in a 3-year-old patient with heterotaxy syndrome of left isomerism type, dextrocardia, partial atrioventricular canal defect, and interrupted IVC with azygous continuation to the SVC.