[Percutaneous closure of ductus arteriosus using the umbrella technic]

In four patients between three and five years of age we performed closure of open ductus arteriosus with the Rashkind umbrella technique after percutaneous approach from the right groin. The smallest internal ductus diameter measured between 2 and 4 mm, and pulmonary blood flow was from 1.4 to 2.0 times systemic flow. In all four patients, pulmonary artery pressure was normal. In three patients the ductus arteriosus was completely closed, in the fourth a small residual shunt persisted. There were no complications. We describe the method in detail.