The Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug™ for Vascular Embolization in Children With Congenital Heart Diseases

Objectives To describe the early multi‐center, clinical experience with the Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug™ (MVP) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing vascular embolization. Background The MVP is a large diameter vascular occlusion device that can be delivered through a microcatheter for embolization of abnormal blood vessels. Methods A retrospective review of embolization procedures using the MVP in children with CHD was performed in 3‐centers. Occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus using the MVP was not included. Results Ten children underwent attempted occlusion using the MVP. The most common indication to use the MVP was failed attempted occlusion using other embolic devices. Five, single ventricle patients (median age 3‐years, median weight 14.9 kg) underwent occlusion of veno‐venous collaterals following bidirectional Glenn operation. Three patients (Median age 8 years) underwent occlusion of coronary artery fistulae (CAF). Two patients (age 7 months and 1 year) underwent occlusion of large aorto‐pulmonary collaterals. A 7‐day‐old child with a large CAF required 2 MVPs and an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP‐II) for complete occlusion. Occlusion of all other blood vessels was achieved using a single MVP. One MVP embolized distally in an 8‐years‐old child with a large CAF. There were no other procedural complications or during follow‐up (median 9 months). Conclusions The MVP is a new, large‐diameter vascular embolization device that can be delivered through a microcatheter. It may play an important role in providing highly effective occlusion of abnormal vessels in children.