Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has been in place for more than three decades. We share our experience with the newer devices.
Patients and methods: Ninety-eight patients, with a mean age of 64 +/- 11 months (range 7 months to 54 years), underwent attempted transcatheter closure of PDA. Thirty-seven patients were infants and 10 were adults. Two patients had residual PDA after surgical ligation. There were 66 females and 32 males.
Results: Sixty-six patients were symptomatic and 32 were asymptomatic. Cardiac catheterization showed significant pulmonary hypertension in 18. The mean size of the PDA on aortogram was 3.1 +/- 1.4 mm (range 1.1 to 11 mm). Seven patients were referred for surgical ligation. The PDAs of 37 patients were closed using coil devices, 52 with Amplatzer duct occluders (ADO) and two with Amplatzer muscular VSD devices. One patient had a very large PDA which was embolized and retrieved surgically. One patient required occlusion with two coils. The occlusion rate in the catheterization laboratory with coils was 84 +/- 7%, and 83% with ADO. After 1 week, the occlusion rate for coils was 96%, and 99% with ADO. One patient with a large PDA requiring a 14/12 ADO was left with a mild gradient of 9 mmHg in the aorta at the end of the procedure. None of our patients had stenosis of the left pulmonary artery.
Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of PDA is the preferred alternative to surgical ligation, which should be reserved for small infants and premature babies or large unfavorably-shaped ducts.