Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus with Gianturco coils

Transvenous embolization of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus in dogs using the Amplatzer vascular plug II

BACKGROUND

Catheter-based occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can be performed using different devices. Transvenous embolization using the Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVP-II) has been studied in humans, but it has not been described in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the feasibility and success of transvenous embolization of PDA using the AVP-II in dogs.

ANIMALS

Nineteen client-owned dogs with left-to-right shunting PDA, with minimal ductal diameter >2.5 mm.

METHODS

Prospective observational study using AVP-II with transvenous access for PDA closure in dogs.

RESULTS

Angiography showed a conical ductus with a long (n = 17) or short (n = 2) ampulla. The minimal diameter of the duct was 4.34 ± 1.11 mm, and the maximal diameter of the ampulla was 13.18 ± 3.47 mm. Technical success was achieved in 18 of the 19 (94.7%) patients after the first intervention and in all 19 (100%) patients after the second intervention. Postrelease angiography documented complete occlusion of the PDA in 10 of 19 (52.6%) dogs. Mild flow acceleration or stenosis of the left pulmonary artery was found in 6 and 1 of the 17 analyzed cases, respectively, by Doppler examination. The closure rate 24 hours after intervention was 94.7% (18/19). The remaining dog had a moderate residual shunt, and delayed complete closure after 3 months led to a 100% closure rate.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The AVP-II is a safe and effective device for transvenous embolization in dogs with moderate to large PDA.

Transcatheter Intervention for Congenital Defects Involving the Great Vessels: JACC Review Topic of the Week

Since the development of balloon angioplasty and balloon-expandable endovascular stent technology in the 1970s and 1980s, percutaneous transcatheter intervention has emerged as a mainstay of therapy for congenital heart disease (CHD) lesions throughout the systemic and pulmonary vascular beds. Congenital lesions of the great vessels, including the aorta, pulmonary arteries, and patent ductus arteriosus, are each amenable to transcatheter intervention throughout the lifespan, from neonate to adult. In many cases, on-label devices now exist to facilitate these therapies. In this review, we seek to describe the contemporary approach to and outcomes from transcatheter management of major CHD lesions of the great vessels, with a focus on coarctation of the aorta, single- or multiple-branch pulmonary artery stenoses, and persistent patent ductus arteriosus. We further comment on the future of transcatheter therapies for these CHD lesions.

Immediate angiographic residual shunt using the Nit-Occlud device for patent ductus arteriosus closure

Introduction

The Nit-Occlud PDA device is a newer coil-type device with a high degree of efficacy and safety. There are concerns about the high incidence of immediate angiographic residual shunt with this device.

Aim

To compare immediate angiographic residual shunts and their outcomes following PDA device closure with the Nit-Occlud device.

Material and methods

A single-institution, retrospective chart review of PDA closures was performed. Thirty patients who underwent Nit-Occlud PDA closure were compared with 34 patients who underwent PDA closure with an Amplatzer Duct Occluder-1 (ADO-1) and 25 patients who underwent PDA closure with coils.

Results

The three groups were similar in age, weight, and procedural characteristics. The PDA dimensions were smaller in the coils group. Technical success in the ADO-1 and Nit-Occlud groups was 100%. A small angiographic residual shunt was seen more often in the Nit-Occlud group (70%) than in the ADO-1 (59%) and coils (26%) groups (p = 0.005). Most residual shunts in the Nit-Occlud group disappeared in the echocardiogram performed 4 h later (90% echocardiographic closure). Echocardiographic closure (100%) was seen at 2 months and 6 months in the Nit-Occlud group. No correlation was noted between the angiographic residual shunt and Nit-Occlud device orientation with respect to the ductus, the device-ductal angle or the number of loops at the pulmonary artery end.

Conclusions

Despite the higher immediate angiographic residual shunt rate in the Nit-Occlud group than the other groups, high echocardiographic closure rates were seen within hours after device closure, which persisted at follow-up. The angiographic residual shunt is not related to the device orientation and should not be a deterrent in using this device.

