Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in under 6 kg and premature infants

Piccolo in transcatheter PDA closure multi-centre study from premature to adolescent children

In this multi-centre study, the mid- to long-term efficacy and safety of the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder in patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature and term infants as well as children were discussed. Methods. Between 2016 and 2021, 645 patients, 152 of whom were less than 1 month old, underwent ductus closure with the Piccolo device from five different centres in Turkey. The median age of the patients was 2.2 years, and the mean narrowest point of duct diameter was 1.8 mm. Sixty-two patients weighed ≤ 1.5 kg, 90 patients 1.5-3 kg, and the mean follow-up was 20.4 months. In 396, the duct was closed by the retrograde route. Ductal anatomy was Type A in 285, C in 72, E in 171, and F in 64 patients. Fluoroscopy duration was 6.2 min. The procedure success rate was 99.1%. Device embolisation occurred in 13 patients (2%), and 11 were retrieved with a snare. Cardiac perforation and death developed in one premature baby. The left pulmonary artery and the descending aorta stenosis were observed in 3 (0.4%) and in 5 patients (0.5%). Results. Piccolo device is safe and effective in closing ductus in all age groups. It has low profile for use in premature and newborn babies, a small embolisation risk, and a low residual shunt rate after closure. Conclusion. The Piccolo device can be considered as close an ideal occluder. The lower profile, smaller delivery catheter size, and symmetry of this device allow for a venous or arterial approach.

3-year follow-up of a prospective, multicenter study of the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder for transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in children ≥ 700 grams

OBJECTIVE

This study describes 3-year follow-up of 200 infants weighing ≥ 700 grams who underwent transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure with the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder.

STUDY DESIGN

Between June 2017 and February 2019, 200 children were enrolled in this U.S. study (NCT03055858). PDA closure, survival, and device- or procedure-related events were evaluated. A total of 156 of the available 182 patients (86%) completed the study.

RESULTS

The implant success rate was 95.5% (191/200). At 3 years, PDA closure was observed in 100% (33/33) of patients. Survival was >95% with 9 reported deaths. No deaths were adjudicated as device- or procedure-related. Notable events included aortic obstruction (2) requiring stent placement and tricuspid regurgitation (5), for which no interventions were required.

CONCLUSIONS

This follow-up study demonstrates high rates of PDA closure, low serious complication rates, and survival > 95% at 3 years. The Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder is a safe and effective therapy for PDA treatment in premature infants.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT0305585.

Congenital heart disease: addressing the need for novel lower-risk percutaneous interventional strategies

INTRODUCTION

With the advent of improved neonatal care, increasingly vulnerable higher-risk patients with complex congenital heart anomalies are presenting for intervention. This group of patients will always have a higher risk of an adverse event during a procedure but by recognising this risk and with the introduction risk scoring systems and thus the development of novel lower risk procedures, the rate of adverse events can be reduced.

AREA COVERED

This article reviews risk scoring systems for congenital catheterization and demonstrates how they can be used to reduce the rate of adverse events. Then novel low risk strategies are discussed for low weight infants e.g. patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent insertion; premature infants e.g. PDA device closure; and transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. Finally, how risk is assessed and managed within the inherent bias of an institution is discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

There has been a remarkable improvement in the rate of adverse events in congenital cardiac interventions but now, as the benchmark of mortality rate is switched to morbidity and quality of life, continued innovation into lower risk strategies and understanding inherent bias when assessing risk will be key to continuing this improvement.

Feasibility, Safety, and Short‐Term Outcomes of Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Premature Infants on High‐Frequency Jet Ventilation

Background

Prolonged exposure to a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with major morbidity, particularly in infants born at <27 weeks’ gestation. High‐frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a standard of care at our center. There are no data about transcatheter PDA closure while on HFJV. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of HFJV during transcatheter PDA closure.

