Bioptome-assisted coil occlusion of moderate-large patent ductus arteriosus in infants and small children.

Coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), although inexpensive, is technically challenging for the moderate-large ducts in small children. Bioptome assistance allows better control and precision. We describe case selection strategies, technique, immediate and short-term results of bioptome-assisted closure of moderate-large (≥ 3 mm) PDA in 86 infants and children ≤ 10 kg (age, 18 days to 3 years; median, 8 months; weight, 6.6 ± 1.9 kg; duct size, 3.6 ± 0.8 mm; pulmonary artery mean pressures, 33 ± 12 mm Hg). Patients with PDA > 6 mm (> 4 mm for children under 5 kg) and/or shallow ampullae (by echocardiography) underwent operation (n = 41). Specific technical modifications included use of long sheaths (5.5–8 Fr) for duct delineation and coil delivery, cutting of coils turns (51 patients) to accommodate the coils in the ampulla, and simultaneous delivery of multiple coils (n = 43). As far as possible, coils were deployed entirely in the ampulla. Median fluoroscopy time was 7.3 min (1.2–42 min). Successful deployment was feasible in all (final pulmonary artery mean pressures, 20 ± 4.6 mm Hg). Coils embolized in 14 (16%) patients (all retrieved). Complete occlusion occurred immediately in 63 patients (73%) and in 77 patients (89%) at 24 hr. Three patients had new gradients in the left pulmonary artery. Follow-up (62 patients; median duration, 13 months) revealed small residual Doppler flows in 11 patients (18%) at the most recent visit. Bioptome-assisted coil occlusion of moderate-large PDA in selected infants and small children is feasible with encouraging results. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:266–271. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.