Transcatheter closure of a calcified patent ductus arteriosus in an elderly man.

Successful transcatheter closure of a calcified patent ductus arteriosus was performed in a symptomatic 78 year old man. Cardiac catheterization revealed a left to right shunt across the patent ductus arteriosus with a pulmonary to systemic flow ratio of 2.8:1. Calcification of the ductus and severe lung disease increased the risk of surgical patent ductus arteriosus closure. A 17 mm Rashkind double umbrella was positioned in the ductus percutaneously by way of the femoral vein. After closure of the ductus there was marked hemodynamic improvement and the patient was discharged with improved exercise tolerance. Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus may be a viable option for the elderly patient too sick to withstand cardiovascular surgery.