Percutaneous transcatheter occlusion of the patent arterial duct using the pfm DuctOcclud Coil® via a trans-aortic and trans-pulmonary approach

: Occlusion using coils is now the treatment of choice for closure of the patent arterial duct. The DuctOcclud (pfm AG, Cologne, Germany) device is a relatively new retrievable coil for such trans-catheter closure. This study expands on previously reported experience with this device, summarizes the advantages of the device, and compares trans-pulmonary and trans-aortic delivery in 47 patients. There were 27 females. The mean, and median, ages were 4.6, and 2.85 years, respectively. The youngest patient was aged 9 months, weighing 7 kg. A trans-aortic delivery was used in 41 cases, and a trans-pulmonary approach in 6 cases. Of the 47 procedures, 45 (96%) were successful at the first attempt. The other two patients were treated successfully at the second attempt, giving a 100% rate of success. The technical characteristics of the coil allowed for its repeated maneuvering until an optimal position was obtained prior to release. Closure was confirmed by lack of ductal flow by echo-doppler on follow- up echocardiography. No short- or long-term complications of the procedure were noted in any of the patients. We conclude that the DuctOcclud device is an effective and safe method for closure of the small-to-moderately patent arterial duct. In a large proportion of patients, trans-aortic delivery is the preferred approach.