OBJECTIVETo evaluate the early complications during and after transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PMVSDs) in children.

METHODSA total of 223 patients received transcatheter closure of PMVSDs from March 2002 to December 2005 in our hospital were included in this retrospective study.

RESULTSThe overall complications rate was 26.9% (60/223). Major complications occurred in 9 patients (4.0%) including III degrees atrioventricular block (AVB) in 2 (0.9%), hemolysis in 3 (1.3%) and surgical interventions in 4 patients (1.8%) because of device malposition (1), mild aortic regurgitation (2) and device embolization (1) and all 4 patients recovered without further complications. The 2 patients with III degrees AVB were completely recovered to normal sinus rhythm after 7 days treatment with temporary pacemaker and corticosteroid. Hemolysis in 3 patients disappeared after corticosteroid treatment. Minor complications occurred in 51 patients (22.8%) including bundle branch block (BBB) in 37 (16.6%), first-degree AVB in 2 (0.9%), second-degree AVB in 1 (0.4%), new-onset mild aortic regurgitation in 5 (2.2%) and new-onset mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation in 6 patients (2.6%). Except for right bundle branch blocks, other BBBs were treated with albumin and corticosteroid and completely recovered. No treatment was applied for new-onset valve regurgitations. There was no death in all 223 patients.

CONCLUSIONSEarly complications post PMVSDs in children are mostly minor with good prognosis and the prognosis for major complications post PMVSDs is good after proper treatment.