Percutaneous catheter closure of the ductus arteriosus in children and young adults

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the use of Rashkind occluders and/or Gianturco coils: long-term follow-up in 123 patients and special reference to comparison, residual shunts, complications, and technique

BACKGROUND

This report describes the long-term follow-up of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with 2 different modalities in 123 patients of diverse ages.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between October 1990 and August 1997, 123 patients underwent transcatheter PDA (1.9 to 7.5 mm) closure at a mean age of 6.8 +/- 8.9 years (range 0.06 to 52) and mean weight of 20.9 +/- 17. 6 kg (range 2.7 to 83). In the initial procedure, the Rashkind device was used in 60, the Gianturco coil(s) in 60, and the Rashkind device with a coil in 3 patients. Six-month closure rate for the Rashkind group was 77% versus 90% for the coil group. The second procedure was carried out for residual shunt in 19 (14 in the Rashkind group and 5 in the coil group) and a third procedure in 1 patient from the Rashkind group. A balloon wedge catheter was used in 50 of 78 coil procedures to prevent coil embolization. One device and 11 coils (8 without balloon aid) embolized to the pulmonary arteries. The device and all coils except 2 were retrieved successfully. Overall, 122 (99%) patients showed complete PDA closure. The mean uneventful follow-up period was 44.11 +/- 23.77 months (range 8.7 to 90.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter closure of PDA is feasible in infants as well as in patients >50 years of age without significant complications. The coils are easy to implant, less expensive, and multiple coils may be used in moderately large (>3.5 mm) ducts more effectively than with the Rashkind device. The use of a balloon wedge catheter prevents immediate coil embolization. Multiple procedures are feasible and safe to achieve complete closure.

[Ductus closure in adults with the Rashkind device: comparative results]

INTRODUCTION

Catheter occlusion of the persistent ductus arteriosus with Rashkind device is an alternative to the surgical closure demonstrated in children, however a few results have been reported of occlusion in adults.

METHOD

From 1990 to 1996 in 127 patients with persistent ductus arteriosus undergoing occlusion by Raskind device. Two groups according age: 105 children (< 14 years) and 22 adults (> 14 years), were studied retrospectively. The results were analysed by immediate aortogram and follow-up at 24 hours, 6 and 12 months by color-Doppler echocardiograms.

RESULTS

The adults were frequently asymptomatic (86%) and with high incidence (59%) of silent ductus. Similar QP/QS (1.61 +/- 0.47 in adults vs 1.49 +/- 0.51) was calculated although pulmonary pressure was superior in children (12.50 +/- 2.97 vs 16.84 +/- 5.88 mmHg; p = 0.003). In group > 14 years the ductal anatomy favorable (Krichenko type A or B) was more frequent (91% vs 73%; p = 0.06) and ductal diameter significantly higher (3.03 +/- 1.50 vs 2.41 +/- 0.96 mm; p = 0.009). In adults 17 mm umbrella were used more frequently (91 vs 61%; p = 0.02). Absence complications (embolization, bacteremia, haemolysis, proximal stenosis of the left pulmonary artery) were found in adults against 4.72% in children. The occlusion were more effective in adults specially in early controls: 55% vs 34% (p = 0.09), 82% vs 69%, 91% vs 77% and 95% vs 83% (p > 0.10). Multivariate analysis identified age as an independent predictor of complete occlusion.

CONCLUSION

Our experience in transcatheter occlusion of persistent ductus arteriosus with Rashkind device in adults support the efficacy, safety and excellent early results despite higher incidence of silent asymptomatic ductus.

Retrievable patent ductus arteriosus plug for interventional, transvenous occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus. Evaluation in lambs and preliminary clinical results

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The clinically most widely used devices (Porstmann-plug, Rashkind-umbrella, Botallooccluder) have inherent specific limitations (eg, transarterial approach, residual shunts, limited retrieval). The authors assess practicability, efficacy, and tissue reaction of the new retrievable transvenous plug device for the occlusion of the persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

METHODS

A foam plug (polyvinyl alcohol) is mounted on a titanium core pin where, at both ends, small legs (titanium nickel alloy) with titanium heads are anchored, to ensure safe fixation in the ductus. The device is introduced transvenously through a long sheath (Mullins sheath) and held by a modified biopsy forceps allowing complete retrieval until final release. A common lamb model of large PDAs (n = 11) was used to test for practicability and the histomorphologic outcome. Clinical results were obtained from a consecutive series of 16 patients (aged 13 to 71 years).

