Anterograde transcatheter occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus with Gianturco coils--a new, effective and inexpensive technique.

OBJECTIVE

To report the use of Gianturco coils in non-surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

DESIGN

Retrospective review of patient data.

SETTING

Two specialist paediatric cardiology units in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Town, South Africa.

PATIENTS: Thirty children (median age 36 months, weight 12.5 kg) and one adult (24 years old) with PDA underwent attempted transcatheter closure of the duct between August 1994 and February 1995.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of duct closure as measured angiographically or with colour flow Doppler techniques after insertion of a Gianturco coil or coils.

RESULTS

Total occlusion was achieved in 90% of patients. In 2 patients accidental embolisation of the coil occurred during the procedure. The coils were easily retrieved with a snare retrieval device. The median diameter of PDA occluded was 2.5 mm. Between 1 and 6 coils were used to achieve occlusion. The median procedure time was 79 minutes. Seventy-nine per cent of patients in Riyadh were handled as day cases.

CONCLUSION

Anterograde transcatheter occlusion of a small to moderate PDA with Gianturco coils is safe and effective. The technique is considerably less expensive than the Rashkind double umbrella.