Comparison of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure between children and adults

The data comparing the characteristics and effect of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure between children and adults is scarce. We analyzed 54 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter PDA closures. We divided the patients into 2 groups of < 18 years and ≥ 18 years and compared the hemodynamic changes before and after the PDA closure. Adults had a higher incidence of heart failure on admission, diagnoses by heart failure and incidental echocardiography, PDA calcifications, and procedural complications than children (all P < 0.05). The left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), left atrial diameter index (LADI), and LV mass index (LVMI) decreased after the PDA closure in children but not in adults. The LV ejection fraction (LVEF) significantly decreased 1 day after the PDA closure in both groups but remained low at 6 months after the procedure in only adults. The percent change in the LVEDVI, LADI, LVMI, and LVEF from baseline to 6 months after the procedure was significantly lesser in adults than children (LVEDVI: - 5.2 ± 29.1% vs. - 34.9 ± 18.9%, LADI: - 7.0 ± 13.2% vs. - 22.1 ± 18.9%, LVMI: - 11.0 ± 16.5% vs. - 34.1 ± 15.7%, LVEF: - 5.9 ± 7.6% vs. 6.1 ± 9.1%, all P < 0.05). Transcatheter PDA closure was not associated with a reduction in the LV and LA volume as well as an improvement in the LV hypertrophy and LV function in adults as compared to children. We suggested that an early diagnosis and transcatheter PDA closure during childhood might provide clinical benefit before progressive LV remodeling and heart failure.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different devices used for the closure of small-to-medium-sized patent ductus arteriosus in pediatric patients

Aims:

In this study, we examined the differences in cost and effectiveness of various devices used for the closure of small to medium sized patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Setting and Design:

We retrospectively studied 116 patients who underwent closure of small PDAs between January 2010 and January 2015.

Subjects and Methods:

Three types of devices were used: the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) II, the cook detachable coil and the Nit Occlud coil (NOC). Immediate and late complications were recorded and patients were followed up for 3 months after the procedure.

Statistical Methods:

All statistical calculations were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Science software. P <0.05 were considered significant.

Results:

We successfully deployed ADO II devices in 33 out of 35 cases, cook detachable coils in 36 out of 40 cases and NOCs in 38 out of 41 cases. In the remaining nine cases, the first device was unsuitable or embolized and required retrieval and replacement with another device. Eleven patients (9.5%) developed vascular complications and required anticoagulation therapy. Patients who had hemolysis or vascular complications remained longer in the intensive care unit, with consequently higher total cost (P = 0.016). Also, the need for a second device increased the cost per patient.

Conclusions:

The cook detachable coil is the most cost-effective device for closure of small-to medium-sized PDAs. Calculations of the incremental cost-effectiveness. (ICE) revealed that the Cook detachable coil had less ICE than the ADO II and NOC. The NOC was more effective with fewer complications.

Percutaneous Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Controlled-Release Coil

We evaluated the efficacy of the controlled-release Cook coil for percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus occlusion. Between October 1994 and December 1997, 45 consecutive patients with patent ductus arteriosus underwent cardiac catheterization and coil occlusion was attempted in 41, of whom 37 had Cook coils. A single coil was deployed in 34 of these patients and 2 or more coils were deployed in 3, with successful occlusion in 36 (97%). Immediate complete angiographic closure was achieved in 15 (41%), 18 (49%) had a trivial residual shunt, and 3 had a mild residual shunt on post-occlusion aortograms. Color Doppler echocardiography 24 hours after the procedure, revealed no detectable shunt in 33/36 (92%) and only a trivial residual shunt in 3 (8%) patients. Thus, 86% of patients with residual shunts immediately after occlusion had no evidence of residual shunts by 24 hours. No evidence of residual shunt or obstruction of the left pulmonary artery or the descending aorta was present at a mean follow-up of 26 months We concluded that Cook coils are a safe and cost-effective modality for percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus with a high success rate and favorable intermediate-term follow-up.

Interventional Transcatheter Closure Ameliorates the Leukocyte Rho Kinase Activities among Patients with Patent Ductus Arteriosus

BACKGROUND

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) causes increased pulmonary blood flow, which can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) may play an important pathophysiological role in PAH. We hypothesized that the increased pulmonary artery (PA) flow from PDA could activate ROCK.

METHODS

Patients who received a PDA transcatheter closure in our hospital were consecutively enrolled in this study. Basic demographics and clinical hemodynamic data of the study participants were recorded. Then, ROCK activity was measured before and after the PDA occlusion procedure. ROCK activity was defined as the phosphorylation ratio of myosin-binding subunit by Western blot measurement. We also sub-divided patients into the coil group and occluder group based on the occlusion device used in each patient's procedure.

