Non-surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus: acute and long-term results

Introduction: Closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) even with small s hunt volumes in asymptomatic patients is recommended because of the risk of endocarditis (1.5% per gear) and the potential development of congestive h eart failure or pulmonary hypertension. Methods: 16 patients (9 adults [5 men /4 women] and 7 children [3 boys / 4 girls]) underwent transcatheter closure of a PDA. The intervention was perf ormed using the Rashkind umbrella in 12 cases, the Amplatzer duct occluder in 2 cases, a coil in 2 cases, and the Sideris self-adjusting device in one case. Echocardiographic controls were carried out one day, 6 months, 12 mo nths and 24 months Lifter the intervention. Results: PDA closure was complete immediately following the intervention il l 9 of 16 patients (56%). At follow-up (mean 19 months) complete closure wa s observed in 14 of 16 patients (87%). All residual shunts were trivial. Th e complete closure tate in adults was 100% and in children 71%. Complicatio ns such as device embolism, endarteritis and haemolysis did not occur. Conclusion: Non-surgical closure of a PDA is a safe and effective technique .