Methods and Results

This is a retrospective cohort study of premature infants undergoing transcatheter device closure on HFJV. The primary outcome was successful device placement. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, fluoroscopy time and dose, time off unit, device complications, need for escalation in respiratory support, and 7‐day survival. Subgroup comparative evaluation of patients managed with HFJV versus a small cohort of patients managed with conventional mechanical ventilation was performed. Thirty‐eight patients were included in the study. Median age and median weight at PDA device closure for the HFJV cohort were 32 days (interquartile range, 25.25–42.0 days) and 1115 g (interquartile range, 885–1310 g), respectively. There was successful device placement in 100% of patients. There were no device complications noted. The time off unit and the procedure time were not significantly different between the HFJV group and the conventional ventilation group. Infants managed by HFJV had shorter median fluoroscopy times (4.5 versus 6.1 minutes; P<0.05) and no increased risk of adverse respiratory outcomes.

Conclusions

Transcatheter PDA closure in premature infants on HFJV is a safe and effective approach that does not compromise device placement success rate and does not lead to secondary complications.

Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Percutaneous-based patent ductus arteriosus closure is technically feasible among infants less than 1.5 kg. However, marked heterogeneity in the type and nature of adverse events obscures current safety profile assessments. Although data on the risks of postdevice closure syndrome remain promising, a lack of comparative trials of surgical ductal ligation and inconsistent surveillance across published studies obscure confidence in present estimates of safety and efficacy. To minimize risk and yield the greatest benefits, clinical studies of patent ductus arteriosus treatment should consider incorporating more robust assessments to ensure that infants at greatest risk for adverse ductal consequences are included.

Percutaneous Closure of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very-Low-Weight Infants

In view of the known complications of drug therapy and open surgical ligation, and the potential for prolonged patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) exposure to be harmful, health care practitioners have sought new approaches to achieve definitive ductal closure. Interest in percutaneous (catheter-based) PDA closure has emerged within the neonatal community as a viable treatment option, because it has been fueled by recent procedural and device modifications, as well as mounting feasibility and safety data. Herein, we provide a contemporary review of percutaneous PDA closure among infants at the crux of the medical debate-very-low-weight infants (≤1,500 g), including: 1) characterization of traditional PDA treatments (drug therapy, open surgical ligation) and conservative (nonintervention) management options; 2) a general overview of the major procedural steps of percutaneous ductal closure, including efforts to reduce thrombotic complications and the emergence of a novel US Food and Drug Administration-approved device; 3) a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand risk profiles of percutaneous PDA closure in this population; and 4) discussion of current gaps in our understanding of optimal PDA care, including the critical need for well-designed, randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Update on shunt closure in neonates and infants

Introduction: Cardiac defects that result in shunting are the most common types of congenital heart anomalies. Although these lesions can be simple, they can cause significant hemodynamic changes and can be challenging to manage in neonates and infants. Over the recent decades, the development of new transcatheter techniques and devices has made it safe and feasible to manage such defects when indicated, even in the smallest of patients. Understanding these interventional procedures is essential in order to manage those patients.Areas covered: In this article, we review the techniques and experience for closure of atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, patent ductus aarteriosus,as well as coronary arteriovenous malformations and fistulas in neonates and infants. Literature review of PubMed articles was performed through January 2021, with focus on the latest data and results of the usage of interventional techniques in treating these lesions specifically in this age-group.Expert opinion: Significant shunting lesions can be particularly challenging to manage in neonates and infants. Newer lower profile devices will likely continue to be developed in the future, allowing their use for transcatheter interventions in even smaller patients and those with more complex anatomy.

Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants 1.5 kg or Less: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate technical success and safety of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure in infants ≤1.5 kg.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Data sources included Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and PubMed from inception to April 2020. Publications were included if they had a clear definition of the intervention as percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure in infants ≤1.5 kg. Data extraction was independently performed by multiple observers. Primary outcome was technical success and secondary outcomes were adverse events (AEs). Subgroup analysis was performed in infants ≤6.0 kg. Data were pooled by using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We included 28 studies, including 373 infants ≤1.5 kg and 69 studies enrolling 1794 infants ≤6.0 kg. In patients ≤1.5 kg, technical success was 96% (95% CI, 93%-98%; P = .16; I² = 23%). The overall incidence of AE was 27% (95% CI, 17%-38%; P < .001; I² = 70%) and major AEs was 8% (95% CI, 5%-10%; P = .63; I² = 0%). There were 5 deaths related to the procedure (2%; 95% CI, 1%-4%; P = .99; I² = 0%); 4 of these deaths occurred in infants <0.8 kg. The probability of technical failure was inversely related to age at the time of the procedure (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.830-0.974; P = .009). Weight at intervention has decreased over time and procedural success has increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure is feasible in infants ≤1.5 kg with few major AEs. The procedural success rate is high, despite performing the intervention in smaller patients.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42020145230.

