The Amplatzer vascular plug and Amplatzer vascular plug II for vascular occlusion procedures in 50 patients with congenital cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of the Amplatzer vascular plug (plug 1) and Amplatzer vascular plug II (plug 2) in patients with congenital cardiovascular disease (CCVD).

BACKGROUND

Plugs 1 and 2 have recently been made available. We report our experience describing plugs 1 and 2 in patients with CCVD highlighting the versatility of these devices.

METHODS

All patients with CCVD who underwent a vascular occlusion procedure at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between August 1, 2004 and July 30, 2009 with plug 1 or 2 were included. A retrospective review was performed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients underwent vascular occlusion procedure with plug 1 or 2 at a median age of 2.0 years (range 1 day to 47 years) and median weight of 12.3 kg (range 3.1-98 kg). Fifty-eight plugs (43% plug 1, 57% plug 2) were placed in 52 vessels. Of these vessels, 20 (38%) were patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 14 (27%) venous collaterals, 5 (10%) aorto-pulmonary collaterals, 4 (8%) modified Blalock Taussig shunts, 3 (5%) porto-systemic connections, and 6 (12%) miscellaneous structures. Excluding a patient who was lost to follow-up, complete occlusion was observed in 100% of vessels either at the time of the catheterization or at follow-up. There were two complications (3.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Plugs 1 and 2 are safe and effective devices that can be used in a variety of blood vessels in patients with CCVD. Plug 2 is particularly useful in closure of high-flow, tubular structures, especially type C PDA's.