Transcatheter pulmonary artery debanding: Is it effective in every patient?

This study aimed to present our experience with transcatheter pulmonary debanding, focusing on patient outcomes. The retrospective study was conducted with 32 patients (17 males, 15 females; mean age: 3.6±2 years; range, 0.5 to 8.8 years) who underwent transcatheter pulmonary debanding between January 2010 and January 2024. The patients were evaluated in two groups. In Group 1 (n=24), total debanding was targeted for patients with spontaneously closed or restrictive ventricular septal defects or those suitable for transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure. In Group 2 (n=8), palliative debanding was utilized in children with ongoing band requirement. The median body weight was 15 kg. In Group 1, the mean right ventricle-to-aortic pressure ratio (RVp/Aop) was 0.91±0.21 before the procedure, which decreased to a mean of 0.33±0.20 after the procedure. In Group 2, the mean RVp/Aop was 1.31±0.47, which decreased to 0.77±0.13 after transcatheter palliative debanding. The mean peripheral oxygen saturation was 80±6% before the procedure and 94±2.5% after the procedure. Transcatheter debanding was successful in all patients when surgical pulmonary banding was performed with 6-0 Prolene and polytetrafluoroethylene band material. Transcatheter banding is a safe and effective procedure that minimizes the need for reoperation.