[Atrioventricular block after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure using the Amplatzer septal occluder(®)]

Abstract

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in children is now an accepted treatment as an alternative to surgery. We report a case of complete atrioventricular block (AVB) observed over several days after closure of an ASD with an Amplatzer Septal Occluder(®) in a 13-year-old child. The spontaneous outcome was good with regression of the complete AVB, but 1 year later, a first-degree AVB was still present. The use of large devices in young children and a small postero-inferior rim seem to be risk factors of AVB. Transcatheter closure of ASD requires close monitoring of cardiac rhythm.