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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. jrutledg@cha.ab.ca
Insights
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a common congenital heart defect, is increasingly treated with transcatheter device closure in older children. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure offers a safe and effective alternative to surgery for most patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a frequent congenital heart defect.
- Symptomatic neonates often require surgical intervention.
- Older infants and children can be treated effectively with transcatheter methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of transcatheter therapy for PDA.
- To detail the experience with various devices used for PDA closure.
- To discuss issues and controversies in transcatheter PDA treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and device development for PDA.
- Analysis of clinical experience with different transcatheter devices.
- Discussion of current controversies and challenges in the field.
Main Results:
- Transcatheter device closure is a safe and effective outpatient procedure for most older infants and children with PDA.
- Numerous devices have been developed and refined since 1967.
- The article provides a detailed review of device-specific experiences.
Conclusions:
- Transcatheter device closure has become a primary treatment modality for PDA in older pediatric populations.
- Continued device innovation has improved safety and efficacy.
- Further review of device experience and associated controversies is warranted.
Abstract:
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects. Although surgery is still required in symptomatic neonates, the majority of older infants and children can undergo safe and effective transcatheter device closure on an out-patient basis. First described in 1967, over the past four decades, numerous devices have been specifically developed for this purpose. This article will review the current status of transcatheter therapy. The experience with each device is detailed and issues and controversies are reviewed.
