Clinical follow-up of transcatheter closure of large patent ductus arteriosus using domestic occluders in children

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using domestic PDA occluders in children. METHODS: From July 2003 to July 2008, 66 children <12 years old with large PDA underwent attempted transcatheter closure using domestic PDA occluders. Patients were followed-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and thereafter by electrocardiogram (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Complications including residual shunt and presence of aortic coarctation were observed. RESULTS: The overall technical success rate was 97%. One patient failed with the largest domestic PDA occluder and was treated with open surgery. Treatment was suspended in another patient with severe pulmonary hypertension because of the increased pulmonary pressure after attempted transcatheter occlusion. Instant residual shunt rates were 23% and 3% after 3 months and 0 after 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Complications associated with transcatheter closure of PDA using domestic PDA occluders are relatively low in children. The procedure is safe and efficient and should become the treatment of choice for PDA patients.