Consensus Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Periprocedural Complications of Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure with the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants is a feasible, safe, and an effective alternative to surgical ligation and may be performed with an implant success rate of 97%. Major procedural complications related to transcatheter PDA closure in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are relatively infrequent (< 3%) ,but may be associated with a fatality if not optimally managed. Operators performing transcatheter PDA closures should be knowledgeable about these potential complications and management options. Prompt recognition and treatment are often necessary to avoid serious consequences. With strict guidelines on operator training, proctoring requirements, and technical refinements, transcatheter PDA closure in ELBW infants can be performed safely with low complication rates. This article summarizes the consensus guidelines put forward by a panel of physicians for the prevention and management of periprocedural complications of transcatheter PDA closure with the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder in ELBW infants.

Fate of the Left Pulmonary Artery and Thoracic Aorta After Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Low Birth Weight Premature Infants

Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure (TCPC) is an emerging treatment for low birth weight extremely premature neonates (EPNs). Left pulmonary artery (LPA) and descending aorta (DAO) obstruction are described device-related complications, however, data on mid- and long-term vascular outcomes are lacking. A retrospective analysis of EPNs who underwent successful TCPC at our institution from 03/2013 to 12/2018 was performed. Two-dimensional echocardiography and spectral Doppler velocities from various time points before and after TCPC were used to identify LPA and DAO flow disturbances. A total of 44 EPNs underwent successful TCPC at a median (range) procedural weight of 1150 g (755-2500 g). Thirty-two (73%) patients were closed with the AVP II and 12 (27%) with the Amplatzer Piccolo device. LPA and DAO velocities on average remained within normal limits and improved spontaneously in long-term follow up (26.1 months, range 1-75 months). One patient, who had concerning LPA flow characteristics immediately after device implant (peak velocity 2.6 m/s) developed progressive LPA stenosis requiring stent placement 3 months post-procedure. In the remaining infants, including 7 (16%) who developed LPA and 3 (7%) who developed DAO flow disturbances (range 2-2.4 m/s), all had progressive normalization of flow velocities over time. TCPC can be performed safely in EPNs with a low incidence of LPA and DAO obstruction. In the absence of significant progressive vascular obstruction in the early post-procedure period, mild increases in LPA and DAO flow velocities tend to improve spontaneously and normalize in long-term follow-up.

PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS CLOSURE: EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTER

Objective:

To characterize the number and methods of closure of Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) over a span of 16 years in a third level maternity hospital.

Methods:

Retrospective study of neonates born between January 2003 and Deccember 2018, who underwent ductus arteriosus closure by pharmacological, surgical and/or transcatheter methods. Gestational age, birth weight, number and methods of closures per year were evaluated. The success rate of the pharmacologic method was calculated, as well as the mortality rate. The association between mortality and birthweight, treatment used and treatment failure was explored.

Results:

There were 47,198 births, 5,156 were preterm, 325 presented PDA and 106 were eligible for closure (median gestational age - 27 weeks, birthweight <1000 g - 61%). Frequency of PDA closure decreased during the study period, especially starting in 2010. Success rate with pharmacologic treatment was 62% after the first cycle and 74% after the second. After drug failure, 12 underwent surgical ligation and two underwent transcatheter closure. Exclusive surgical ligation was indicated in four infants. Ibuprofen replaced indomethacin in 2010, and acetaminophen was used in three infants. Among the 106 infants, hospital mortality was 12% and it was associated with birthweight <1000 g (13/65 <1000 vs. 0/41 >1000 g; p=0.002) and with failure in the first pharmacologic treatment cycle (13/27 with failure, vs. 0/75 without failure; p<0.001).

