Media type: E-Article Title: Percutaneous closure of a hemodynamically significant connection between the inferior vena cava and the left atrium Contributor: Wiebe, Jens; Rixe, Johannes; Nef, Holger imprint: Wiley, 2015 Published in: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions Language: English DOI: 10.1002/ccd.25825 ISSN: 1522-1946; 1522-726X Keywords: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ; Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging ; General Medicine Origination: Footnote: Description: <jats:sec><jats:title>Objective and Background</jats:title><jats:p>A connection between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the left atrium (LA) can occur as a rare complication after surgical atrial septum defect (ASD) repair. We demonstrate the first case of a percutaneous closure of this connection.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods and Results</jats:title><jats:p>A 67‐year‐old female was admitted to hospital due to exertional dyspnea. A history of a surgical ASD repair in 1960 and 1966 with a residual shunt was already known. Transesophageal echocardiography and a CT scan revealed a hemodynamically significant drainage of the IVC into the LA. This connection was successfully closed percutaneously with an AMPLATEZR Duct Occluder I (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN). Post‐procedural CT‐scan and transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a stable position and there was also no evidence of a residual shunt. The patient reported a significant reduction of exertional dyspnea.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>Percutaneous closure of an IVC to LA connection in this case was safe and feasible. The decision about which device is optimal must be made on an individual basis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</jats:p></jats:sec>