Percutaneous closure of the small patent ductus arteriosus using occluding spring coils

Coil occlusion of a residual ductus arteriosus remaining after implantation of a buttoned device

A 20-mo-old boy presented with persistence of significant shunt 13 mo after patent ductus arteriosus closure using the Sideris buttoned device. This residual shunt through the ductus arteriosus was successfully occluded using a Gianturco coil.

Transcatheter occlusion of the arterial duct with Cook detachable coils: early experience

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of modified, controlled release Gianturco coils for transcatheter occlusion of the arterial duct.

DESIGN

Prospective study, approved by local medical ethics committee.

SETTING

Tertiary paediatric cardiac centre.

PATIENTS

43 patients with left to right shunting through the arterial duct, two of whom had a residual leak after surgical ligation and three had residual shunting after previous Rashkind umbrella implantation.

INTERVENTION

Transcatheter delivery of one or more coils to the arterial duct.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complete occlusion of the arterial duct, based on intention to treat and judged by Doppler echocardiography. Absence of flow disturbance in the branch pulmonary arteries and the descending aorta following the procedure. Assessment of cost of the disposable items used.

RESULTS

At a median follow up period of three months complete duct occlusion was achieved in 37 (86%) of the 43 patients. No flow disturbance in the branch pulmonary arteries or the descending aorta was detected in any patient. The median cost of disposable items used during the procedure was 342 pounds.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cook detachable coil is an effective and financially attractive alternative to the Rashkind umbrella for closure of the arterial duct.

Percutaneous closure of small patent ductus arteriosus: comparison of Rashkind double-umbrella device and occluding spring coils

We compared our current practice of closing small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with coils with our previous experience of using double-umbrellas. Twelve patients underwent percutaneous closure of a small PDA with a coil. Selection criteria were a minimal diameter of < or = 2.5 mm and angiographic type A or E. The 12 most recent, non-consecutive patients who had undergone double-umbrella device closure of a PDA and would presently be considered suitable candidates for spring coil occlusion were retrospectively reviewed. The two groups were compared with regard to complications and immediate and midterm results. Eleven of the 12 attempted PDA occlusions using spring coils were successful. The mean follow-up period was 5.8 +/- 4.6 months. Color-Doppler echocardiograms have shown no residual leaks, no turbulence in the descending aorta, and no left pulmonary artery stenosis. All 12 attempted double-umbrella device placements were successful. The mean follow-up period was 16.2 +/- 5.8 months. Color-Doppler echocardiograms have shown trivial residual leaks in four patients and mild turbulent flow in the left pulmonary artery in one patient. There was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic and hemodynamic data. Although the mean follow-up time was significantly longer in the patients who underwent double-umbrella closure, there was significantly more color-Doppler echocardiographic evidence of residual flow (P < 0.03). Small PDA closure with coils is effective, resulting in less residual leaks compared with the double-umbrella device.

Transcatheter coil occlusion of surgical fenestration after Fontan operation

BACKGROUND

Fenestration of the Fontan circulation that results in a residual right-to-left shunt has improved operative survival rates among high-risk patients. Late closure of the fenestration by use of a transcatheter umbrella device has achieved separation of the systemic and pulmonary venous circulations, "completing" the Fontan pathway. Because use of umbrella devices is restricted, many institutions continue to perform only nonfenestrated Fontan procedures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Five children 3.5 to 8.3 years old (mean, 5.1 years) underwent cardiac catheterization 0.5 to 24 months (mean, 10 months) after operation for the purpose of occluding a persistently patent Fontan fenestration. Once candidacy was determined, an 8-mm x 10-cm Gianturco coil was delivered to straddle the fenestration with established techniques for coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus. Complete occlusion occurred in 4 of 5 patients, in 2 of the 4 before they left the catheterization laboratory. One patient had a residual angiographic shunt but had complete closure within 24 hours by echocardiography. In 1 patient who had a residual shunt at 24 hours, the fenestration was completely closed at 1 month after coil placement. One patient had residual shunting at 2 months but saturations have increased 15% to 17% since coil placement. No embolizations (early or late), clinical hemolysis, thromboembolic events, or hemodynamic deterioration occurred among patients during 1- to 14-month follow-up periods.

CONCLUSIONS

A persistently patent fenestration after Fontan operation may be closed with a Gianturco coil. This universally available alternative to umbrella devices may make the fenestrated Fontan a more appealing option to centers that had not previously considered its use.

Follow-up of coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the prevalence and fate of residual ductal shunting following coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus.

BACKGROUND

Although transcatheter coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus has gained popularity, few follow-up data have been reported.

