Changes in coil morphology following transcatheter coil occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus using a modified snare technique

We observed a decrease in length of the Gianturco coils following transcath eter occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), Coil length was measu red on chest radiograph within 24 hr of coil placement and compared to the length at the time of follow-up, Echocardiograms were also reviewed for evi dence of duct recanalization. Twenty-seven patients met inclusion criteria, The median time to follow-up was 5 months (1-12 months), Twenty-four out o f 27 (89%) patients had a decrease in coil length by 1.9 +/- 1.1 mm (P < 0. 01). This was an average decrease of 16%. One patient had an increase in le ngth and two patients had no change in coil length. Nineteen out of 27 pati ents had echocardiograms, Despite the change in coil length, there was no e vidence of flow acceleration in the pulmonary artery or descending aorta. N o patients had evidence of duct recanalization, <(c)> 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.