Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder: Initial Results and Mid-Term Follow-Up

Received 11 March 2002. Accepted for publication 28 May 2002. Introduction and objectives. Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus is a well-established procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the initial and midterm results of the treatment of PDA with the Amplatzer duct occluder. Patients and methods. From October 1999 to December 2001, 30 children underwent transcatheter closure of persistent ductus arteriosus at a mean ± SD age of 5 ± 4.02 years (range: 3 months to 14 years) and weight of 20.3 ± 10.3 kg (range: 4.5-45 kg). Infants under 10 kg weight made up 46% of total patients. A lateral view aortogram was made to determine the morphology of the ductus and select the size of the device. Occlusion was achieved using the anterograde venous approach. Follow-up evaluations were made with chest X-ray and echocardiogram at 24 hours and 1, 4 and 12 months after implantation. Results. Twenty-eight patients (93.3%) immediately achieved complete occlusion, and on color Doppler examination the closure rate was 100% within 24 hours of implantation. There was no device embolization. In the follow-up, a 19-month-old patient developed a 20 mmHg gradient across the aortic arch. Conclusions. Patent ductus arteriosus can be easily occluded with the Amplatz Duct Occluder, which is effective and particularly useful in infants and children with relatively large PDA. Further experience and long-term followup are still needed to assess the safety of this device in smaller children.