Cardiac perforation and tamponade 3 months after transcatheter PFO closure by STARFlex device: A case report

Abstract

Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure after paradoxical embolism has become established as a safe, effective and validated procedure. The use of dedicated devices by experienced operators allows for low complication rates and good clinical results in the prevention of paradoxical embolism recurrence. This has led to a widespread use of the technique. However, late complications have been reported after the implantation of different types of devices. We report the first case of cardiac tamponade due to atrial wall erosion, which occurred three months after the implantation of a STARflex device (Nitinol Medical Technologies, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) in a 57 year-old-patient Transoesophageal echocardiographic images and surgical views of the perforation related to the device are presented. This report describes treatment of a late complication that arose following implantation of a STARflex device.