Operative management of the calcified patent ductus arteriosus.

A technique in which the calcified adult patent ductus arteriosus can be safely divided using a left-sided thoracotomy approach without the need for transient aortic cross-clamping or cardiopulmonary bypass is described. Concentric, nested vascular clamps are placed on the noncalcified pulmonary artery side of the ductus, so that dissection and clamping of the heavily calcified ductus-aortic junction are unnecessary. The pulmonary artery rim surrounding the insertion of the ductus can be divided between the two clamps and oversewn.