Ductal closure with radiofrequency energy: the first in-human report
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology,Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center,Iran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,Iran.
Background:
Vascular obstruction is one of the complications of radiofrequency ablation. Following our previous report on the use of radiofrequency energy for vascular closure in an animal model in this journal, we herein present the first ever in-human report. Patient and method The patient was a 3-year-old boy, who received a permanent endocardial pacemaker for congenital complete heart block. He also had a conical patent ductus arteriosus. The ductus was occluded with radiofrequency energy on the arterial side with no complications.
Conclusion:
Closure of patent ductus arteriosus and probably other problematic small vessels could be achieved with radiofrequency energy. Further experience will elucidate the future scope of this novel technique.