RESULTS

From January 2009 to December 2011, 25 patients with a median age of 2.3 years, ranging from 10 months to 72 years were enrolled. The mean PDA size was 0.31 ± 0.14 cm, the mean Qp/Qs shunt was 1.54 ± 0.41, and the mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 26.9 ± 10.3 mmHg. There were 10 patients (one boy and nine girls) in the coil group and 15 patients (four boys and eleven girls) in the occluder group. Following the closure of the PDA, ROCK activity significantly decreased (1.78 ± 2.25 vs. 0.77 ± 0.69, p < 0.01). There was a strong correlation between the leukocyte ROCK activity with the systolic PA pressure (y = 5.4608x + 22.54, R2 = 0.5539, p < 0.05), but not the Qp/Qs value. Both subgroups showed significant changes of ROCK activity after the procedure. Interestingly, when comparing the coil group with the occluder group, the decrease in ROCK activity was more apparent in the occluder group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicated that ROCK activity is higher in patients with PDA and correlates with PA pressure. The decrease in ROCK activity following the device closure suggests that ROCK may be an important biomarker for PDA patency.

KEY WORDS

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA); Pulmonary arterial pressure; Rho kinase; Transcatheter closure.

[Percutaneous closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in children with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II]

INTRODUCTION

In the last decades, several devices have been used for the percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus, with its own limitations and risks. The Amplatzer Duct Occluder II has been designed to overcome those limitations and reduce risks.

OBJECTIVE

We described our initial series of patients who underwent percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II, emphasis on the technical aspects of the procedure.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical records of 9 patients with patent ductus arteriosus who underwent percutaneous closure with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II. Median age was 24 months (range 8-51 months) and the median weight was 10.7kg (range 6-16.3kg). The minimal ductus arteriosus diameter was 2.7mm (1-5mm).

RESULTS

Implantation was successful in all cases. The devices most commonly used (33.3%) were the dimensions 4-4mm (3 patients), in 2 patients were used 3-4mm and in the rest of the patients were employed occluder other sizes. Four cases showed slight residual flow immediately after implantation. Total closure was achieved in 24h in 8 of 9 patients (89%). There was no embolization of the occluder or deaths during the procedure and we only observed one minor complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The Amplatzer Duct Occluder II in this series was effective in 89% of the patients at 24hs after the procedure and 100% follow-up. The implantation was safe and no major complications were observed. The occlusion rate is comparable to those reported for the Amplatzer Duct Occluder I.

Cardi-O-Fix duct occluder versus Amplatzer duct occluder for closure of patent ductus arteriosus

BACKGROUND

We sought to investigate the safety, efficacy, and follow-up results of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure using the novel Cardi-O-Fix duct occluder (CDO), a device similar to but less expensive than the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO). We also aimed to compare these two devices in terms of results.

METHODS

Between March 2005 and May 2012, 167 patients diagnosed with moderate-to-large PDA underwent transcatheter closure. ADO was used in 56 (33.5%) patients with a mean age of 8.1 ± 11.9 years (3.6 months-56 years), whereas CDO was used in 111 (66.5%) patients with a mean age of 12.6 ± 14.6 years (4.8 months-63 years).

RESULTS

The narrowest PDA diameter, the used device diameter, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and residual shunt rates were similar between the two groups. Procedural success rate was 100% in both groups. Although the residual shunt rate was higher in the CDO group immediately after the procedure, the difference was not statistically significant (12.6 vs. 8.9%; P = 0.3). There was no statistically significant difference between groups at discharge and during follow-up. No deaths occurred in any of the groups, and there were no differences in complication rates during the short- and mid-term follow-up periods (CDO 7/111 vs. ADO 5/56; P = 0.5 π).

CONCLUSION

The CDO can be used for PDA closure because of its safety, effectiveness, and simplicity in use. It is available in bigger sizes and can be used in patients with large defects. According to our short- and mid-term findings, the results it yields are similar to those of the ADO; thus, it may be the preferred choice owing to its low cost and large size variability.

Pulmonary perfusion scans following transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure using the Amplatzer devices

INTRODUCTION

Obstruction to flow in the left pulmonary artery (LPA) is a well-known complication after transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This complication has been studied for different devices using lung perfusion radionuclide scintigraphy (LPRS), but not for Amplatzer devices. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of such devices on lung perfusion using LPRS.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study that looked at all patients who had PDA closure using different Amplatzer devices at our center between July 1999 and January 2007. All patients underwent LPRS within 24 hr of the procedure. We compared LPRS with other hemodynamic data obtained by cardiac catheterization and echocardiography. Results are presented as mean ± SD or median and ranges.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients had PDA closure using an Amplatzer device; median age was 1.8 years (4 months to 75 years) and median weight was 12 kg (5-112 Kg). Nine patients had associated cardiac anomalies. Sixty eight patients had available LPRS. The mean percent of left lung perfusion (LLP) was 42.7% (± 6.7%). Excluding patients with pre-existing LPA stenosis, 17% had abnormally decreased LLP. On hemodynamic measurements, 62 patients had available direct pressure measurements following PDA closure. None had significant increase. No correlation was found with echocardiographic data.

