Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus using special screwing detachable coils

Jackson screwing detachable coils, developed for arterial and venous embolization, have been successfully employed recently for the percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Special screwing detachable coils were designed for closure of the PDA, and the experience gained by their use is described in this report. Occlusion was attempted in 29 patients with a minimal ductal diameter of 0.9-4.2 mm. Coils were successfully placed in all 29 patients. One coil, which embolized 10 min after detachment, was retrieved. In 26 patients (89%), complete closure was achieved. Only 35 coils were placed in 29 patients. Residual shunts in three patients are minimal, detectable only on color-flow mapping. Screwing detachable coils for closure of PDA are safe and effective for occlusion of PDA with a minimal diameter < 4.2 mm. Embolization of the coil is very rare. A high closure rate is achieved with a low number of placed coils.