Transcatheter embolization coil closure of patent ductus arteriosus--modified delivery for enhanced control during coil positioning.

The use of Gianturco coils (Cook, Inc., Bloomington, IN) has been recently described as a method of occluding restrictive patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Precise control of the coil during positioning or withdrawal is difficult. We designed an inexpensive and readily available system to control the coil during delivery and repositioning. A 5 French Mallincrodt vertebral catheter was heat tapered to allow slight, but definite resistance of a 0.035" guide wire when it was passed through the catheter. The delivery system has been used to successfully coil occlude restrictive PDAs in seven patients. The system has added no additional costs to the procedure and has provided improved control of the coil position prior to release of the coil.