METHODS

A review of 75 patients who underwent coil occlusion was performed. Residual shunting was investigated by Doppler echocardiography in follow-up. Angiograms were reviewed to obtain minimal ductal diameter and ductal angiographic type.

RESULTS

Residual shunts were found in 31 patients (41%) on the day of the procedure, and of these, spontaneous closure was noted in 17 (55%) at 2 weeks to 20 months of follow-up. Of the 75 patients studied, 5 (7%) required a second coil procedure, and 10 (13%) remained with persistent residual shunts at most recent follow-up. Actuarial analysis estimated a 6 +/- 5% prevalence of residual shunts 20 months after a single coil procedure and 3 +/- 3% after all coil procedures. Minimal ductal diameter was associated with immediate complete ductal occlusion by a single coil. These patients had significantly smaller (p = 0.003) minimal ductal diameters (1.2 +/- 0.7 mm) than those who required two coils during their initial procedure to achieve immediate occlusion (1.9 +/- 0.7 mm), those who required a second coil procedure (2.0 +/- 0.9 mm), those who had spontaneous closure of residual shunts (1.9 +/- 0.7 mm) and those with persistent residual shunts (2.0 +/- 0.9 mm). No association was identified between ductal angiographic type and outcome of coil occlusion. No late adverse clinical events of coil occlusion or evidence of recanalization was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Small residual shunts are common after coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus, but most close spontaneously. Actuarial analysis estimates complete closure in 94% at 20 months, and reintervention was required in only 7% of patients.

Unraveling of a Gianturco coil during reocclusion of a patent ductus arteriosus

The Gianturco spring coil has been employed in the settling of the small arterial duct and for reocclusion of residual shunts; the ability to manipulate the coil is advantageous for optimal results. This case study reports an associated complication of unraveling of the coil. Careful attention to coil appearance during manipulation and the use of 0.038-inch coils may reduce this risk.

Occlusion of the neonatal patent ductus arteriosus with a simple retrievable device: a feasibility study

PURPOSE

To examine the feasibility of transvenous placement of a new memory-shaped, small, retrievable coil that has a smaller-caliber delivery system than currently available devices, for closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

METHODS

Through 4 or 5 Fr vascular sheaths and 4 or 5 Fr end-hold catheters, the coils were delivered and placed in piglets (n = 10) with PDA. The coils were made from 0.018" (0.46 mm) or 0.028" (0.71 mm) stainless steel guidewire. Mounted for delivery, the new device has the appearance of a conventional guidewire. This neonatal PDA model was created without major surgery or drugs by stenting the ductus arteriosus.

RESULTS

The memory-shaped coils were easily delivered. Coils not optimally placed were retrieved and repositioned. Occlusion of the ductus arteriosus as early as a half-hour after delivery was shown angiographically and confirmed by histopathology.

CONCLUSION

This new, small-caliber, simple device was found to be effective for closure of the PDA in this animal model. Longer-term observations are needed.

Effectiveness of a thermal shape-memory patent ductus arteriosus occlusion coil

A new shape-memory coil for transcatheter closure of the PDA was developed and evaluated in a dog PDA model. The coil is sensitive to temperature (composed of thermal shape-memory nickel-titanium). The coil was delivered to and implanted in the PDA model with a 5F catheter through the femoral artery. The PDA model was made in 14 dogs by infrarenal aorta banding (diameter 2.0 +/- 0.6 mm; length 2.9 +/- 0.1 mm). Coils were implanted in 10 dogs, whereas the other 4 dogs served as controls. Complete occlusion of the PDA model was confirmed by angiography 24 hours after the coil implantation in 7 of 10 dogs, whereas small residual flow was noted even 2 weeks after the coil implantation in the other 3 dogs. The PDA model internal diameter in the dogs with complete occlusion (1.8 +/- 0.2 mm) was significantly smaller than the diameter in dogs with residual flow (2.9 +/- 0.4 mm, P < 0.05). In the 4 control dogs, the PDA model remained patent 2 weeks after the banding. We conclude that the transcatheter occlusion with the shape-memory coil was effective in the small-diameter PDA model.

Interventional cardiac catheterization therapy for combined coarctation of the aorta and patent ductus arteriosus: successful outcome in two infants

We report two infants each with coarctation of the aorta and small patent ductus arteriosus who had balloon angioplasty therapy for aortic obstruction at 3-6 months of age followed by anterograde placement of a single Gianturco coil to close the ductus at a separate catheterization. One infant developed recoarctation that resolved with repeat angioplasty prior to closure of the ductus. Follow-up evaluations have demonstrated a trivial aortic gradient, no aortic aneurysm, and no residual shunt.

