A NEW SYSTEM FOR TRANSVENOUS CLOSURE OF P ATENT DUCTUS-ARTERIOSUS

An Ivalon-plug (PDA-plug) has been developed for transvenous closure o f patent ductus arteriosus. It can be introduced into the ductus throu gh standard venous sheaths with a diameter of 8-16 French. The plug is fixed in its target position by means of four distal (aortal) and two proximal (pulmonary) nitinol stnrts. In case of malpositioning the sy stem can be pulled back into and retrieved through the sheath. In anim al experiments endothelialization of the implanted material was demons trated. PDA-closure was attempted in 58 patient; the procedure was suc cessful in 57 cases; a residual ductal flow was present in eight patie nts. During a follow-up of up to 24 months there were no complications .