Transcatheter patch occlusion of perimembranous ventricular septal defects.

Sixteen surgical candidates for ventricular septal defect correction were brought to the catheterization laboratory for transcatheter patch occlusion. There were 3 cases of nonrestrictive ventricular septal defects, including 2 with malalignment (tetralogy of Fallot). All patients, except those with tetralogy of Fallot who were cyanotic, had large left-right shunts. They were all corrected through the femoral vein. All defects with the exception of 2 were successfully occluded (12 full occlusions, 2 residual shunts). On follow-up, there were no embolizations, aortic insufficiency, or other complications. The method appears effective and relatively safe, and could challenge the current surgical standard of treatment.