Journal of JCIC

Device embolization remains a major complication in transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. Although percutaneous retrieval is feasible in the majority of cases, surgical retrieval may be required in some circumstances. For successful transcatheter retrieval of an embolized device, both capturing the devices and complete recapture into a retrieval sheath are necessary. However, the methods of transcatheter device retrieval have not been completely established because these are affected by type and size of the device, location of the embolized device, patient characteristics and operator experience. To achieve safety of device retrieval, it is essential to have sufficient knowledge of the detailed device characteristics and to be familiar with the procedures for device retrieval. However, it is difficult for individual operators to obtain sufficient experience in real clinical settings. The Medical Safety Committee, Board of Education, Japanese Society of Congenital Interventional Cardiology (JCIC) have been developed a guidance for device retrieval in atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus based of bench tests. These bench tests have been performed to verify the appropriate retrieval method according to the device type and size for AMPLATZER® Septal Occluder (Abbott, Chicago, IL, United States of America), Figulla® Flex II (Occlutech GmbH, Jena, Germany), AMPLATZER® Duct Occluder-I (Abbott), AMPLATZER® Duct Occluder-II (Abbott), and AMPLATZER® Vascular Plug-II (Abbott). Recently, additional bench tests were performed on the newly introduced devices, GORE® Cardioform ASD Occluder (GCA) (Gore Medical, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) and the AMPLATZER® Piccolo Occluder (Abbott), and organized the results together with those of conventional devices. Based on these findings, the appropriate retrieval techniques and equipment were reviewed.