SINGLE OPERATOR EXPERIENCE OF CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION AND INTERVENTIONS IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES OVER TWO YEARS AT AFIC – CASE ASSORTMENT AND VASCULAR COMPLICATIONS

Objective: This study elucidates single operator performed, contemporary experience of percutaneous cardiac interventions and diagnostic catheter studies in patients with CHD with focus on individual case selection, approach and vascular complications. Study Design: Prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, (AFIC/NIHD) Rawalpindi, from Jul 2017 to Jun 2019. Methodology: Total consecutive 574 patients, who were selected & underwent cardiac catheterization for various CHDs by single operator. Results: The author performed total of 574 cardiac catheter procedures during study period including both diagnostic and interventions in various CHDs. Mean age was 8.8 years, mean weight 22 kg and mean height was 106.3 cms. 59% cases were done under general anesthesia and 51% of patient population was male. Diagnostic procedures constituted 51% of total cases with most common indication being the Tetralogy of Fallot. 284 interventional procedures done in 280 patients included Patent ductusarteriosus device closure (n=86), Atrial Septal defect device closure (n=52) and Pulmonary valve ballooning (n=39). In four patients, two interventions were done in same catheter procedure. Transient vascular complications occurred in 4.5% of the cases. Conclusion: Cardiac catheterization in CHDs is generally efficacious and a safe procedure. Young infants are specifically at high risk of vascular complications.