Zhan Gao

and 4 more

Aims:This study aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility and availability of perimembranous ventricular septal defect (PmVSD) closure via a left parasternal ultra-minimal trans intercostal incision in children. Methods and results:From January 2015 to January 2019, 131 children with restrictive PmVSDs were enrolled in this study and successfully done in 126 patients (96.18%). PmVSDs were occluded via an ultra-minimal trans intercostal incision (≤1 cm), and the entire occlusive process was guided and monitored by TEE. A pericardium hanging technique was employed without sternal incision. PmVSDs were closed through a short delivery sheath assembled using a concentric occluder device. All patients were followed up for a perid ranging from18 months to 24 months. Thirteen patients with PmVSD had aneurysm of membranous septum (AMS). Multistream (more than or equal to 2) PmVSDs with AMS were found in eleven cases. After the operation, mild residual shunt beside the amplatzer occluder in one patient was found and had self-healing result during the 5-month follow-up period. Five patients transferred to ventricular septal defect repair operation under direct visualization with a cardiopulmonary bypass. One reason was ventricular fibrillation when guide wire passed the PmVSD, another was device dislocation, and others were the guide wire cannot pass through the PmVSD. Conclusions:PmVSDs closure using a concentric occluder via a left parasternal ultra-minimal trans intercostal incision under TEE guidance is feasible, safe, and effective in children. This approach can be considered as an alternative treatment to open-heart surgery for restrictive PmVSDs.