Atrioventricular block after transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects

Objective: To look at the presentation, treatment and outcome of patients who developed atrioventricular block after transcatheter closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (PMVSD) with the Amplatzer PMVSD device. Setting: Three tertiary referral centres for paediatric cardiology in two countries. Results: All three patients presented within 10 days of the procedure. All three patients were treated with intravenous steroids. A permanent pacemaker was inserted in all patients but no pacemaker required activation after two months. Conclusion: Complete atrioventricular block occurring in the weeks after device occlusion of a PMVSD appears to resolve quickly. Continued involvement in multicentre device databases is required to monitor safety.