Closure of short, wide patent ductus arteriosus with cardiopulmonary bypass and balloon occlusion.

The wide, short patent ductus arteriosus in adults and older adolescents poses an extreme hazard with standard closed ligation techniques. The method of transpulmonary balloon catheter occlusion and repair of pediatric ductus arteriosus is herein reported in older patients using a Foley catheter and normothermic bypass. Transesophageal echocardiography is crucial in assessing the size of the ductus and confirming adequacy of repair. The technique is simple and safe even in the presence of a wide, short ductus.