Transcatheter occlusion of residual patent ductus arteriosus after surgical ligation

The reported frequency of residual leaks after surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) varies from 6% to 23%. Reports on percutaneous closure of PDA also involve patients with residual PDA after ligation, but specific data regarding this type of PDA are rare. Our objective was to assess retrospectively the characteristics of residual PDA relevant to transcatheter closure and occlusion results using three types of occluders. Twelve consecutive patients underwent transcatheter occlusion of residual PDA after surgical ligation at a median age of 4.6 years (range 3. 2-44.6 years) and median weight 16.5 kg (range 13-62 kg). Three types of occluder were used: Gianturco coils, detachable Cook PDA coils, and the new Amplatzer duct occluder. The median diameter of residual PDA after ligation was 1.5 mm (range 0.9-4.2 mm). All PDAs were of type A morphology. Thirteen devices were successfully placed in the 12 patients, without embolization. There were no complications. At 1 month and 1 year follow-up all residual shunts were completely closed. Coils are particularly suitable for complete closure of residual leaks after surgical ligation of PDA. A 100% closure rate was achieved with a low number of implanted coils.