Erosion of the Right Atrial Wall After Implantation of a Patch-Like Septal Occluder.

CASE SUMMARY: Percutaneous closure of secundum-type atrial septal defects (ASDs) using patch-like Gore devices is anticipated to be safe, even in deficient rims. Here, however, we report the first case of atrial wall erosion following a technically straightforward and successful Gore cardioform ASD occluder implantation since its Food and Drug Administration and European Conformity approval. We conclude that, in principle, any device can cause mechanical erosion of the atrial wall, especially since the unpredictable extent of right atrial remodeling after unloading or the varying integrity of the atrial wall texture must be taken into account as unknown factors.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: In general, even patch-like Gore ASD devices can cause mechanical erosion of the atrial wall. Because the risk of erosion is highest within the first 1 to 6 months, consistent follow-up in the outpatient department is mandatory regardless of which ASD device has been used.