RESULTS

In all lambs, placement of the plug within the PDA was possible. Histopathology (follow-up 10 to 215 days; mean 112 days) revealed an adequate ingrowing of the device and no pathologic foreign body reaction. The diameter of the human PDAs ranged from 3 to 7 mm (mean 5 mm). The size of the sheath used for introducing the plug (diameter 8 to 16 mm) ranged from 8 to 16 French. Fourteen of 16 PDAs were closed immediately after or on day 1 after implantation, 1 was closed after the 12-month follow-up, and 1 needed an additional plug after 30 months for definitive closure.

CONCLUSIONS

The device demonstrated practicability and biocompatibility in our experimental lamb model and effectively closed the PDA in a consecutive series of 16 patients. A greater number of patients and a longer follow-up period are necessary for the definitive clinical assessment of the new device.

Experimental evaluation of a new self-expanding patent ductus arteriosus occluder in a canine model

PURPOSE

A new self-expanding patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluder was designed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Percutaneous closure of surgically created aortopulmonary shunts was attempted in 19 dogs. The occlusion device consisted of a nitinol wire frame tightly woven into a cylinder with a flat retention disc. A polyester-filled frame was used in the last six procedures. A 6-F introducing sheath was advanced across the aortopulmonary conduit into the descending thoracic aorta. The prosthesis (attached on a stiff delivery cable) was advanced through the introducing sheath. The retention disc was first released in the descending thoracic aorta, then the cylindrical device frame was expanded within the conduit by withdrawing the sheath.

RESULTS

Subtotal misplacement into the descending aorta occurred in one procedure (overall technical success rate, 95%), and one animal died before the 1-week follow-up. Complete angiographic shunt closure was achieved in seven of 18 (39%) animals at 30 minutes, 12 of 17 (71%) animals at 1 week, 14 of 17 (82%) animals at 1 month, and 11 of 12 (92%) animals at 3 months. Significantly higher 30-minute closure rates occurred with polyester-filled occluders compared with nonfilled occluders (five of five [100%] vs one of 13 [15%]; P = .002). Persistent shunt at 3 months occurred in only one nonfilled device (6%). In the remaining 16 animals, both orifices of the shunt were covered by a smooth glistening neoendothelium at postmortem examination.

CONCLUSION

This device combines the advantages of small delivery system, easy placement, self-centering, and repositionability. Immediate shunt closure can be reliably accomplished with the polyester-filled prosthesis.

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus using controlled-release coils

Controlled-release coils have become available recently for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Transcatheter closure of patent arterial ducts was attempted in 13 patients, ranging in age from 5 months to 15 years, mean 4.1 years. Implantation of controlled-release PDA coils was attempted via the femoral artery through 5 Fr catheters in all cases except one, in whom both the femoral arterial and venous routes were used. The procedure was successful in 10 of the 13 patients. In these, the pulmonary artery systolic pressure ranged between 25 and 42 mmHg and the duct diameter varied from 1.5 to 6 mm at its narrowest point. Six of the patients received a single coil. Two coils were inserted in three patients and three coils in one patient. In three patients the ducts were too large for safe release of the coils, despite attempted implantation of up to three coils simultaneously. These coils were easily withdrawn into the catheter. Immediately at the end of the procedure, the duct was completely occluded in nine of the 10 patients, and in one patient there was a small residual flow. The procedure time varied between 35 min and 2.5 h, mean 81 min and the fluoroscopy time varied from 5 to 78 min, mean 25 min. None of the patients experienced hemorrhage, diminished lower extremity pulse, hemolysis or infection. In one patient, a 5 mm coil embolized into the right pulmonary artery soon after release. It was retrieved with a snare, then 8 mm and a 5 mm coil were implanted satisfactorily in the arterial duct. At follow-up by color Doppler echocardiography, the duct was completely occluded in all patients. Transcatheter closure of patent arterial ducts by controlled-release PDA coils is effective and safe. Even when more than one coil is inserted, it is still cheaper than transcatheter umbrella closure. This method is therefore of great value, particularly in less affluent countries.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus: which method to use and which ductus to close

Many devices have been developed for transcatheter occlusion of PDA. Bulkiness of the device, complexity of the procedure, and significant residual complications make the majority of the devices unsuitable for routine clinical use. Although no randomized comparative clinical trials exist, on the basis of published literature and my personal experience, coil occlusion may be best suited to close small ducts (< or = 3.5 mm) and the adjustable buttoned device may be most appropriate for large PDAs (> 3.5 mm). Clinical trials on larger patient populations than are currently available and long-term follow-up are necessary to further support these recommendations. Indications for transcatheter closure should be exactly as those used for surgical closure: PDA with audible continuous murmur with echo Doppler confirmation. The so-called silent ducts need not be closed.

