Distal Radial Access for Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect Closure.

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) closure traditionally uses femoral arterial access, which carries risks of vascular complications and prolonged bed rest.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to report the first case series of pmVSD closure using distal radial access (DRA) with a single arterial retrograde approach.

METHODS

Eight consecutive adult patients underwent percutaneous pmVSD closure via DRA using the Amplatzer Ductal Occluder II between 2018 and 2024 across 2 centers. All procedures used a single arterial access with a retrograde approach.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). The mean procedure time was 49.4 ± 7.3 minutes. Defect sizes ranged from 3 to 6 mm (right ventricle) and 5 to 6 mm (left ventricle). Complete closure occurred in all patients with no residual shunts at 1-year follow-up. No major complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

DRA represents a safe, effective alternative for percutaneous pmVSD closure, offering reduced vascular complications, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient comfort compared with traditional femoral access.