Conclusions:

The national consensus published in 2010 for the diagnosis and treatment of PDA in preterm infants led to a decrease in the indication for closure. Pharmacological closure was the method of choice, followed by surgical ligation. Birthweight <1000 g and first cycle of pharmacologic treatment failure were associated with higher mortality.

Early experience with the Micro Plug Set for preterm patent ductus arteriosus closure

OBJECTIVES

We intend to describe early experience using a new, commercially available Micro Plug Set for preterm neonate and infant transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter PDA occlusion in premature neonates and small infants is safe and effective. The procedure is early in its evolution.

METHODS

Procedural and short-term outcomes of preterm neonates and infants undergoing transcatheter PDA occlusion with a new, commercially available device were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eight preterm neonates and infants born at median 27 weeks gestation (23-36 weeks) underwent transcatheter PDA device closure with the Micro Plug Set. The device is short (2.5 mm) with a range of diameters (3, 4, 5, 6 mm) and delivered through a microcatheter. Procedures were performed at median 41 days of age (12-88 days) and at 1690 g (760-3,310 g). Transvenous PDA device occlusion was performed with fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance. All procedures were successful with complete PDA occlusion. There were no procedural or short-term adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm neonate and infant transcatheter PDA device closure with a new, commercially available short and microcatheter delivered device (Micro Plug Set) was safe and effective in a small, early series of patients.

Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder clinical trial for percutaneous closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in patients ≥700 grams

Objectives

Characterize the safety and effectiveness of the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure.

Background

The presence of a hemodynamically significant PDA has been associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in children born premature.

Methods

This was a single arm, prospective, multicenter, non‐randomized study to evaluate the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder to treat PDA in patients ≥700 g. From June 2017 to February 2019, 200 patients were enrolled at nine centers, with 100 patients weighing ≤2 kg. Primary effectiveness endpoint was the rate of PDA closure at 6‐month follow‐up. Primary safety endpoint was the rate of major complications through 6 months. Secondary endpoint was rate of significant pulmonary or aortic obstruction through 6 months' follow‐up.

Results

The implant success rate was 95.5% (191/200) overall and 99% in patients ≤2 kg (99/100). The primary effectiveness endpoint was achieved in 99.4% of implanted patients. Four patients experienced a primary safety endpoint event (2 transfusions, 1 hemolysis, and 1 aortic obstruction). There were no branch pulmonary artery obstructions. Five patients, all ≤2 kg, were noted to have worsening of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after the procedure. None of the TR incidences manifested clinically. The Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder received FDA approval in January 2019 and became the first device approved for PDA closure in patients ≥700 g.

Conclusions

This study supports the safety and effectiveness of the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, particularly in patients between 700 g and 2 kg where there is currently a significant unmet need in the United States. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03055858.

Advances in Pediatric Ductal Intervention: an Open or Shut Case?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the most recent literature on pediatric transcatheter ductal intervention including ductus arteriosus occlusion and stenting.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the development and FDA approval of smaller ductal devices, including most recently the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder (Abbott, Abbott Park, IL), transcatheter ductus arteriosus device closure is now being safely performed in premature infants and patients < 6 kg using a transvenous approach. In patients with ductus-dependent pulmonary blood flow, ductal stenting with pre-mounted coronary artery stents has been shown to be an acceptable alternative to the surgically placed Blalock-Taussig shunt. Centers with experience in ductal stenting have demonstrated success, even with the tortuous ductus. Innovation in transcatheter device technology and procedural practices have allowed for significant advances. Transcatheter ductal device closure is a reasonable alternative to surgical ligation even in premature, low-birthweight infants. Ductal stenting is also an accepted alternative to the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. We anticipate continued advancement and procedural refinement over the next several years.

