Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus with adjustable buttoned device. Initial clinical experience

Several devices are available for transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus. Most of these devices either require complicated intracardiac maneuvering, have not been tried in humans, or need a large-sized sheath for implantation of the device.

During a 26-month period ending November 1992, 14 patients underwent transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with an adjustable buttoned device delivered via a 7F sheath under an institutional review board-approved custom-made device protocol. The children were 15 months to 8 years of age with weight range of 7.2 to 19 kg. The patent ductus arteriosus measured from 2 to 7.5 mm (median, 3 mm) at the narrowest diameter and was conical, short, or tubular. They were occluded with devices measuring 15 to 20 mm. The ratio of pulmonary to systemic flow decreased (P < .01) from 1.9 +/- 0.6 (mean +/- SD; range, 1.3 to 3.2) to 1.05 +/- 0.1 (1 to 1.3). Continuous murmur of patent ductus arteriosus disappeared in all except 1 patient. Small residual shunts were detected by color Doppler studies in 4 of 14 patients (29%). All patients were followed for 1 to 24 months (mean, 6 +/- 7 months). The device was intact in all patients, and no breakage of the wires was noted. No shunts were seen in 12 of 14 patients (86%), and minute residual shunts were seen in 2 children. No major complications were encountered.

It is concluded that transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the adjustable buttoned device is feasible and effective and can be accomplished via small 7F sheaths; a 7F sheath is adequate for all ductal sizes; and the adjustable length of the loop accommodated all types of patent ductus arteriosus. Clinical trials on a larger number of patients are warranted.