Transjugular patent ductus arteriosus occlusion in a cat using the Vet-PDA Occluder™ device

A five-month-old, female, entirely domestic short-haired cat was referred for evaluation of a continuous heart murmur. No associated clinical signs were reported. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large, left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Transjugular occlusion of the defect was achieved using a Vet-PDA Occluder™ device, a new conic-shaped nitinol spiral device designed for PDA closure in small-sized dogs weighing less than 3 kg. Resolution of the continuous heart murmur was identified after device deployment. This case report demonstrates that the Vet-PDA Occluder™ can be a feasible option in feline patients for the occlusion of PDA and describes the technique step by step.