ABSTRACT
Introduction Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common (approximately 20%) congenital heart disease.1 About 70% of these defects are perimembranous (PmVSD), involving the membranous septum and the adjacent area of muscular septum. Since 1987, devices (Rashkind and button‘ devices) that were originally designed to close the patent ductus arteriosus or atrial septal defects have been used to close the PmVSD.2-6 The major drawbacks of these devices were the large delivery sheaths (11 Fr) required, the complex implantation techniques, the inability to reposition and redeploy the devices, the potential interference with the aortic and tricuspid valves, and the significant residual shunts associated with them (25-60%). The Amplatzer membranous VSD occluder was the only device that was specifically designed for the PmVSD. In 2002, Hijazi et al reported the initial human use in six patients with complete closure in all and the absence of any significant complications.7 Now it is the most popular device to close the PmVSD worldwide.
