YM Ng, DML Wong, KC Chan, KS Lun, SH Lee, TH Goh

Abstract

In Hong Kong, we first used the retrograde technique of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with Gianturco coils and employed the balloon wedge pressure catheter method to stop embolization of coils in a prospective study. Fifteen consecutive patients, with mean age of 53.6 months and mean body weight 17.4 kg, were recruited. The narrowest diameter of the PDA ranged from 1.3 to 4.0 mm (median 2.6 mm). PDAs were closed retrogradely by coils while maintaining the balloon catheter inflated at the pulmonary end of the PDA to prevent embolization. Echocardiogram was performed at 24 hours and 3 months after the procedure. Nine patients had immediate complete closure and 6 patients had trace residual shunt at 24 hours after the procedure. Two patients had late closure at three month follow-up. The late closure rate was 73.3%. On follow-up, only one had a soft murmur. Recommendation on this catheter closure procedure of PDA was discussed.