CONCLUSION

PDA closure with Amplatzer family of devices is associated with a relatively significant risk of decreased perfusion to the left lung, mostly mild abnormalities. Comparison with catheterization and echocardiographic measurements showed lack of correlation with LPRS findings.

Complete transcatheter closure of a patent arterial duct with subsequent haemolysis

We report a development of severe haemolysis after complete transcatheter closure of patent arterial duct. Aortography and echocardiography revealed no signs of residual shunt. Haemolysis occurred a day after the implantation. Aortography was performed and the extrusion of coil in aorta was evident. The extruded part of the coil was surgically removed. No signs of haemolysis remained.

The results of transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus: success rate and complications over 12 years in a single center

Background and Objectives

Percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has become increasingly attractive with the evolution of devices and techniques. We reviewed results for percutaneous occlusion of PDA using various devices in a single center.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective review was done for 118 consecutive procedures performed in 111 patients with PDA between January 1996 and December 2007.

Results

The median age of the patients was 4.5 years (0.9 to 60.3 years); body weight was 16.9 kg (6.8 to 74.7 kg). The median PDA diameter at the pulmonic end was 3.8 mm (0.7 to 10 mm); mean pulmonary artery pressure was 21.0 mmHg (7 to 60 mmHg). Complete occlusion occurred in 76/111 (68.4%) immediately after implantation and in 100/111 (90.0%) at one year of follow-up. Second procedures for residual shunts were done in 7 patients. After the year 2001, the complete closure rate was 95.2% compared to 71.4% before 2001. Complications associated with the procedure were left pulmonary artery narrowing (all <20 mmHg) in 14, arrhythmia in 2, and death in 1.

Conclusion

Evolution of devices, cumulative experience, and health insurance covering the cost of devices have contributed to good outcomes in our center for percutaneous occlusion of PDA. Our results have improved over the years, particularly with the use of the Amplatzer duct occluder.

Immediate echocardiographic surveillance after transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus: a feasible method to assess residual shunt

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the feasibility of echocardiography after transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with coils.

METHODS

Between April 1998 and December 2006, 131 patients had transcatheter coil occlusion of their PDA using Gianturco coils. We hypothesized that post-procedural hemolysis would not occur if a residual shunt < 1 mm or if no continuous waveform was detected by echocardiography. Immediately after coil implantation, patients without and with a residual shunt as detected by echocardiography were designated to groups A and B, respectively. The clinical presentations, laboratory data and outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 101 patients in group A and 30 patients in group B. Patients in group B had larger ductal diameter (2.8 +/- 0.9 mm vs. 1.6 +/- 0.8 mm; p < 0.001), larger Qp/Qs (1.9 +/- 0 .9 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.4; p = 0.001), higher frequency of more than one coil used (14/30 vs. 11/101; p < 0.001), and female predominance (22/30 vs. 53/101; p = 0.043) compared with group A. Trivial residual shunt was noted in 6 patients in group A and 20 patients in group B on the day after embolization. All shunts spontaneously closed within 6 months in patients of group A, while five patients in group B had a persistent shunt at the 1-year follow-up and thereafter. Although the patients in group B had higher residual shunt rate than group A during follow-up (p < 0.001), none of these patients suffered from hemolysis.

CONCLUSION

Echocardiography is a feasible tool to assess residual shunt after PDA closure. If a residual shunt < 1 mm or if no continuous waveform is detected by echocardiography, the risk of developing hemolysis is low.

Differential pulmonary perfusion scan after percutaneous occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus: one-decade consecutive longitudinal study from a single institution

Reduced left lung perfusion has been described following percutaneous occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We aimed to identify the incidence of lung perfusion abnormalities and the associated risk factors in our consecutive series. Between November 1994 and December 2003, 150 procedures were performed on 145 patients, age 4.6 +/- 4 years. Gianturco coil was used in 88.2%, Amplatzer duct occluder in 6.7%, and Rashkind Umbrella in 5.5%. Lung perfusion scan was scheduled within 48 h (LPS-1), at 6-12 months (LPS-2) and later (LPS-3) in the case of persistent abnormalities. Left lung perfusion <40% was considered abnormal. LPS-1 was obtained in 95.8% and was abnormal in 31%. LPS-2, available in 48.2%, returned to normal in 65.7% (p < 0.001). LPS-3, required in 6.2%, was normal in 55.6% (p = 0.07). Identifiable risk factors were low age and height (p < 0.01), higher Q(p)/Q(s) ratio (p < 0.05), and larger PDA size indexed for height (p < 0.001) or body surface area (p < 0.01). The number of coils or loops deployed in the pulmonary end of the PDA did not influence lung perfusion. In conclusion, we describe a high incidence of left lung perfusion reduction following percutaneous PDA occlusion, more likely in the young with large PDA. However, spontaneous recovery usually occurs within a few months.

