BACKGROUND: The percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus is an effective and safe procedure and surgical intervention is restricted to specific unfavorable technical conditions, such as in premature infants. The controlledrelease coil has proven to be a low cost and safe method. We report our experience with this device, discussing technical aspects of the implant and coil characteristics. METHOD: From 2002 to 2009, 90 patients were referred for the percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus. The size of the coil was based on the narrowest ductal luminal diameter. Diagnosis of all of the patients was based on clinical evaluation and transesophageal echocardiography. Aortic angiogram was performed immediately after the procedure to assess residual shunt and early complications. RESULTS: Age ranged from 4 months to 36 years (median: 3 years and 4 months). The patent ductus arteriosus diameter ranged from 0.2 mm to 6 mm (mean: 2.3 mm). According to Krichenko's morphological classification, the types of patent ductus arteriosus were divided as follows: type A, 80 (88.8%); type C, 4 (4.6%); and type E, 6 (6.6%). Success was achieved in 97.6% (81/83) of the cases. There was no evidence of hemolysis, endarteritis or vascular obstruction. We observed only one case of embolization where the device was retrieved back into the delivery catheter and repositioned successfully. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the controlled-release coil is safe and effective for the percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus.
Ductus arteriosus, patent; Heart defects, congenital; Prostheses and implants
