Overall experience with percutaneous occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the overall experience of our institution with percutaneous occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus. METHODS: Since December/92, 150 patients underwent 178 procedures (85 – Rashkind technique; 87 – Gianturco coils; 6 – Duct Occlud). Median age was 6.5 years (1 to 57). Mean minimum ductal diameter was 3.05±1.24mm (1 to 8). Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were performed periodically. RESULTS: Adequate implantation was achieved in 143 (95.3%) patients. Prevalence of immediate residual shunting was 52.1%, falling to 15.9% during follow-up. This figure decreased to 5.2% after new additional procedures. Umbrella and coil embolization occurred in 1 and 12 procedures, respectively. Hemolysis and mild stenosis of left pulmonary artery were observed in one patient each. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: This therapeutic modality is safe and efficacious with good follow-up results.