Transcatheter closure of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer duct occluder

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the acute and follow-up results of transcatheter closure of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with the Amplatzer duct occluder.

METHODS

Between April 2000 and June 2005, 237 patients underwent attempted transcatheter closure of PDA, of whom Amplatzer duct occluder was used in 68 patients with moderate-to-large-sized PDA (45 females, with ages ranging from 56 days to 75 years, median 3.3 years). Moderate to large PDA is defined as ductus diameter > or =2.5 mm (> or =3 mm in early phase of this study) in infants and young children, or > or =4 mm in adolescents and adults. The size of device selected was generally at least 1-2 mm larger than ductus diameter.

RESULTS

The ductus diameter ranged from 2.5 to 8.5 mm (4.1 +/- 1.3 mm). Amplatzer duct occluder was successfully deployed in 66 out of 68 patients. The size of device deployed ranged from 4 to 12 mm (6.3 +/- 1.6 mm). The causes of failure in the 2 patients included calcification of ductus resulting, in failure in advancing a sheath to descending aorta in 1 and kinking of a Cook sheath in the other. Distal embolization of the device occurred several hours later in one. After the device was retrieved percutaneously, the patient was sent to surgery. No other significant complications occurred. In the 3-month follow-up, complete occlusion was achieved in all patients. No patient had left pulmonary artery stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter closure of moderate-to-large-sized ductus with Amplatzer ductus occluder is effective and safe.

Outcome of percutaneous transarterial coil occlusion in patients with isolated patent ductus arteriosus using an upstream-and-push maneuver

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the outcome of percutaneous transarterial coil occlusion for isolated patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in Taiwan. This study evaluated the 2-year outcome of 52 patients with isolated PDA who received percutaneous transarterial coil occlusion by an upstream-and-push maneuver.

METHODS

From July 1997 to June 2002, a total of 52 patients (25 infants, 27 children) underwent occlusion of PDA with standard Gianturco coils. There were 39 females and 13 males. Patient age ranged between 7 days and 14 years, and weight was between 3 and 45 kg. Percutaneous transarterial coil occlusion was performed by an upstream-and-push maneuver. Chest auscultations, chest radiographs, and Doppler echocardiography were performed in all patients within 24 hours, and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after coil occlusion.

RESULTS

Mean PDA diameter at the pulmonary end was 2.34 +/- 1.00 mm (range, 1.00-4.80 mm). Angiographic classification was megaphone type in 32 patients, window type in seven, tubular type in six, aneurysmal type in three, and elongated conical type in four. Complete PDA occlusion was performed with a single coil in 41 (79%) patients and with multiple coils in 11 (21%). The mean ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow was 1.95 +/- 0.95 (range, 1.10-5.80) before the procedure, and 1.02 +/- 0.04 (range, 1.00-1.20) after the procedure (p < 0.001). Immediate occlusion of the ductus was achieved 15 minutes after the procedure in 44 (85%) patients. Occlusion was achieved in 92% of patients within 24 hours and in 100% of patients by the 1-month follow-up. Follow-up at 24 months after the procedure revealed no complications.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transarterial coil occlusion with 5-loop Gianturco coils can be effectively and safely achieved in patients with a PDA minimum diameter < 5 mm.

A strategic approach to transcatheter closure of patent ductus: Gianturco coils for small-to-moderate ductus and Amplatzer duct occluder for large ductus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of the strategy of transcatheter occlusion with the Gianturco coil for small-to-moderate sized ductus and with Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) for large ductus.

PATIENT AND METHODS

For ductus closure, the following strategy was applied: ADO was used in large ductus: infants and young children weighing < 15 kg with a ductus diameter > or = 3 mm and in older children or adults with a ductus diameter > or = 4 mm and coils were employed in patients with small-to-moderate sized ductus. During a 3-year period, this strategy was applied in 136 patients. The results were compared between 214 patients (group I) undergoing ductus closure using only coil before application of this strategy and strategic closure in 136 patients (group II). Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: subgroup A with large ductus and subgroup B with small-to-moderate ductus. There were 54 patients in subgroup IA, 160 in subgroup IB, 33 in subgroup IIA and 103 in subgroup IIB, respectively.

