Live broadcast of transcatheter PDA closure in a 700 grams ELBW infant during the International PDA Symposium.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to describe a live case transmission of transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in an extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infant during the first International PDA Symposium conducted in Memphis, Tennessee.

SETTING

A multidisciplinary team approach including audiovisual specialists, information technology specialists, physicians, nurses, and other health care specialists was required to perform the transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in an ELBW infant at LeBonheur Children's Hospital and the procedure was broadcast live to the attendees at the International PDA Symposium allowing for a two-way audiovisual discussion during the procedure.

PATIENT: The patient was a 14 days old 24-week premature ELBW infant, who weighed 700 g at the time of the procedure. The patient was requiring mechanical ventilation secondary to pulmonary hemorrhage. The PDA measured 4 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length.

INTERVENTIONS: TCPC was performed safely without any procedural complications using a specialized minimally invasive technique.

OUTCOME MEASURES: The patient was weaned off the ventilator in < 7 days after the procedure. The child was discharged 9 weeks after the procedure (35 weeks' corrected gestation) weighing 2.2 kg, on full oral feeds and no supplemental oxygen.

RESULTS

The successful TCPC allowed for this child to have an uneventful hospital course. The case also highlights the technical nuances involved in setting up the live transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrated to the audience in the International PDA Symposium the feasibility and safety of performing TCPC in an ELBW infant. Live cases are useful in exhibiting the nuances involved in any new technique and allows for best learning experience.