BACKGROUND: The conventional devices available for the percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may present limitations, especially in small patients and in adults with larger ductus arteriosus. The Amplatzer® Vascular Plug II (AVP II) device has been used in these scenarios with promising results. This study is aimed at presenting the early experience with the AVP II device in three reference centers. METHODS: Prospective study, with retrospective data collection, of patients undergoing PDA occlusion with AVP II since 2011. The devices were implanted using the anterograde approach under general anesthesia, except for one patient. Technical aspects, immediate occlusion and complication rates were assessed. RESULTS: Forty patients (67.5% female) with median age of 56.7 months (6 months to 654.7 months) and median weight of 17.3 kg (5 kg to 93 kg) were included. Of these, 36 had type A PDA, 3 had type E PDA and 1 had type C PDA. Mean diameters of the ductus and the device were 3.7 ± 1.5 mm and 9.4 ± 3.6 mm, respectively. In 3 patients the initial device had to be replaced by another device with a different size. In one patient, an unsuccessful attempt was made to implant 2 devices. This patient was referred for surgical repair. In 5 patients a mild protrusion of the disc towards the aorta was observed, but did not cause significant pressure gradients. Residual flow was observed in 2 patients. There were no significant complications. CONCLUSIONS: The AVP II device is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of PDA, especially in those with limitations to the conventional occlusion procedure.
Ductus arteriosus; Prostheses and implants; Heart defects, congenital; Heart catheterization