RESULTS

In group I, PDA occlusion was successful in 207 (96.7%) and failed in 7 (6 of group IA and 1 of group IB). In group II, ductus closure was successful in 134 patients (98.5%) (32/33 with ADO and 102/103 with coils). There was no significant difference in success rate between group I and II. Distal embolization occurred in 19 patients of group I and in 2 of group II, respectively (19/214 vs. 2/136, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in success rate between group IA and IIA but the distal embolization rate was higher in group IA than IIA (13/54 vs. 1/33, P=0.014). Left pulmonary artery stenosis was found exclusively in 9 patients of group I at the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.05). Nine patients in group I required second intervention to achieve complete occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of ductus closure worked well by reducing embolization rate, incidence of left pulmonary artery stenosis and the need of second intervention.

Transcatheter closure of persistent ductus arteriosus with the Amplatzer duct occluder in very young symptomatic children

OBJECTIVES

To analyse safety, efficacy, and follow up results of percutaneous closure of persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very young symptomatic children.

PATIENTS AND DESIGN

Between March 2000 and March 2003, of 197 patients treated at the authors' institution 18 were symptomatic children aged < or = 3 years old. Seven of these children were < or = 1 year old. Indications for closure were failure to thrive (12 patients) and frequent respiratory infections (six patients). The procedure was carried out under heavy sedation with fluoroscopic control. The Amplatzer duct occluder device was used. Basal physical examinations and echocardiograms were performed before the procedure and at follow up (three, six, and 12 months and yearly thereafter).

RESULTS

Mean (SD) age was 18.3 (10) months and mean (SD) weight at closure was 9.1 (2.2) kg. Neither death nor any major complications occurred. Complications occurred in three patients aged < or = 1 year. Two patients had a mild inguinal haematoma. One patient had femoral artery thrombosis that was successfully treated by intravenous urokinase. The mean (SD) follow up was 12.8 (8.5) months. No problems occurred. Patients with recurrent respiratory infections had no significant recurrences and children who had failed to thrive had significantly increased growth.

CONCLUSIONS

In experienced hands, percutaneous closure of moderate to large PDA in very young symptomatic children is safe, effectively closes the PDA, and solves clinical problems.

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with Nit-Occlud coils

The detachable coils have been successfully used for transcatheter occlusion of small- to moderate-sized patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We report our experience regarding the use of the Nit-Occlud coils (NOCs) for transcatheter PDA and major aortopulmonary collateral (MAPCA) occlusion. Single NOCs were used to close PDA in 26 patients, and one small and two large MAPCAs in two patients. Mean age and weight of the patients were 7.7 +/- 5.4 years and 20.6 +/- 11.6 kg. Mean minimum duct diameter was 2.8 +/- 0.8 mm; ampulla, 8.7 +/- 2.4 mm; and PDA length, 9.3 +/- 4.4 mm. Mean pulmonary artery pressure ranged from 9 to 51 mm Hg and pulmonary/systemic flow ratio from 1.1 to 5.8. Ductal shape was conical in 24 patients. Route of approach was venous in 23 and arterial in 3. Successful coil implantation was achieved in 24/26 (92.3%). Mean procedure and fluoroscopy time were 67.2 +/- 22.1 and 14.9 +/- 6.5 min. The three MAPCAs were also successfully occluded using NOC Medium and Flex. Postimplantation angiograms revealed no leak in 3, a trace or small leak in 17, and a medium leak in 4 patients. Mean follow-up was 7 +/- 5 months. Complete occlusion was achieved in 17/24 (71%) at 24 hr, 19/24 (79%) by 1 month, 13/15 (87%) by 3 months, 14/15 (93%) by 6 months, and 10/11 (90%) by 12 months postprocedure. Hemolysis, late embolization, duct recanalization, and flow disturbances were not observed. Transcatheter occlusion of moderate-sized PDAs and MAPCAs using NOCs seems to offer a safe, simple, and controlled method in pediatric patients.

Coil Occlusion for Patent Ductus Arteriosus Larger Than 3 mm

BACKGROUND

Coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is now widely accepted as the first-line treatment, but there are few reports of age-dependent differences in the complications associated with this technique.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixteen patients (11 adults, 5 children) with a PDA larger than 3 mm, who underwent coil occlusion at Sapporo Medical University Hospital between September 1995 and August 2004, were enrolled. Immediate and intermediate outcomes and complications were analyzed. Procedural success rate was 72.7% (8/11) in the children and 100% (5/5) in the adults. Coil migration occurred in 4 children and 1 adult, and 3 adult patients had hemolysis.

