[Trans-catheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in childhood--an alternative to surgical ligature].

Transcatheter closure of a persistently patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was successfully performed in four children using a Rashkind double disk umbrella device. Mean age was 5.1 +/- 1.5 (2.8 to 6.3 years) and weight 18.8 +/- 3.8 kg (14.1 to 22.3 kg). In all children the PDA was the only cardiac lesion and was diagnosed clinically and by means of continuous wave and color-coded doppler echocardiography. After angiographic measurement of PDA size the correlating device was implanted. The ductus was closed immediately in two children, whereas there was a residual angiographic shunt in the others. Echocardiography performed within 24 hours showed a minimal shunt only in one of these cases. The shunt had disappeared at the one month follow up study. We experienced none of the reported possible complications. Transcatheter closure of the PDA after the neonatal period seems to be a safe and effective alternative to surgical ligation as our early experience shows, and should become the procedure of first choice in these patients.