Comparison of hospital charges for closure of patent ductus arteriosus by surgery and by transcatheter coil occlusion

Hospital charges for coil occlusion were significantly less than for surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus, and were reduced over time as experience permitted refinement of the coil occlusion protocol. The expected hospital charges for closure by a coil occlusion strategy, including the charges for surgical closure in patients with failed coil occlusion, was less than the hospital charges for surgical closure strategy under any reasonable estimate of coil occlusion efficacy.

Transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus: comparison between the Rashkind occluder device and the anterograde Gianturco coils technique

Thirty-five patients (mean age 43.7 months, mean weight 13 kg) underwent anterograde patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion with Gianturco coils (coil group). These patients were compared with 35 age- and weight-matched patients who underwent closure of their PDA with the Rashkind umbrella device (device group). The mean PDA diameter at its narrowest point was 2.8 mm in the coil group and 2.7 mm in the device group. There was immediate closure angiographically in 20 (57%) of 35 in the coil group compared with 9 (26%) of 35 for the device group. Color flow mapping before discharge revealed complete closure in 30 (86%) of 35 in the coil group compared with 18 (51%) of 35 in the device group (chi square = 9.5455, p < 0.005). Mean fluoroscopy time was 18.5 minutes (median 13.5 minutes) and 14.7 minutes (median 13 minutes) for the coil and device, respectively. Four coils and one device embolized down the pulmonary artery; all were successfully retrieved in the catheterization lab. Coil closure of the small to moderate PDA is safe and effective. It is more effective in achieving immediate closure than the Rashkind device. More clinical trials with the coil technique are warranted to establish the long-term results of this technique.

New forceps delivery technique for coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus

We remain very enthusiastic about transcatheter coil occlusion of the PDA. However, surgical ligation has been performed successfully and with relatively low risk of complications. Therefore, an alternative nonsurgical technique must demonstrate comparable success and safety. We believe that this new forceps delivery technique has significant advantages over previously reported PDA coil occlusion techniques and should warrant further clinical investigation.

Additional aortopulmonary collaterals in patients referred for coil occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus

Coexisting aortopulmonary collaterals in patients diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are rare findings. Percutaneous transcatheter closure of PDA and requisite aortography offer an unique opportunity to identify and treat these systemic arterial anomailes, which would be missed by echocardiographic evaluation alone. The significance of these collaterals is unclear, but it may contribute to left heart dilation from additional left to right shunting in patients with an otherwise isolated small PDA. Of 18 patients undergoing transcatheter occlusion of a PDA with Gianturco coils, 2 were found to an additional significant aortopulmonary collaterals, which were also occluded.

Transcatheter closure of residual patent ductus arteriosus shunting after the Rashkind occluder device using single or multiple Gianturco coils

Transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using the Rashkind occluder or the buttoned device is accompanied with a 7-38% incidence of residual shunt. Closure of the residual shunt with a second device is expensive, associated with possible morbidity, can be technically challenging, and occasionally does not completely eliminate the shunt. Our objective was to assess the immediate and short-term results of transcatheter closure of residual PDA after the Rashkind device using single or multiple Gianturco coils. Five patients (one male/four female) underwent transcatheter closure of residual PDA at a median age of 8.4 yr (range 2-10.1 yr) and median weight of 23 kg (range 11.8-32 kg). A 4F catheter was used for delivery of the coils in all patients. Three patients underwent multiple coil and two single coil closure with complete elimination of the shunt. There was complete elimination of the shunt as documented by repeat angiography immediately after the coil closure. The median fluoroscopy time was 24 min (range, 22-55 min). All patients were discharged home on the same day. There were no complications Follow-up evaluation was performed with color flow mapping of the main pulmonary artery within 4 hr after closure and 6 weeks later with echocardiography and chest radiography. We conclude that transcatheter closure is an effective therapy for patients with residual PDA after the Rashkind device using the single or multiple coil technique. This technique can be performed on an out-patient basis without the need for general anesthesia and at a lower expense than a repeat occluder device or surgery.

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.

Transcatheter closure of oversized persistent ductus arteriosus by simultaneous delivery of two Rashkind umbrella devices

Transcatheter closure of persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with a diameter of > 9 mm is considered to be impossible or at least difficult with the occlusion systems that are currently available. We report a simple technique for occluding oversized PDAs with two diameter of 13 mm was successfully occluded in a 40-year-old man. Complete closure without residual shunt was documented by echocardiogram and angiogram.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus

This article reviews the current status of transcatheter technology, which has been applied to close the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Pioneering work in this field was performed by Porstmann in the 1960s and Rashkind in the 1970s. Devices which have been implanted in the PDA have basic designs as plugs, umbrellas, or coils. The experience reported with each type of device is detailed. Issues and controversies are examined. It appears that coils should be the preferred method for closing smaller PDAs (3-mm diameter or smaller), and Rashkind or similar devices, if available, should be reserved for larger PDAs (> 3-mm diameter). Surgery is necessary for neonatal and for rare large PDAs. Transcatheter technology is still evolving and may become more effective and cheaper.