CONCLUSION

Hemolysis was more frequent in adults than in children even though the residual shunt was trivial.

Use of a self-expanding occluding stent for nonsurgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical application of a catheter-delivered, self-expanding occluding stent for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

ANIMALS

23 client-owned dogs weighing at least 3 kg (6.6 lb).

PROCEDURE

Dogs were evaluated by physical examination, electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, and 2-dimensional, M-mode, spectral and color-flow Doppler echocardiography to confirm the diagnosis and obtain baseline measures. Shunt severity and ductal size and anatomy were established by means of angiography. With fluoroscopic guidance, the occluding stent, attached to a delivery cable, was maneuvered though the right side of the heart into the ductus via a prepositioned introducer sheath. After angiographic verification of appropriate stent placement, the delivery cable was detached, and the introducer sheath was withdrawn. Closure of the PDA was evaluated by means of angiography 15 minutes after stent deployment and by echocardiography 1 and 3 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

There were no operative deaths. There were 2 deployment failures, both attributable to avoidable operator errors. Angiography performed after stent deployment indicated PDA closure in 13 of 20 (65%) dogs. There were 2 postoperative deaths in dogs with heart failure; both deaths were thought to be unrelated to use of the occluding stent. Complete PDA closure, determined by Doppler color-flow echocardiography, was evident in 17 of 19 dogs within 3 months and in 1 additional dog within 1 year of stent deployment, resulting in closure in 18 of 19 dogs completing the study protocol.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggest that a catheter-delivered occluding stent can be used successfully to close PDAs in dogs.

Interventional treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in 2004

In 2004, the interventional treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is definitive and curative. In current practice, coils are used for smaller PDA, and devices are employed for larger PDA. Developing technologies offer small improvements in control and results, but do not appear to promise major changes in practice. This review summarizes the current and emerging interventional technologies directed at PDA closures.

Retrograde wire-assisted percutaneous transcatheter closure of persistent ductus arteriosus with Amplatzer duct occluder in the elderly: A new application

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has been well established in the pediatric field. For moderate- to large-sized PDA, the newly developed Amplatzer duct occluder had offered a good solution, but it depends on stiff wire and delivery sheath. We reported two elderly patients of PDA with vascular anatomy too difficult to be antegradely approached and were closed by a retrograde technique by an assisting wire from the descending aorta. The wire served as a guide and tracked the delivery system to cross the ductus from the venous side smoothly. This retrograde wire-assisted technique could be utilized to overcome the PDA of difficult vascular anatomy, which could not be easily fulfilled by conventional antegrade venous approach.

Bioptome-assisted coil occlusion of moderate-large patent ductus arteriosus in infants and small children

Coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), although inexpensive, is technically challenging for the moderate-large ducts in small children. Bioptome assistance allows better control and precision. We describe case selection strategies, technique, immediate and short-term results of bioptome-assisted closure of moderate-large (>/= 3 mm) PDA in 86 infants and children </= 10 kg (age, 18 days to 3 years; median, 8 months; weight, 6.6 +/- 1.9 kg; duct size, 3.6 +/- 0.8 mm; pulmonary artery mean pressures, 33 +/- 12 mm Hg). Patients with PDA > 6 mm (> 4 mm for children under 5 kg) and/or shallow ampullae (by echocardiography) underwent operation (n = 41). Specific technical modifications included use of long sheaths (5.5-8 Fr) for duct delineation and coil delivery, cutting of coils turns (51 patients) to accommodate the coils in the ampulla, and simultaneous delivery of multiple coils (n = 43). As far as possible, coils were deployed entirely in the ampulla. Median fluoroscopy time was 7.3 min (1.2-42 min). Successful deployment was feasible in all (final pulmonary artery mean pressures, 20 +/- 4.6 mm Hg). Coils embolized in 14 (16%) patients (all retrieved). Complete occlusion occurred immediately in 63 patients (73%) and in 77 patients (89%) at 24 hr. Three patients had new gradients in the left pulmonary artery. Follow-up (62 patients; median duration, 13 months) revealed small residual Doppler flows in 11 patients (18%) at the most recent visit. Bioptome-assisted coil occlusion of moderate-large PDA in selected infants and small children is feasible with encouraging results.

The modern approach to patent ductus arteriosus treatment: complementary roles of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and interventional cardiology coil occlusion

BACKGROUND

In an effort to analyze our experience and develop treatment guidelines, we reviewed all our patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or interventional cardiology coil occlusion.

METHODS

One hundred patients underwent 102 cardiac catheterizations. Forty-five children underwent VATS. The entire cohort of patients is 141 because 4 patients underwent both catheterization and VATS.

