[Patent ductus arteriosus closure using a new device: the Nit-Occlud device]

Between May 2003 and July 2006, we carried out percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure using a Nit-Occlud device in 28 patients, who had a median age of 1.8 years (range 0.5-21 years) and a median weight of 10.9 kg (range 5.9-64 kg). The ductus arteriosus had several different morphologic forms, and there was one postsurgical recanalization of the ductus arteriosus. The median minimum ductal diameter was 1.8 mm and the median maximum aortic ampulla diameter was 6.5 mm. The occlusion rate immediately after intervention was 53.5%, which increased to 95.2% by 12 months and to 100% by 18 months. The median follow-up time was 20.5 months. The Nit-Occlud device provided an effective and safe means of patent ductus arteriosus closure, irrespective of ductus morphology.