[Catheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus without thoracotomy]

Transcatheter plugging of patent ductus arteriosus with modified Porstmann's method was performed in children of school age and adults (130 cases) in recent 10 years. We devised a set of instrument, self-made plastic Ivalon for tailoring the plugs, developed the technique of retrograde aortic angiography to measure the diameter of the ductus, and determined the criteria of definite lodgement of the plug. 3 cases failed because their femoral arteries were too small to have the catheter sheath introduced. The other 3 cases developed thrombosis of the femoral arteries after the procedure, and the thrombi were removed by surgery.