RESULTS

Successful PDA coil occlusion occurred in 91 patients (91 of 100; 91%); 8 had unsuccessful attempts at coil occlusion and 1 was referred for surgical ligation after catheterization without any attempt at coil placement. Thirty-nine children had successful VATS PDA closure. Six children required conversion to thoracotomy because of inadequate exposure during VATS. Hospital stay for children more than 45 days of age was as follows: VATS median stay, 1 day, mean, 1.4 days; thoracotomy median stay, 4 days, mean, 4.6 days. One patient treated with PDA coil occlusion developed a recurrent PDA and required reembolization. Three children underwent initial catheterization without successful coil placement with subsequent successful VATS. All VATS patients left the operating theater with echocardiography documenting no residual PDA. Two children who underwent successful VATS with no residual PDA at hospital discharge were found on outpatient follow-up to have developed tiny recurrent PDAs and both were successfully coil occluded; 1 of these 2 children is 1 of the 3 children initially evaluated by catheterization and then referred for VATS.

CONCLUSIONS

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and coil occlusion represent complementary techniques for PDA treatment. A rationale for selection of the appropriate treatment modality can be based upon the size and age of the patient and the size and morphology of the PDA.

Echocardiographic predictors of failure in patients undergoing coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus

In this study, we sought to determine whether the risk of failure of coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) could be predicted on the basis of echocardiographic variables. The echocardiographic characteristics of patients in whom PDA coil occlusion failed were compared with those in whom the procedure was successful. A total of 5 variables were evaluated: PDA diameter (PDAd); indexed PDAd; PDA shape; left ventricular end-diastolic diameter; and the presence of flow reversal in the descending aorta. We found that 2 variables related to the size of the duct (PDAd and PDAd/body surface area), and 2 related to the magnitude of the shunt (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and flow reversal) were positively associated with failure (P <.05). PDAd and flow reversal had the greater effect in each group and remained significant when they were put into a logistic regression model to predict failure (P =.004 and.053, respectively). In conclusion, echocardiographic variables can predict risk of failure in patients undergoing PDA coil occlusion.

Vocal cord paralysis after transcatheter coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus

BACKGROUND

In patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) after Gianturco coil embolization, vocal cord paralysis (VCP) had not been previously described. This study investigates the risk factors of coil embolization associated with VCP.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all patients who had undergone transcatheter closure of PDA with a Gianturco coil between March 1998 and May 2001, and 75 patients (age range, 6 months to 55 years; mean age, 5.5 years) were identified. The procedure was performed with local anesthesia and with sedation in some young children. No patient required general anesthesia or endotracheal intubation.

RESULTS

Three of the 75 patients had hoarseness caused by VCP after coil embolization. Patients with VCP had a longer ductus length (P <.01) and a smaller ductus diameter (P <.01) than patients without VCP. The pathogenesis of VCP may be caused by tense stretching and angulation of the ductus arteriosus induced by the implanted coil, which leads to compression injury of the adjacent left recurrent laryngeal nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

A long ductus length (> or =12 mm) and a small ductus diameter (<1 mm) are significant risk factors of VCP after coil embolization in children <1 year of age. We recommend that coil embolization be performed very carefully in patients with PDA.

Clinical course and management strategies for hemolysis after transcatheter closure of patent arterial ducts

Residual flows following transcatheter coil or device closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can result in hemolysis. Of 611 patients who underwent transcatheter PDA closure at our institution, 5 patients (age, 6-63 years) developed overt hemolysis (after coil occlusion in 4 and Amplazter device closure in 1). All had ducts > 3 mm and residual flows after the procedure. In one patient, hemolysis occurred 3 months after coil occlusion following a period of uncontrolled hypertension. The occurrence of hemolysis correlated significantly with both age as well as duct size (P < 0.00001). Hemolysis was associated with a fall in hemoglobin of 3-6 g/100 ml (n = 3), jaundice (n = 2), and renal failure (n = 1). Hemolysis subsided spontaneously in one patient and four patients required flow elimination. Deploying additional coils in three patients eliminated residual flows. In one patient (after Amplatzer device closure for 12.5 mm duct with aneurysm), flow persisted after 25 additional coils, transient balloon occlusion, and gel foam instillation. Flow elimination was eventually achieved through thrombin instillation after balloon occlusion of the ampulla. All patients recovered completely and were well on follow-up. Although hemolysis after duct occlusion is rare (0.8% in this series), residual flow at the end of the procedure merits careful monitoring. Aggressive elimination of residual flows is often necessary to control hemolysis.