The use of Amplatzer vascular plug II in 32 consecutive dogs for transvenous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the use of the Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVPII) for transvenous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in a non-selective population of dogs, with a focus on the surgical technique, short term outcome and associated complications.

ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study. Records of thirty-two consecutive dogs treated for a left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus with the AVPII were reviewed.

RESULTS

Ductal occlusion with an AVPII occlusion device was attempted in 32 dogs weighing 1.1-53.8 kg. Transvenous occlusion was successful in 30 dogs. One dog required a transarterial approach for occlusion. One dog died during catheterisation of the right heart but prior to transductal catheterisation. Mean ductal ampulla diameter was 7.9 mm (range, 4.1-15.4 mm) and median size of deployed devices was 10 mm (range 4-20 mm). Mean device to ampulla ratio was 1.34 ± 0.15. Device was positioned in situ with no residual flow on follow-up echocardiographic assessment (> one month) in all dogs where deployment was attempted. Occlusion success rate was 96.9% and mortality rate was 3.1%. Four dogs (13.3%) demonstrated minor complications, with none having long-term significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of AVPII device via a transvenous approach is a feasible and effective method for occlusion of a left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus in dogs of a wide range of weight. The method described may complement existing catheter-based occlusion methods.