Thrombosis on the Rashkind double umbrella device: a complication of PDA occlusion

A 3-year-old child with a patent arterial duct underwent percutaneous transcatheter occlusion using Rashkind's "double umbrella" technique. The procedure, using a 17 mm device, was uncomplicated. An echocardiogram done 6 hr later showed a mobile 5 x 3 mm thrombus on the pulmonary aspect of the device. The thrombus resolved after 24 hr of intravenous heparin.

Forty-six years of patient ductus arteriosus division at Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago. Standards for comparison

OBJECTIVE

The authors reviewed a large surgical experience (during five decades) with ligation and division of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in light of previously reported historical standards and present-day alternatives.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Ligation of PDA was first performed by Gross in 1938. Various surgical techniques used since then have included ligation and division, simple ligation, and hemaclip application. Recently introduced therapies include percutaneous transcatheter ductal closure devices (PTDC) and video-assisted thoracotomy (VAT). Percutaneous transcatheter ductal closure device protagonists cite surgical recurrence rates as high as 22% to justify continued application.

METHODS

Between 1947 and 1993, 98.2% of 1108 patients (premature babies excluded) had interruption of PDA by ligation and division. Recent improvements have included muscle-sparing thoracotomy, minimal use of tube thoracostomy, and same-day surgery.

RESULTS

Mortality was zero and morbidity (4.4%) has been low over time. Mean age at surgery has decreased from 5.9 +/- 3.3 years to 3.6 +/- 3.8 years (p < 0.001); patients requiring blood transfusion decreased from 34% to 4.6% (p < 0.001); and length of hospital stay (LOS) has decreased from 12.1 +/- 2.9 days to 3.8 +/- 2.1 days (p < 0.001). Length of stay for the last 27 patients was 2.8 +/- .8 days. Patient ductus arteriosus recurrence rate is zero with this technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence rates for PTDC are high with as yet unknown consequences of large catheter vascular access, endocarditis, or left pulmonary artery stenosis. Video-assisted thoracotomy for PDA interruption has the potential for uncontrolled exsanguinating hemorrhage. Open thoracotomy for PDA ligation and division can be performed safely and without recurrence through a muscle-sparing incision with short LOS. All other therapeutic interventions must be compared to these standards.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus by Rashkind umbrella device: follow-up results

Seventy-six patients (36 boys and 40 girls) with patent ductus arteriosus who had successful ductal occlusion with a Rashkind umbrella device were monitored for a period of 6 to 60 months (mean 26.7 +/- 12.3 months). All patients were evaluated by pulsed and color Doppler echocardiography before and after the procedure. The prevalence of residual left-to-right shunt and main pulmonary artery flow pattern were assessed. Residual left-to-right shunt was seen in 12 (15.7%) patients 24 hours after the procedure, but the shunt was small with a pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio of < 1.3:1. Repeat echo Doppler study at 14 days showed residual left-to-right shunt in 10 (13.1%) patients. None of these patients showed further decrease in prevalence of residual left-to-right shunt. The patients with residual left-to-right shunt had larger ductii (mean 5.17 +/- 0.88 mm, range 4.23 to 6.6 mm) as compared to patients with no residual left-to-right shunt (3.31 +/- 0.86 mm, range 1.8 to 4.69 mm; p < 0.001). Two patients with residual shunt had successful ductus reocclusion, with 12 and 17 mm devices, respectively, at 28 month of follow-up. The Rashkind umbrella device is effective in closing ducti with diameters of < 5 mm in majority of patients.

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

OBJECTIVES

This report summarizes our experience with the use of occluding spring coils to close the small patent ductus arteriosus.

