Fistula of Ascending Aorta and Right Atrium Following Percutaneous Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects as a therapeutic alternative in appropriate patients provides superior cosmetic results, is less invasive, and allows for shorter hospital stays. Unfortunately, however, such percutaneous procedures can be associated with catastrophic procedure complications that may require immediate surgical intervention. We report a case of aorta-to-right atrial fistula two months after transcatheter occlusion of an atrial septal defect by an Amplatzer septal occluder. Revealed by dyspnea, palpitation and hemolysis, this complication needed an emergency surgical operation. The fistula between the noncoronary Valsalva sinus of the aorta and the right atrium was repaired. The atrial septal defect was closed by patch. The cause of this serious complication appears to be erosion into the aorta by the right atrial disk.