Mullins-Sheath Facilitated Delivery of Gore Cardioform ASD Occluder Devices for Closure of Large or Challenging Secundum Atrial Septal Defects

Objectives. To describe a deployment technique of the Gore Cardioform atrial septal defect (ASD) occluder (W.L. Gore and Associates) for large secundum ASDs and ASDs with challenging anatomy. Background. The Gore Cardioform ASD occluder has recently been approved for closure of secundum ASDs; however, there are limitations to its delivery system. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on the use of a Mullins sheath (Cook Medical) to facilitate Gore Cardioform ASD occluder delivery for secundum ASD closure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory from June, 2017 to December, 2019 at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine. Results. Out of 98 patients who underwent an attempt at ASD closure using the Gore Cardioform ASD occluder, a Mullins sheath was used in 52 patients (median age, 8 years [interquartile range, 4-13 years] and weight 27.2 kg [interquartile range, 17.9-51.2 kg]), with a successful implant in 46/52 patients (88%). The Mullins sheath was primarily used to deliver large devices (>32 mm) in 38/46 successful implants (83%). There were 2 major adverse events (atrial fibrillation requiring cardioversion). At a median follow-up of 43 days (interquartile range, 1-374 days), no patient had more than a mild residual shunt. The ASD size, maximum sheath size, and device size were larger in patients in whom the Mullins sheath was used as compared with those patients in whom a Mullins sheath was not used. Conclusions. The Mullins sheath-facilitated delivery of the Gore Cardioform ASD occluder device may be a useful adjunct technique for closure of large secundum ASDs and secundum ASDs with challenging anatomy.