ORIGINAL STUDIES
Percutaneous closure of restrictive-type perimembranous
ventricular septal defect using the new KONAR multifunctional
occluder: Midterm outcomes of the first middle-eastern
experience
Raymond N. Haddad MD
1
| Linda S. Daou
2
| Zakhia S. Saliba
2
1
Hotel Dieu de France University Medical
Center, Department of Pediatrics, Saint Joseph
University, Alfred Naccache Boulevard,
Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
2
Hotel Dieu de France University Medical
Center, Department of Pediatric Cardiology,
Saint Joseph University, Alfred Naccache
Boulevard, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
Correspondence
Raymond N. Haddad, MD, Department of
Pediatrics, Hotel Dieu de France University
Medical Center, Saint Joseph University,
Alfred Naccache Boulevard, Achrafieh, Beirut,
Lebanon BP: 166830.
Email: raymondhaddad@live.com
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the safety, efficiency, and midterm outcomes of trans-
catheter perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) closure using the new
KONAR-MF™ VSD occluder.
Background: Off-label percutaneous pmVSD closure is a well-established procedure
with promising results. Yet, interventionists are still searching for the ideal device.
Methods: Between June 2018 and March 2019, 20 patients with hemodynamically
significant but restrictive-type pmVSD underwent an attempted transcatheter clo-
sure using the new KONAR-MF™. All implantations were performed retrogradely
under general anesthesia, transoesophageal echocardiography, and fluoroscopic guid-
ance. Prospective follow-up using transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardio-
gram was done until August 2019.
Results: The median age was 6.4 years (8 months to 43.4 years), and the median
body weight was 17.3 (9–74) kg. The mean defect size on the left ventricular aspect
was 11.7 ± 2.8 mm. All devices were successfully and rapidly implanted. One device
embolized in the pulmonary artery, 24 hr after implantation and was percutaneously
retrieved with no complication. Over a mean follow-up period of 8.2 ± 3.0 months,
complete closure was achieved in 84.2% of patients. One new onset of mild aortic
regurgitation was detected before discharge and remained stable. Tricuspid valve
regurgitation, complete heart block, major complication, and death were not
observed.
Conclusions: Transcatheter pmVSD closure using the KONAR-MF™ can be success-
fully performed in adult and pediatric patients. It is a safe and promising device,
designed to provide high conformability to septal defects with a lower risk of heart
block. Retrograde implantation allows procedural flexibility, efficient deliverability,
and control of valvular interferences.
KEYWORDS
congenital heart defect, percutaneous, device closure, Lifetech
Received: 3 September 2019 Revised: 10 December 2019 Accepted: 15 December 2019
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.28678
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2019;1–8. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/ccd © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 1