[Percutaneous transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects using an Amplatz device].

We carried out an analysis of our initial experience with using an Amplatz device for percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defects in 15 patients. The patient's ages ranged in from 1 to 44 years. Seven were infants with heart failure. In 4 patients, the ventricular septal defect was located in the muscular portion of the ventricular septum; in 11 patients, it was in the perimembraneous portion. The mean size of the Amplatz device selected was 11.2 (3.0) mm. Successful device implantation was achieved in 12 patients. In the other 3, stable occlusion could not be achieved, and the device was retrieved without complications. Immediate complete closure occurred in 11 of the 12 patients who underwent successful implantation. No complications were observed, either immediately or during follow-up. After a mean follow-up period of 9.2 (3.6) months, all patients remained free of symptoms. Follow-up Doppler echocardiography demonstrated complete closure in all patients.