Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
[Closure of a persistent ductus arteriosus Botallo without thoracotomy]
L Belau1, L Grävinghoff, E W Keck
1Kardiologische Abteilung, Universitäts-Krankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg.
Insights
The Rashkind occlusion system effectively closed persisting ductus arteriosus (PDA) in most patients. This minimally invasive procedure is suitable for patients over 5 kg with PDA diameters less than 10 mm.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Context:
- A persisting ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect requiring intervention.
- Traditional closure methods can be invasive.
- The Rashkind occlusion system offers a less invasive alternative.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Rashkind occlusion system for closing PDA.
- To assess outcomes in both pediatric and adult patients.
Summary:
- The Rashkind occlusion system was used to close PDA in 15 patients (12 children, 3 adults).
- The device, a double umbrella, is implanted via a catheter, promoting closure through thrombosis and epithelialization.
- Mean PDA diameter was 2.4 mm (range 1.4-5.3 mm).
- Complete occlusion was achieved in 8 patients; residual shunts in 7.
- One adult with a residual shunt required surgical closure due to hemolysis.
Impact:
- The Rashkind method is a sparing and minimally invasive procedure for PDA closure.
- It is indicated for patients weighing over 5 kg with PDA diameters less than 10 mm.
- The study demonstrates a favorable safety profile with no procedural complications or embolization.
Abstract:
A persisting ductus arteriosus (PDA) was closed with the Rashkind occlusion system in 15 patients (12 children, aged 1.0 to 10.8 years, and three adults, aged 21, 33 and 56 years). The method consists of the implantation of a double umbrella of polyurethane foam mounted on platinum or steel wire introduced into the PDA via a transport catheter, the ductus being closed by thrombosing and epithelialization of the implant. The mean diameter of the PDA (as measured in the lateral aortogram) was 2.4 (1.4-5.3) mm. There were no complications of the procedure, nor any embolization or other serious complications. The PDA was completely occluded in eight patients, while a residual shunt remained in seven. In the oldest patient, aged 56 years, who had a residual shunt, increasing haemolysis required surgical closure of the ductus with a pericardial patch. These results indicate that, for patients weighing over 5 kg and with a ductus diameter of less than 10 mm, the closure method after Rashkind is a sparing and only slightly invasive procedure.
