Specific Aspects of Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Adult Patients

ABSTRACT Background Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus is a safe, effective and easily reproducible method. Adult patent ductus arteriosus may present degenerative changes that increase surgical risk and favor percutaneous closure. We report a single center experience with percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus in adults and highlight specific technical aspects of this procedure. Methods The records of patients ≥ 20 years of age submitted to patent ductus arteriosus closure between March 2001 and December 2012 were evaluated. Cases were selected by transthoracic echocardiography. Results We analyzed 33 patients, most of them females (72.7%), with mean age of 30.9 ± 12.8 years and weight of 63.9 ± 12.4 kg. Only 3 patients had symptoms and 2 had associated congenital defects, treated in the same procedure. Implants were possible in all cases. One Flipper Coil, 19 Amplatzer™ Duct Occluders type I, 3 Amplatzer™ Duct Occluders type II, 8 Cera™ PDA Occluders and 2 Muscular VSD devices were used. Sizing balloons were used in 5 cases. Mean follow-up was 46.1 ± 42.9 months and was obtained in 84.9% of patients. Two cases presented residual shunts immediately after the procedure. There were no major complications or deaths. Conclusions Percutaneous closure of adult patent ductus arteriosus may be performed safely and effectively with the devices used in this study.