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants With Weight Under 1,500 Grams

Persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is very common in preterm infants, especially in extremely preterm infants. Despite significant advances in management of these vulnerable infants, there has been no consensus on management of PDA-when should we treat, who should we treat, how should we treat and in fact there is no agreement on how we should define a hemodynamically significant PDA. Medical management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remains the first line of therapy with moderate success rate in closing the PDA. Paracetamol has been reported to be a safe and equally effective medical therapy for closure of PDA. However, additional studies on its long-term safety and efficacy in extremely low birth weight infants are needed before paracetamol can be recommended as standard treatment for a PDA in preterm infants. Surgical ligation of PDA is not without an increased risk of mortality and co-morbidities. Recently, there has been a significant interest in percutaneous transcatheter closure of PDA in preterm infants, including extremely low birth weight infants. Transcatheter PDA closure in preterm ELBW infants is technically feasible with high PDA occlusion success rates and acceptable complication rates as compared to surgical ligation. Many centers have reported promising early- and mid-term follow-up results. However, they need to be further tested in the prospective well-designed studies and randomized controlled trials comparing the results and outcomes of this technique with current treatment strategies including medical treatment before they can be used as the new standard of care for PDA closure in extremely low birth weight infants.

Patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: is early transcatheter closure a paradigm shift?

The optimal management approach of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants remains uncertain owing the lack of evidence for long-term benefits and the limited analyses of the complications of medical and surgical interventions to date. In recent years, devices suitable to plug the PDA of premature infants (including extremely low birthweight, <1000 g) have become available and several trials have demonstrated successful and safe transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in this population. Whether TCPC represents a paradigm shift in PDA management that will result in improved short- and long-term outcomes, less bronchopulmonary dysplasia, improved neurodevelopment, or better long term renal function remains to be seen. Careful rigorous study of the potential benefits of TCPC in this highly vulnerable population in the context of well-designed adequately powered trials is needed prior to widespread adoption of this approach.

A beneficial technique for preventing the device protrusion to the aorta during percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure: "Balloon-assisted device releasing technique"

BACKGROUND

Although percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus is an established safe procedure, protrusion of the device to descending aorta may occur in various degrees during these procedures, especially in small infants. The aim of our study is to evaluate the benefits of balloon-assisted device releasing technique in the era of preventing device protrusion and conditions related to protrusion.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-five infants, who underwent patent ductus arteriosus closure with Amplatzer duct occluder I device between January, 2012 and December, 2018, were retrospectively analysed. Balloon-assisted device releasing technique was used in 20 cases (group 1, 12.9%), between January, 2015 and December, 2018. Procedures in which the technique had been used were compared with the remaining ones (group 2, 87.1%, n = 135) with regard to device stabilisation, aortic disc protrusion to the aorta, iatrogenic coarctation, and device embolisation.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference by means of gender, age, weight, and the ductal diameter, whereas the average mean pulmonary artery pressure was significantly higher in group 1. Device protrusion and related complications were significantly higher in group 2; thus, additional catheterisations or surgical interventions were required, while no additional intervention was required in group 1.

CONCLUSION

The balloon-assisted device releasing technique provides a good device stabilisation and prevents protrusion of the device and related complications during percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure in selected cases.

Interventional Treatment of Cardiac Emergencies in Children with Congenital Heart Diseases

Cardiac emergencies in children represent an extremely important issue in medical practice. In general, interventional treatment could be optional in many situations, however it can be indicated in emergency conditions. There are many diseases at pediatric age that can benefit from interventional treatment, thus reducing the surgical risks and subsequent complications. Balloon atrioseptostomy, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure, percutaneous or hybrid closure of a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary or aortic valvuloplasty, balloon angioplasty for aortic coarctation, implantation of a stent for coarctation of the aorta, for severe stenosis of the infundibulum of the right ventricle, or for PDA correction are among the procedures that can be performed in emergency situations. This review aims to present the current state of the art in the field of pediatric interventional cardiology.

