Transfemoral plug closure of patent ductus arteriosus. Experiences in 61 consecutive cases treated without thoracotomy.

We successfully closed the isolated patent ductus arteriosus in 58 of 61 consecutive patients using the transfemoral-catheter method originally introduced by Porstmann in 1968. To perform this technique more safely and reliably, some instrumental and technical improvements were made. The indications for this method have been expanded to include the cylindrical or window-type ductus as well as the conical-shaped ductus. Classification into three groups of the configuration of the ductus by angiography has been useful in selecting the shape of the closing plug. Whenever feasible, we consider the catheter technique to be the method of choice to close the ductus.