Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus using occluding spring coils

The purpose of this study is to report our initial experience with the use of spring coils to close the patent ductus arteriosus in the dog. There are few large-patient series reported in the veterinary literature. Coil closu re was attempted in 15 dogs (median weight, 6.5 kg; range, 1.2 to 38.7 kg) presenting with a potent ductus arteriosus between May 1997 and May 1999. A rterial catheterization followed by angiography was used to decide if coil placement was adequate. A 5- or 8-mm embolization coil depending on the ang iographic diameter of the ductus, was delivered, with 1 loop in the pulmona ry arterial side and the remainder of the coil in the aortic side of the du ct. Additional coils were used if a residual shunt was present, and closure was confirmed by aortography. Patients were discharged the day after the p rocedure. Successful coil closure, without residual shunt on angiography, w as achieved in 11 of 13 dogs in which coils were released. In 6 dogs, a coi l embolized to the pulmonary artery. Four of these dogs had successful clos ure with multiple coils, and 2 others had surgery. None of these dogs exper ienced adverse effects. in 2 dogs with conical patent ductus arteriosus >5 mm in minimal diameter, coil closure was not done. We conclude that the pat ent ductus arteriosus size and anatomical shape are crucial in deciding whe ther coil closure is the method of choice. In selected cases, coil closure represents an elegant alternative to surgical Ligation. Although pulmonary embolism occurred commonly, it did not cause any obvious clinical problem.