[Transfemoral plug closure in 45 cases of patent ductus arteriosus]

Forty five consecutive patients with simple patent ductus arteriosus were successfully closed using transfemoral catheter method originally introduced by Porstmann in 1967. However, some improvements of instrumentation and technic were made for achieving much more safety and reliability. The diameter of ductus shown in aortography was from 0.3 to 1.0 cm. Primary success was achieved after the first trial, two trials were necessary only in one case. Emphasis was put on the proper size and shape of plug in order to obtain excellent result. 1-54 months follow-up study after procedure revealed no residual shunt.