Outcomes of transcatheter closure of ductus arteriosus in infants less than 6 months of age: a single-center experience

PURPOSE

Transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is challenging in early infancy. We evaluated PDA closure in infants less than 6 months old.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of infants less than 6 months of age who underwent attempted transcatheter device closure in our institution since 2004. To compare clinical outcomes between age groups, infants aged 6-12 months in the same study period were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients underwent transcatheter PDA closure during the study period. Patient mean age was 3.3±1.5 months, and weight was 5.7±1.3 kg. The duct diameter at the narrowest point was 3.0±0.8 mm as measured by angiography. The most common duct type was C in the Krichenko classification. Procedural success was achieved in 19 patients (86.3%). Major complications occurred in 5 patients (22.7%), including device embolization (n=1), acquired aortic coarctation (n=2), access-related vascular injury requiring surgery (n=1), and acute deterioration requiring intubation during the procedure (n=1). Two patients had minor complications (9.1%). Twenty-four infants aged 6-12 months received transcatheter device closure. The procedural success rate was 100%, and there were no major complications. The major complication rate was significantly higher in the group less than 6 months of age (P=0.045). There was a trend toward increased major complication and procedural failure rates in the younger age group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

A relatively higher incidence of major complications was observed in infants less than 6 months of age. The decision regarding treatment modality should be individualized.

Recent advances in cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease

The field of pediatric and adult congenital cardiac catheterization has evolved rapidly in recent years. This review will focus on some of the newer endovascular technological and management strategies now being applied in the pediatric interventional laboratory. Emerging imaging techniques such as three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography, multi-modal image fusion, 3D printing, and holographic imaging have the potential to enhance our understanding of complex congenital heart lesions for diagnostic or interventional purposes. While fluoroscopy and standard angiography remain procedural cornerstones, improved equipment design has allowed for effective radiation exposure reduction strategies. Innovations in device design and implantation techniques have enabled the application of percutaneous therapies in a wider range of patients, especially those with prohibitive surgical risk. For example, there is growing experience in transcatheter duct occlusion in symptomatic low-weight or premature infants and stent implantation into the right ventricular outflow tract or arterial duct in cyanotic neonates with duct-dependent pulmonary circulations. The application of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation has been extended to a broader patient population with dysfunctional ‘native’ right ventricular outflow tracts and has spurred the development of novel techniques and devices to solve associated anatomic challenges. Finally, hybrid strategies, combining cardiosurgical and interventional approaches, have enhanced our capabilities to provide care for those with the most complex of lesions while optimizing efficacy and safety.

Transcatheter Closure of Arterial Duct in Infants < 6 kg: Amplatzer Duct Occluder Type I vs Amplatzer Duct Occluder II Additional Sizes

Transcatheter closure of arterial duct (AD) remains challenging in low-weight patients and using Amplatzer Duct Occluder devices is still considered off-label in infants < 6 kg. This study aimed to report a large, single-center experience of percutaneous AD closure in infants < 6 kg as well as to compare the most frequently used devices, Amplatzer Duct Occluder type I (ADO I) and Amplatzer Duct Occluder type II Additional Sizes devices (ADO II-AS) (St. Jude Medical Corp, St. Paul, MN, USA). From March 2000 to March 2017, among the 762 patients submitted to percutaneous closure of AD at our Institution, 33 were infants < 6 kg (age 4.8 ± 2.1 months; weight 5.0 ± 0.9 kg). Fourteen patients (45%) underwent ADO I (Group I) and 19 patients ADO II-AS (Group II) device implantation. AD diameter was 2.6 ± 0.8 (range 1.5-4.0) mm resulting in QP/QS of 2.6 ± 0.0.9 (range 1.1-4.5). Successful device deployment was achieved in all patients without procedural morbidity or mortality. Procedural and fluoroscopy times were not significantly different between the groups. However, total X-ray absorbed dose was significantly higher in Group I (121 ± 69 vs 29 ± 16 mGy/cm², p < 0.01). Immediate, 24 h, and mid-term (46 ± 37 months, median 39) complete occlusion were recorded in 72.7, 90.9, and 97% of patients, respectively without significant difference between the groups. In conclusion, transcatheter closure of AD with Amplatzer Duct Occluder devices is feasible, safe, and effective also in infants less than 6 kg, without significant difference between the most commonly used devices, namely, ADO I and ADO II-AS.

