Percutaneous occlusion of small patent ductus arteriosus with detachable Gianturco spring coils. Preliminary results

INTRODUCTION: Botallo's duct occlusion with Gianturco coils is effective in the fistulas with max. diameter of 3.3 mm. The insertion technique does not permit to control coil positioning inside the fistula and the coil itself may migrate to the pulmonary artery. We report our experience with a new system of temporary hookup of the coil proximal end to a metal thread (Cook device) which permits to change the position of the coil or to replace it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 6 patients with persistence of Botallo's duct (O: 2-3.5 mm, mean: 2.9 mm). The duct was occluded in 5/6 patients. The coil migrated to the pulmonary artery in a case where the hookup system permitted to retrieve and then replace it with a bigger coil which was also retrieved because it was too big for the small aorta. No complications were observed. RESULTS: Follow-up chest films at 24 hours showed coil stability and color Doppler US confirmed the occlusion. The patients were discharged after 24 hours. The follow-up at 6 months confirmed the procedure success. CONCLUSIONS: The hookup system was effective to control coil positioning and to extract and replace the coils. The effectiveness of this occlusion technique would be improved if a wider range of coil sizes and types were available.