Cannulation of patent arterial duct in patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect

During cardiac catheterization in patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect, cannulation of the arterial duct was attempted in 23 children via antegrade approach. It was successful in all but two children. Injection of contrast through antegradely placed catheter resulted in improved opacification of pulmonary arteries. This technique facilitated transcatheter dilation of spontaneously closed arterial duct in two children. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.