Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Late embolization of Amplatzer patent ductus arteriosus occlusion device with thoracic aorta embedment
David Michael McMullan1, Achintya Moulick, Richard A Jonas
1Cardiovascular Surgery, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20010, USA. dmcmulla@cnmc.org
Insights
A child experienced a widely patent ductus arteriosus after Amplatzer device closure due to device migration. Surgical removal was necessary as the device became embedded in the descending thoracic aorta.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular medicine
- Pediatric cardiology
- Interventional cardiology
Background:
- Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using devices like the Amplatzer is a common pediatric procedure.
- While generally safe and effective, potential complications such as device migration can occur.
Observation:
- An 11.5-month-old child presented with a widely patent ductus arteriosus eight months post-Amplatzer device closure.
- Diagnostic angiography revealed that the occlusion device had migrated from its intended position within the ductus to the descending thoracic aorta.
Findings:
- The migrated Amplatzer device was firmly embedded within the descending thoracic aorta.
- Percutaneous removal of the embedded device was not feasible.
Implications:
- Device migration is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous PDA closure, necessitating careful monitoring.
- Surgical intervention may be required for the removal of migrated cardiac occlusion devices.
- This case highlights the importance of considering device integrity and anatomical variations in pediatric cardiovascular interventions.
Abstract:
An 11.5-month-old child was found to have a widely patent ductus arteriosus 8 months after percutaneous Amplatzer device closure of the ductus. Angiography confirmed that the occlusion device had migrated to the descending thoracic aorta. The child underwent surgical removal of the device, which was firmly embedded in the aorta and could not be removed percutaneously.
