Severe Mechanical Hemolysis After Transcatheter Closure of a Traumatic Ventricular Septal Defect Using the Amplatzer Atrial Septal Occluder

Abstract

Traumatic ventricular septal defect (VSD) resulting from chest trauma, either penetrating or blunt, is a relatively rare occurrence. Herein, we describe the case of a previously healthy 26-year-old man who presented with congestive heart failure, which was secondary to a large traumatic VSD following violent blunt chest trauma. The traumatic VSD was initially closed percutaneously using an Amplatzer atrial septal defect occluder. Post-device closure, however, the patient developed severe intravascular hemolysis refractory to medical treatment. The patient subsequently underwent surgical removal of the Amplatzer device, with concomitant VSD patch closure.