Pre-existing left pulmonary artery stenosis and other anomalies associated with device occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus.

A retrospective analysis was performed on 200 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac catheterization for occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) at a single center by a single operator. Four significant anomalies were observed: pre-existing Left Pulmonary Artery (LPA) stenosis, left recurrent laryngeal nerve (LRLN) injury, electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, and aorto-pulmonary (AP) collateral arteries. The observation of pre-existing LPA stenosis, marked EKG changes, and permanent LRLN injury have not been previously reported. Incidence, etiology, and clinical significance of these anomalies are discussed with specific new recommendations for the prevention of LRLN injury and occlusion of AP collaterals.