Novel use of the medtronic micro vascular plug for PDA closure in preterm infants

To describe a single institution experience with a new endovascular occlusion device used for transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in preterm infants.

The PDA is a defect largely treated via cardiac catheterization except for the smallest patients.

Medical records and catheterization reports of all premature neonates who underwent PDA device closure with the Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug (MVP) (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) between September 2015 and June 2016 were reviewed. Procedural details, complications, and short term outcomes were recorded.

Eight premature neonates born at a median gestational age of 28 weeks (23 to 35 weeks) underwent PDA closure with a Medtronic MVP. All devices were deployed via a 4F angled Glide catheter in prograde fashion without arterial access. Median age and weight was 52 days (15-112 days) and 2,550 g (1,800-3,500 g), respectively. Fluoroscopy and echocardiography were utilized for the procedure. Complete closure was achieved in all patients with no procedural complications, pulmonary artery or aortic obstruction or death. One device embolized 9 days after deployment and was successfully retrieved.

This study describes transcatheter PDA closure with the Medtronic MVP. The major advantage is the ability to deliver the device via a standard catheter in prograde fashion, and avoid the hemodynamic instability produced by rigid delivery sheaths. It also further validates the ability to close the PDA without arterial access, providing improved access to this procedure to smaller and more vulnerable children. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.