Transcatheter ductal closure technique using Gianturco coils

Objective: A retrospective review of our experience of the transductal closure technique using Gianturco coils (GC). Patients and Methods: Between october 1996 and september 2000, 22 patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) of a diameter of 4mm or less, and a body weight of at least 10 kg (10.5-59) underwent transcatheter closure using GC, and sedation with iv midazolam and ketamine. Cardiac catheterization using the right femoral artery and vein with aortic angiography were performed. Subsequently a 4 French multipurpose catheter was passed through the ducts from the aortic side and a GC introduced and installed in the PDA. Results: Ductal closure was obtained in 22 patients (100%), 3 (14%) had minimal filtration, demonstrated by colour Doppler, that in 2 disappeared 15 days later. All patients were discharged within 24 hours post-procedure. 4 had embolization of the coil, which in all cases was retrieved during the procedure. Conclusion: Transcatheter ductal closure with GC is a safe and effective technique, that provides an excellent alternative to surgical closure, with the additional benefit of not requiring a general anaesthesia or thoracotomy.