The reported frequency of residual leaks after surgical ligation of patent
ductus arteriosus (PDA) varies from 6% to 23%. Reports on percutaneous clos
ure of PDA also involve patients with residual PDA after ligation, but spec
ific data regarding this type of PDA are rare, Our objective was to assess
retrospectively the characteristics of residual PDA relevant to transcathet
er closure and occlusion results using three types of occluders, Twelve con
secutive patients underwent transcatheter occlusion of residual PDA after s
urgical ligation at a median age of 4.6 years (range 3.2-44.6 years) and me
dian weight 16.5 kg (range 13-62 kg). Three types of occluder were used: Gi
anturco coils, detachable Cook PDA coils, and the new Amplatzer duct occlud
er. The median diameter of residual PDA after ligation was 1.5 mm (range 0.
9-4.2 mm). All PDAs were of type A morphology, Thirteen devices were succes
sfully placed in the 12 patients, without embolization. There were no compl
ications. At 1 month and 1 year follow-up all residual shunts were complete
ly closed. Coils are particularly suitable for complete closure of residual
leaks after surgical ligation of PDA. A 100% closure rate was achieved wit
h a low number of implanted coils.