Vascular Complications of Trans catheter Interventions in Congenital Heart Disease: A Single-Center Experience in Benghazi

• Mariam M. Madany

  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Murshed H. Haidar

  Department of Radiology, Hawari General Hospital, Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Abdeljawad Algasi

  Department of Surgery, Aljala Hospital, Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Amal O. Khazmi

  Department of Pediatrics, National Heart Center, Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Rasmia H. Feituri

  Department of Pediatrics, National Heart Center, Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Hajir F. Alkeelani

  Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hospital, Benghazi, Libya

  Author

Vascular complications remain a major concern during transcardiac interventions in congenital heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to evaluate vascular complications of transcatheter cardiac procedures in CHD patients. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the National Heart Center from 2020 to 2025. The study included 256 patients who underwent diagnostic or interventional cardiac catheterization. The analysis examined the correlation between patient characteristics, procedural factors, and vascular complications. The study population comprised 256 patients, of whom 57.8% were female and 42.2% were male. 31.1% of patients were under the age of 3 years. 84% of the procedures were interventional, and 16% were diagnostic. Transcatheter ASD closure was the most frequent procedure, accounting for 34% of cases. Vascular complications, including vascular injury and device mobilization, were observed in 3.2% of the patients, while 96% of patients experienced no complications. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between the occurrence of vascular injury and younger age, lower body weight, and the use of arterial access. Additionally, a higher delivery sheath-to-weight ratio was significantly associated with an increased incidence of vascular complications (p < 0.05). Transcatheter interventions for CHD remain safe, while vascular challenges are influenced by patient age, weight, and procedural factors, highlighting the need for cautious patient selection and appropriate sheath sizing to optimize procedural safety.

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mariam M. Madany, Murshed H. Haidar, Abdeljawad Algasi, Amal O. Khazmi, Rasmia H. Feituri, Hajir F. Alkeelani (Author)

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