Objectives: We present our experience and outcomes with the BeGraft in the treatment of aortic coarctation in a predominantly paediatric population.Methods: This study includes a retrospective analysis of patients who had Begraft aortic stent implantation between 2018 and 2020 from a single centre.Results: The BeGraft aortic stent was used in 11 patients (7 males, 4 females) with a median age of 14 (13–21) years and a median weight of 65 (46–103) kg. Coarctation was native in five patients and recurrent in six patients. Median stent diameter and length were 16 mm and 38 mm, respectively. The median peak-to-peak pressure was 30 (12–55) mmHg before the procedure and 5 (0–17) mmHg after the procedure. The stenting procedure was successful in 10 of the 11 patients. Stent migration to the abdominal aorta occurred on post-procedure day 1 in the 21-year-old patient, who had previously undergone surgical closure of the ventricular septal defect and balloon angioplasty for coarctation. After repositioning failed, the stent was safely fixed in the abdominal aorta. Strut distortion also occurred during balloon retrieval in one patient, but no aneurysm or in-stent restenosis was observed at 1-year follow-up. The patients were followed for a median of 14 (4–25) months and none required redilation.Conclusions: Our initial results demonstrated that the BeGraft aortic stent effectively reduced the pressure gradient in selected native and recurrent cases. Despite advantages such as a smaller sheath and low profile, more experience and medium- to long-term results are needed.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure with the Konar-MF™ device and to investigate the impact of an optimized device selection strategy using a retrograde approach. Methods: Between January 2019 and November 2023, a total of 58 patients (32 males, 26 females; median age: 4.5 years; range, 8 months to 16 years) who underwent transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects using the Konar-MF™ device were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, procedural details, and follow-up data were recorded. Results: Procedural success was achieved in 95% of cases, with a median procedure time of 60 min and fluoroscopy time of 12.6 min. Retrograde implantation was used in 79% of patients, significantly reducing procedural time and minimizing complications associated with an arteriovenous loop. Our refined strategy of selecting smaller devices when anatomically feasible played a crucial role in reducing interference with surrounding cardiac structures, substantially contributing to the absence of complete atrioventricular block in our cohort. Major complications included device embolization, moderate aortic regurgitation due to device dislocation, and right ventricular perforation (each in 1.8% of patients). The median follow-up was 34.5 months. Residual shunt rates were initially 42% on postoperative Day 1, reducing to 1.8% by the end of the follow-up period. Conclusion: The Konar-MF™ occluder demonstrated high procedural success and acceptable complication rates for perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure. The use of a retrograde approach and a refined device selection strategy were key factors in achieving favorable outcomes, minimizing complications such as atrioventricular block and valve interference. The device offers significant advantages, making it a suitable alternative to surgical ventricular septal defect closure.

A 13-month-old boy with a diagnosis of atrial septal defect and pulmonary valve stenosis was admitted for corrective surgery. Right juxtaposition of the atrial appendages with a tunnel between the atrial appendages was detected during the surgery. The patient was operated successfully and had an uneventful recovery. Once right juxtaposition of the atrial appendages has been identified, the possibility of a “tunnel” communication between the appendages must be considered and ruled out.

Today, congenital heart diseases may be treated without surgery through advances in interventional cardiology. However, complications such as infection and thrombus formation may develop due to foreign materials used during these procedures. Surgical intervention may be required for the removal of the device utilized for the procedure.

Aorto-left ventricular tunnel, also known as aorto-left ventricular fistula, is a rare CHD characterised by an abnormal connection between the aorta and the left ventricle. This article presents a comprehensive case report on aorto-left ventricular tunnel, encompassing clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and outcomes, with a specific focus on the necessity of early surgical intervention.