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
.