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Children with the Occlutech Duct Occluder

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with the Occlutech duct occluder (ODO) in children. We reviewed the clinical records of 71 patients who underwent percutaneous closure of PDA with an ODO between September 2014 and August 2016. The Occlutech duct occluder was applied to 71 patients during the study period (September 2014-August 2016), and the results were analyzed in this study. Forty-two of the patients were female and 29 male. The median age was 20.5 months (range, 6-194 months) and median weight was 16 kg (range, 6-68 kg). The PDA was classified as type A in 54 patients (76.1%), type E in 14 (19.7%), type C in 2 (2.8%) and type B in 1 (1.4%) based on the Krichenko classification. A standard ODO device was used for the transcatheter closure procedure in 66 patients and the long-shank ODO device in 5. In the echocardiographic measurement of PDA, the median smallest diameter was 2.7 mm (range, 1.5-7.0 mm), and in the angiographic measurement, the median smallest diameter was 2.5 mm (range, 1.5-6.5 mm). All 71 patients underwent successful PDA closure with the ODO. Angiography following the procedure showed complete closure in 47 patients (66.2%), mild residual shunt in 13 patients (18.3%) and a trivial shunt in 11 patients (15.5%). Color flow Doppler echocardiogpaphy at 24 h post-implantation showed that complete closure was achieved in 65 patients (91.5%), and 6 patients (8.5%) had mild residual shunt. All patients (100%) had complete closure at 30 days of follow-up. The results of this study showed that the Occlutech PDA occluder device is safe and effective in the closure of PDA. As the pulmonary artery side of the device is wider than the aortic side, protrusion toward the aortic side and embolization are prevented, but there is residual shunt in the early period, although this residual shunt disappeared after a few months.

Transcatheter Occlusion of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus in 747 Infants <6 kg: Insights From the NCDR IMPACT Registry

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to identify risk factors associated with major adverse events (MAEs) in infants <6 kg undergoing transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter PDA occlusion is among the safest of interventional cardiac procedures in adults and older children, but use among infants <6 kg has not been characterized adequately.

METHODS

Using the IMPACT (IMproving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatments) registry, we identified infants <6 kg undergoing transcatheter PDA occlusion (January 1, 2011, to March 1, 2015). Using mixed-effects multivariate regression, the authors assessed characteristics predictive of MAE or composite failure (procedural failure or MAE). Individual safety metrics (e.g., embolization, malposition) were also examined for differences across weight thresholds: extremely low weight (LW) (<2 kg), very LW (2 to <4 kg), and LW (4 to <6 kg).

RESULTS

Transcatheter PDA occlusion was attempted in 747 infants <6 kg at 73 hospitals. Rate of procedural success was 94.3%. MAEs were observed in 12.6% of cases; the most common events were acute arterial injury and device embolization in 3.5% and 2.4% of cases, respectively. Younger age (<30 days) was associated with greater risk of a MAE (risk ratio: 3.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.5 to 7.6) and composite failure (risk ratio: 3.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 6.7). Risk of embolization was higher among extremely LW (10.5%) than very LW or LW infants (1.6% and 2.5%, respectively; p = 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Among infants <6 kg, transcatheter PDA occlusion is technically feasible, but risks of MAE are noteworthy. These findings may help inform patient selection and procedural approach for transcatheter PDA occlusion and direct targeted research efforts to support the practice of evidence-based medicine.

Outcome after transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in infants less than 6 kg: A national study from United Kingdom and Ireland

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to report our national experience with transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion in infants weighing <6 kg.

BACKGROUND

The technique of transcatheter PDA closure has evolved in the past two decades and is increasingly used in smaller patients but data on safety and efficacy are limited.

METHODS

Patients weighing < 6 kg in whom transcatheter PDA occlusion was attempted in 13 tertiary paediatric cardiology units in the United Kingdom and Ireland were retrospectively analyzed to review the outcome and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 408 patients underwent attempted transcatheter PDA closure between January 2004 and December 2014. The mean weight at catheterization was 4.9 ± 1.0 kg and mean age was 5.7 ± 3.0 months. Successful device implantation was achieved in 374 (92%) patients without major complication and of these, complete occlusion was achieved in 356 (95%) patients at last available follow-up. Device embolization occurred in 20 cases (5%). The incidence of device related obstruction to the left pulmonary artery or aorta and access related peripheral vascular injury were low. There were no deaths related to the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter closure of PDA can be accomplished in selected infants weighing <6 kg despite the manufacturer's recommended weight limit of 6 kg for most ductal occluders. The embolization rate is higher than previously reported in larger patients. Retrievability of the occluder and duct morphology needs careful consideration before deciding whether surgical ligation or transcatheter therapy is the better treatment option.

Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Closure During Infancy: A Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a precursor to morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous (catheter-based) closure is the procedure of choice for adults and older children with a PDA, but use during infancy (<1 year) is not well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the technical success and safety of percutaneous PDA closure during infancy.

DATA SOURCES

Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Ovid (Medline) were searched through December 2015 with no language restrictions.

STUDY SELECTION

Publications needed to clearly define the intervention as percutaneous PDA closure during infancy (<1 year of age at intervention) and must have reported adverse events (AEs).

DATA EXTRACTION

The study was performed according to the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist and registered prospectively. The quality of the selected studies was critically examined. Data extraction and assignment of AE attributability and severity were independently performed by multiple observers. Outcomes were agreed on a priori. Data were pooled by using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies were included; no randomized controlled trials were found. Technical success of percutaneous PDA closure was 92.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 88.8-95.0). Overall AE and clinically significant AE incidence was 23.3% (95% CI 16.5-30.8) and 10.1% (95% CI 7.8-12.5), respectively. Significant heterogeneity and publication bias were observed.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include lack of comparative studies, lack of standardized AE reporting strategy, and significant heterogeneity in reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous PDA closure during infancy is feasible and associated with few catastrophic AEs; however, the limitations constrain the interpretability and generalizability of the current findings.

Transcatheter closure of PDA in premature babies less than 2 kg

Objective:

Our hypothesis was that percutaneous PDA closure in babies less than 2 kg was a safe and effective method. The aim of this study is to share our experience in transcatheter PDA closure in infants whose body weight is less than 2 kg in order to support our hypothesis.

Methods:

Between July 1997 and October 2014, 382 percutaneous PDA closures were done in our center. Nineteen patients who weighed less than 2 kg were included in this retrospectively study. The other inclusion criteria were 1) being symptomatic and PDA was thought as a possible contributor of medical state and 2) persistence of PDA after medical closure treatment. Patients who had sepsis and bleeding diathesis were excluded. According to size and shape of PDA, different types of devices were used such as detachable coils and Amplatzer duct occluders. Data was expressed as mean (SD) or median (minimum–maximum). Comparisons of means and medians were performed with Student’s t-test and with Mann–Whitney U test, respectively.

Results:

The median patient age and weight were 32 days and 1603 g (range 910–2000 g) respectively. Mean PDA diameter was 3.2±1.3 mm. Morphology of PDA was type A in 7 patients, type C in 10, type E in 1, and type B in 1 patient. There were no reported major complications. Stenosis of left pulmonary artery was detected in four patients, all of which resolved in 6 months follow-up.

Conclusion:

Percutaneous PDA closure in babies less than 2 kg is a safe and effective method that can be an alternative to surgery. Main distinguishing feature of this study is that it includes the largest cohort of patients less than 2 kg whose PDA closed percutaneously.

Short-Term Outcomes of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure With New Occlutech® Duct Occluder: A Multicenter Study

AIM

Over the past 2 decades, transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with coils and the duct occluders evolved to be the procedure of choice. A new device, the Occlutech PDA® occluder (ODO) device has been designed. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics and short-term results of patients who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA using the ODO.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical records of 60 patients from different centers in Turkey between December 2013 and January 2016. The medical records were reviewed for demographic characteristics and echocardiographic findings. Device size was selected on the narrowest diameter of PDA.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 2.5 years (6 months-35 years), and median PDA diameter was 2.5 mm (1.2-11 mm). Fifty-eight of 60 patients (96.6%) had successful ODO implantation. The occlusion rates were 37/58 (63.7%) at the end of the procedure, 51/58 (87.9%) at 24-48 hours post-procedure, and 57/58 (98.2%) on echocardiography at a median follow-up of 7.6 months.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that transcatheter closure of PDA using the ODO is effective. Larger studies and longer follow-up are required to assess whether its shape and longer length make it superior to other duct occluders in large, tubular, or window-type ducts. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:325-331).