Aortic obstruction caused by device occlusion of patent arterial duct.

A 2 year old girl is reported in whom deployment of the Amplatzer ductal occluder caused significant aortic obstruction, requiring surgical removal of the device. This case emphasises the need for careful echocardiographic and angiographic assessment of the position of the Amplatzer ductal occluder before and after detaching the device from its delivery system, with particular emphasis on the position of the aortic retention ring. Careful assessment of ductal anatomy must guide case selection.