[Closure of the persistent ductus arteriosus (Botalli) using a catheter procedure; the initial 50 patients treated in The Netherlands].

Experience gained with non-surgical catheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in 50 patients (1-65 years) is described. Embolisation of the Rashkind device into the right pulmonary artery occurred in 1 patient. In another patient the device was removed because the prongs of the proximal umbrella could not be visualized. In 4 patients a considerable residual shunt was successfully treated with implantation of a second device. In 1 of these 4 patients this resulted in disappearance of considerable haemolysis as well. Five patients, however, still have a--haemodynamically insignificant--residual shunt. In 43 patients catheter occlusion of the ductus arteriosus was 100% successful. The advantages and disadvantages of this method are briefly compared with those of surgical treatment.