BACKGROUND

Several patent ductus arteriosus occluders (most notably the Rashkind device) have been developed and studied. Occluding spring coils have been used to close abnormal vessels and vascular connections. We previously reported the use of occluding spring coils to close the small patent ductus arteriosus in a small group of patients. This report describes our series of patients having patent ductus arteriosus closure with occluding spring coils.

METHODS

Between June 1990 and June 1993, 30 patients underwent cardiac catheterization to have patent ductus arteriosus closure by occluding spring coils. Selection criteria were age > 6 months and narrowest patent ductus arteriosus internal dimension < or = 3.0 mm by color flow imaging. Definitive selection was based on review of aortograms performed at catheterization. A 5.2F coronary catheter was used to deliver one or two standard occluding spring coils. A loop was delivered in the main pulmonary artery, and the remainder of the coil was delivered across the patent ductus arteriosus and into the aortic diverticulum. Patent ductus arteriosus closure was confirmed by aortography or color flow imaging, or both. Follow-up after coil placement occurred at 6 weeks and 6 months and included two-view chest radiography, echocardiography and color flow imaging.

RESULTS

Of the 30 patients, 29 had successful implantation by one (27 patients) or two (2 patients) occluding spring coils. Of these 29 patients, 19 had a clinically apparent and 10 had a silent patent ductus arteriosus. Average ductus minimal internal dimension was 1.7 mm (range 1.0 to 3.0). Complete closure of the ductus was confirmed in 27 patients by aortography or color flow imaging or both (in 24 within 4 h, in 2 after 6 weeks and in 1 after 6 months). Six weeks after implantation, two patients had a tiny residual patent ductus arteriosus noted on color flow imaging. One patient did not have successful implantation. This patient had a 3.2-mm ductus, and two coils migrated to the distal left pulmonary artery and could not be retrieved. There were no deaths or any significant complications noted during early or late follow-up in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Occluding spring coils may have additional application in closing the small patent ductus arteriosus.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus with adjustable buttoned device. Initial clinical experience

BACKGROUND

Several devices are available for transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus. Most of these devices either require complicated intracardiac maneuvering, have not been tried in humans, or need a large-sized sheath for implantation of the device.

METHODS AND RESULTS

During a 26-month period ending November 1992, 14 patients underwent transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with an adjustable buttoned device delivered via a 7F sheath under an institutional review board-approved custom-made device protocol. The children were 15 months to 8 years of age with weight range of 7.2 to 19 kg. The patent ductus arteriosus measured from 2 to 7.5 mm (median, 3 mm) at the narrowest diameter and was conical, short, or tubular. They were occluded with devices measuring 15 to 20 mm. The ratio of pulmonary to systemic flow decreased (P < .01) from 1.9 +/- 0.6 (mean +/- SD; range, 1.3 to 3.2) to 1.05 +/- 0.1 (1 to 1.3). Continuous murmur of patent ductus arteriosus disappeared in all except 1 patient. Small residual shunts were detected by color Doppler studies in 4 of 14 patients (29%). All patients were followed for 1 to 24 months (mean, 6 +/- 7 months). The device was intact in all patients, and no breakage of the wires was noted. No shunts were seen in 12 of 14 patients (86%), and minute residual shunts were seen in 2 children. No major complications were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the adjustable buttoned device is feasible and effective and can be accomplished via small 7F sheaths; a 7F sheath is adequate for all ductal sizes; and the adjustable length of the loop accommodated all types of patent ductus arteriosus. Clinical trials on a larger number of patients are warranted.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in adults

This study examines whether transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using a Rashkind PDA occluder device is safe and effective in adults, or if adults have complications not sited in children owing to prolonged aorticopulmonary communication, high surgical risks or calcified PDAs. Fifteen patients aged 22 to 76 years (mean 42 +/- 14) were referred for transcatheter PDA occlusion. Exercise intolerance was the most frequent clinical manifestation. Eleven of 15 patients had surgical risk factors that included left ventricular failure (n = 10), biventricular failure (n = 1), elevated pulmonary pressures (n = 1), and a calcified PDA (n = 5). Twelve millimeter devices were placed in 4 PDAs < or = 3 mm in diameter; 17 mm devices were placed in 11 PDAs 3 to 6 mm in diameter. Seven (47%) were occluded angiographically shortly after device placement; another 5 PDAs (33%) were occluded echocardiographically within 24 hours of the procedure. Completed occlusion in this time interval was more likely to occur in PDAs < 5 mm in diameter (p = 0.0009). Of the 3 remaining PDAs with follow-up ranging from 9 to 38 months, 2 have demonstrated gradual diminution of shunting and have trivial leaks by color/Doppler flow. The other patient with a residual PDA has no ductal flow after placement of a second device. No complications related to device implantation or closure of the PDA occurred in any patient. No complications were reported in the follow-up patients who received evaluation (14 of 15 patients; range 1 to 38 months).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Protrusion of the device: a complication of catheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus

