[Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical technique for interruption of patent ductus arteriosus]

We developed a new operation with clipping of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical technique. Twenty-one patients underwent this procedure, since May, 1994. The average age was 5.8 years (range 2-16 years), and average weight was 16.5 kg (range 8-37 kg). All patients had successful closure of PDA, except one whe had open surgical PDA division and one who had opening of the clip after 72 hours. One had recurrent larygeal nerve injury and two had pneumothora on the left side. There were no other complications and no deaths. The need for a chest tube is in doubt if there is no air leak or bleeding. Closure of PDA by VATS is marked by safe, less postoperative pain and early recovery.