Embolization therapy in pediatric cardiology

Transcatheter embolization therapy has assumed an important role in the management of patients with congenital heart disease. A variety of embolization materials, most commonly steel coils, is available to treat or palliate patients with aortopulmonary collateral vessels or surgical shunts, arteriovenous malformations, and anomalous venovenous connections (common after surgical intervention for the univentricular heart). At many centers, coil occlusion has recently become the treatment of choice for patients with a restrictive patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This article describes the materials and techniques of embolization therapy, as well as the common indications encountered in the practice of pediatric interventional cardiology.

Repeat use of occluding spring coils to close residual patent ductus arteriosus

Recent studies have shown that small- and moderate-size patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may be closed with occluding spring coils. As with other percutaneous devices, a low incidence of residual PDAs has been observed in medium-term follow-up. This report describes experience with closing residual PDA by repeat use of occluding spring coils.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for congenital heart disease

Video-assisted endoscopic techniques have reduced operative trauma in adult thoracic and general surgery, but applications in children with congenital heart disease have been limited. We report the development of video-assisted thoracic surgery procedures for neonates and infants with cardiovascular disease. Endoscopic instruments and techniques for pediatric cardiovascular procedures were designed and tested in the animal laboratory. Forty-eight operations were subsequently performed in 46 pediatric patients ranging in age from 2 hours to 14 years (median 9 months), weighing from 575 grams to 54 kg (median 8.5 kg). Clinical applications included seven different surgical procedures: patent ductus arteriosus interruption in infants (n = 26) and premature neonates (n = 5), vascular ring division (n = 8), pericardial drainage and resection (n = 3), arterial and venous collateral interruption (n = 2), thoracic duct ligation (n = 2), epicardial pacemaker lead insertion (n = 1), and diagnostic thoracoscopy (n = 1). There was no operative mortality. Technical success, defined as a video-assisted procedure completed without incising chest wall muscle or spreading the ribs, was achieved in 39 of 48 procedures (82%), with thoracotomy required to complete nine procedures. Most patients (22/25, 88%) undergoing elective ductus ligation were extubated in the operating room and discharged from the hospital within 48 hours of the operation. Eight of the last 10 patients having ductus ligation were discharged on the first postoperative day. Residual ductal flow was assessed by (1) transesophageal echocardiography in the operating room (incidence: 0/25, 0%, 70% CL 0% to 7.3%); (2) discharge auscultation (incidence: 1/30, 3%, 70% CL 0.5% to 10.8%); and (3) follow-up Doppler echocardiography (incidence: 3/25, 12%, 70% CL 5.4% to 22.6%). Video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques can be safely applied to pediatric patients with patent ductus arteriosus and vascular rings and may become an effective addition to the staged management of more complex forms of congenital heart disease.

Results of anterograde transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus using single or multiple Gianturco coils

Retrograde coil embolization of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has been reported for ducts < 3.3 mm in diameter using 5 to 5.5Fr catheters. Our objective was to assess the immediate and short-term results of anterograde transcatheter closure of the PDA using single or multiple Gianturco coils. Thirty-three patients (11 males and 22 females) underwent an attempt at transcatheter closure of the PDA anterogradely at a median age of 2.8 years (range 0.1 to 19) and median weight of 14 kg (range 2.3 to 64). The median PDA diameter at its narrowest segment was 2.8 mm (range 0.5 to 5.3). A 4Fr catheter was used for delivery of the coils in 30 patients and a 3Fr catheter was used in 3 patients. Eighteen patients underwent multiple coil closure for a PDA diameter of > or = 2.5 mm (using 2 coils in 9, 3 coils in 6, 4 coils in 1, and 5 coils in 2 patients). Follow-up evaluation was performed with color flow mapping of the main pulmonary artery. Thirty-one of the 33 patients had complete closure by the coil technique. The 2 unsuccessful attempts were in 2 patients with a large ductus measuring > or = 4.3 mm and of angiographic type B. For all 13 patients in whom a single coil and in 17 patients in whom multiple coils were placed, there was immediate complete closure that persisted at a median follow-up period of 3.8 months. The median fluoroscopy time was 24 minutes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)