Very late erosion of Amplatzer septal occluder device presenting as pericardial pain and effusion 8 years after placement

Abstract

We report the case of a very late erosion of an Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) device more than 8 years after implant, presenting without signs of cardiac tamponade. To date, this case represents the longest period between ASO device implantation and clinical presentation following erosion. The overall rate of device erosion remains low, and the majority reported so far has occurred early, but clinicians should remain alert to the possibility of very late erosion in patients with ASO devices.

Keywords: Amplatzer occluder; Amplatzer occluder device; Amplatzer septal occluder; atrial septal defect; cardiac surgery; device removal; septal occluder; thoracic surgery.