The early, primary and secondary efficacy success rates were 94.8%, 98.5% and 91.6%, respectively, for the device group, and 96.1%, 100% and 89.0% for the surgical group (all p > 0.05). The complication rate was 7.2% for the device group and 24.0% for the surgical group (p < 0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was 1.0 +/- 0.3 day for the device group and 3.4 +/- 1.2 days for the surgical group (p < 0.001). Mortality was 0% for both groups. The early, primary and secondary efficacy success rates for surgical versus. device closure of ASD were not statistically different; however, the complication rate was lower and the length of hospital stay was shorter for device closure than for surgical repair. Appropriate patient selection is an important factor for successful device closure. Transcatheter closure of secundum ASD using the ASO is a safe and effective alternative to surgical repair.

The objectives of this study were to identify possible risk factors that may lead to erosion of the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) and recommend ways to minimize future risk. There have been rare occurrences of adverse events with development of pericardial effusion after ASO placement. Identification of high-risk cases, early recognition, and prompt intervention may minimize the future risks of adverse events. In all patients who developed hemodynamic compromise after ASO placement, echocardiograms (pre-, intra-, and postprocedure), atrial septal defect (ASD) size (nonstretched, stretched), size of the device used, cineangiograms, and operative records were reviewed by a panel selected by AGA Medical Corporation. The findings were compared to the premarket approval data obtained from FDA-approved clinical trials that were conducted in the United States, before the device was approved. A total of 28 cases (14 in United States) of adverse events were reported to AGA Medical. All erosions occurred at the dome of the atria, near the aortic root. Deficient aortic rim was seen in 89% and the defect described as high ASD, suggesting deficient superior rim. The device to unstretched ASD ratio was significantly larger in the adverse event group when compared to the FDA trial group. The incidence of device erosion in the United States was 0.1%. The risk of device erosion with ASO is low and complications can be decreased by identifying high-risk patients and following them closely. Patients with deficient aortic rim and/or superior rim may be at higher risk for device erosion. Oversized ASO may increase the risk of erosion. The defect should not be overstretched during balloon sizing. Patients with small pericardial effusion at 24 hr should have closer follow-up.

Fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) have circulatory abnormalities that may compromise cerebral oxygen delivery. We believe that some CHD fetuses with decreased cerebral oxygen supply have autoregulation of blood flow that enhances cerebral perfusion (brain sparing). We hypothesize that cerebral autoregulation occurs in CHD fetuses, and the degree of autoregulation is dependent on the specific CHD and correlates with intrauterine head circumferences. CHD fetuses were compared to normal fetuses. Data included cardiac diagnosis, cerebral and umbilical artery Doppler, head circumference, weight, and gestational age. The cerebral-to-placental resistance ratio (CPR) was assessed as a measure of cerebral autoregulation. CPR = cerebral/umbilical resistance index (RI) and RI = systolic-diastolic/systolic velocity (normal CPR > 1). CPR > 1 was found in 95% of normal vs 44% of CHD fetuses. The incidence of CPR < 1 was greatest in hypoplastic left or right heart fetuses. Compared to normal, cerebral RI was decreased in CHD fetuses. The CPR vs gestational age relationship, and the relationship among weight, head circumference, and CPR differed across normal and CHD fetuses. Fetuses > 2 kg with CHD and a CPR < 1 had smaller head circumferences than normal. Brain sparing occurs in CHD fetuses. Fetuses with single ventricular physiology are most affected. Inadequate cerebral flow in CHD fetuses, despite autoregulation, may alter brain growth.

The clinical course and outcome of 55 fetuses with complete atrioventricular (AV) block detected prenatally were studied to identify factors that affect the natural history of this lesion. In 29 fetuses (53%) complete AV block was associated with complex structural heart defects, usually left atrial isomerism (n = 17) or discordant AV connection (n = 7). The other 26 fetuses had normal cardiac anatomy; in 19 cases the mother had connective tissue disease or tested positive for antinuclear antibodies. Six fetuses showed progression from sinus rhythm or second degree block to complete AV block. Of the 55 pregnancies, 5 were terminated and 24 fetuses or neonates died; at the end of the neonatal period 26 fetuses were still alive. Fetal or neonatal death correlated significantly with the presence of structural heart defects (4 of 29 surviving, p less than 0.001), hydrops (0 of 22 surviving, p less than 0.001), an atrial rate less than or equal to 120 beats/min (1 of 12 surviving, p less than 0.005) or a ventricular rate less than or equal to 55 beats/min (3 of 21 surviving, p less than 0.001). Mean atrial and ventricular rates were higher in surviving than in nonsurviving fetuses (142 +/- 8 vs. 127 +/- 21 beats/min, p less than 0.002; 64 +/- 8 vs. 52 +/- 8 beats/min, p less than 0.001, respectively). A slow atrial rate, however, was frequently associated with left atrial isomerism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fetal cardiac tumors, a rare condition, are often benign. The majority of tumors are rhabdomyomas, but not all fetuses with rhabdomyoma have tuberous sclerosis.