Transcatheter closure of large pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas in 7 children – single centre experience

  • Prof Grazyna Brzezinska-Rajszys, The Children`s Memorial Health Institute, Poland
  • Dr Maria Zubrzycka, The Children`s Memorial Health Institute, Poland
  • Dr Bozena Rewers, The Children`s Memorial Health Institute, Poland
  • Prof Joanna Ksiazyk, The Children`s Memorial Health Institute, Poland
  • Dr Lidia Ziolkowska, The Children`s Memorial Health Institute, Poland
  • Dr Andrzej Kosciesza, The Children`s Memorial Health Institute, Poland
  • Dr Anna Turska-Kmiec, The Children`s Memorial Health Institute, Poland
  • The aim of the study is to review our experience with transcatheter closure of large pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs). Between 1998 and 2007, 7pts aged 3days-15.6yrs (mean 11.4±5.3yrs) underwent transcatheter closure of large PAVFs. 5pts had 1-3 PAVFs, 1pt had multiple PAVFs in the left lung, 1 Left lung was affected in 4pts, right in 2pts, both lungs in 1pt. 11 PAVFs were closed in 6pts. 6 PAVFs (including direct rPA-LA connection) were closed using ADO, 2 using ASO, 1 using AMVSDO, 2 - multiple PDA and Gianturco coils (9 coils, and 3 coils respectively). Coils were used when stable position of Amplatzer delivery sheath in the feeding artery could not be achieved and when diameter of this artery did not exceed 4 mm. Multiple PAVFs in 1pt were closed with multiple coils (19) during 3 closure sessions (Amplatzer devices not available at that time). 2 PAVFs closed with ADO required additional use of 1 coil for closure of the second feeding artery. 1pt underwent additionally closure of aorto-pulmonary collaterals (potential source of bleeding from the respiratory tract). All attempts of PAVFs closure were successful. Complete occlusion was achieved in all cases, oxygen saturation increased from mean 82.8±5,8% (range 74-91%) to mean 97.3±1.3% (range 96-99%). No procedure related complications occurred. Good result of closure has been maintained during 0.5-9.8 yrs (mean 3.6±3.6 yrs) follow-up. Conclusions: 1.Transcatheter closure of large PAVFs is safe and effective. 2.In most cases closure can be achieved with single device in Amplatzer technique.