[Transfemoral vein catheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus]

Between February 1988 and September 1989, 15 patients underwent closure of patent ductus arteriosus by the Rashkind technique modified by Mullins. The insertion of the occluder was achieved in all cases; however, in one patient, the prosthesis migrated to the abdominal aorta several hours after implantation. No other complications were observed. All patients were discharged from hospital under 24 hours after the procedure. The follow-up period ranges from 3 to 12 months. The rate of complete closure of the ductus was 50% 24 hours after implantation, 57% at 3 months, 66% at 6 months and 82% 12 months after the procedure. Our results suggest that the Rashkind technique for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus by the transvenous femoral approach is an effective and low risk procedure.