The new Amplatzer duct occluder II: when is its use advantageous?

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer duct occluder and the Amplatzer duct occluder II in different types of arterial ducts, and to determine in which types of ducts the use of this new device can be advantageous.

METHODS

All children with a device-based ductal closure between September, 2005 and February, 2010 were included. We retrospectively analysed the catheterisation and follow-up data.

RESULTS

Between September, 2005 and February, 2010, 44 ducts were closed with the Amplatzer duct occluder - group Amplatzer duct occluder - and 52 ducts were closed with the Amplatzer duct occluder II - group Amplatzer duct occluder II. In the Amplatzer duct occluder group, the mean age was 3 years and 4 months, and the mean weight was 14.7 kilograms. Closure was successfully performed in all children. Complete closure at 24 hours was attained in 42 of 44 children (95.45%). No major complications occurred. In the Amplatzer duct occluder II group, the mean age was 6 years and 2 months, and the mean weight was 25.4 kilograms. Closure was successfully performed in all children, except in two children in whom the occluder protruded into the aortic isthmus and was replaced by the Amplatzer duct occluder. Complete closure at 24 hours was attained in 51 of 52 children (98.08%). No major complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, duct closure with the Amplatzer duct occluder II is a safe and effective method. The advantages of using it are the smaller sheath sizes and softer shape.