OBJECTIVE

To assess the medium term results of percutaneous transvenous closure of patent ductus arteriosus, in particular with regard to protrusion of the device with or without turbulence of the bloodflow.

DESIGN

Clinical examination and echocardiographic study (cross sectional Doppler, and colour Doppler examination) within 24 hours of and at least 6 months after implantation (range 6-26 (mean 15) months).

SETTING

Multicentre study at the departments of paediatric cardiology of three academic hospitals. Tertiary clinical care of the first group of patients in the Netherlands treated by the percutaneous transvenous method.

PATIENTS

36 patients (12 male, 24 female) mean age 8.2 years, (range 1.7-58.3), mean weight 25.5 kg (range 11-67.8 kg). The total group consisted of 46 patients. In one the implantation had failed and nine others were not available for regular follow up. All 36 patients underwent non-surgical closure of the patent ductus arteriosus with a Rashkind double umbrella prosthesis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diagnosis or exclusion of protrusion of the Rashkind device with or without turbulence of the blood flow with follow up of changes in protrusion and turbulence.

RESULTS

In 17 patients the prosthesis protruded into an arterial lumen: the aorta in 13 and the (left) pulmonary artery in four, with turbulence in seven and two cases respectively. After six months the aortic protrusion disappeared in three, including one who had had turbulent blood flow. At the end of follow up the prosthesis still protruded into the aorta in 10 but in three the turbulence had vanished. In two of the three remaining patients with turbulence in the descending aorta the degree of turbulence had decreased. There was no lessening of turbulence in the four patients in whom the device protruded into the pulmonary artery.

CONCLUSIONS

The Rashkind double umbrella can protrude into the descending aorta and the left pulmonary artery without causing turbulent blood flow. Turbulence and the protrusion itself can disappear. Endocarditis prophylaxis may be required for as long as the device causes turbulence.

Successful transcatheter closure of patent arterial duct six years after balloon dilatation of coarctation of the aorta

A boy underwent total transcatheter occlusion of a patent arterial duct six years after successful balloon angioplasty of a native coarctation of the aorta. After successful implantation of a 12 mm device in the patent arterial duct there was no gradient across the descending aorta and five hours later there was no residual leak across the occluded patent arterial duct as judged by color Doppler.

Applications of intravascular scanning and transesophageal echocardiography in congenital heart disease: tradeoffs and the merging of technologies

This chapter will review the evolving role of intravascular ultrasound imaging and transesophageal echo in the care of children, infants and adults with congenital heart disease. The technologies relevant to congenital heart disease applications differ from those involving coronary disease since the intravascular structures imaged often involve visualization of large vessels and cardiac chambers. On the other hand, the requirements for transesophageal echo in children with congenital heart disease involve intraoperative (surgical) and imaging procedures in the catheterization laboratory which are performed for monitoring interventional catheterization therapy. As such, whereas the intravascular devices needed for pediatric cases involve lower frequency and sometimes larger catheters, the requirements for transesophageal echocardiography require higher frequency and smaller esophagoscopes. Applications of intravascular imaging including sizing of congenital stenoses, dilation of coarctation and valvular stenoses, imaging of intrapulmonary thrombi and monitoring of placement of ASD 'button' devices in the heart will be reviewed. The intraoperative transesophageal uses for monitoring infant surgery include procedures for tetralogy repair, transposition repair and repair of AV septal defects and other complex congenital heart disorders. Both of these 'invasive' methods of echocardiography have an important and evolving role in the management of congenital heart disease in children and infants.

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with buttoned device: first successful clinical application in a child

Several devices are available for transcatheter closure of PDA. Most of the available devices either require complicated intracardiac maneuvering or need a large-sized sheath for implantation of the device. A recently described "buttoned" device developed by Sideris et al. that can be delivered across the ductus via a 7F sheath had undergone successful trials in animal models. Because of the ease of device implantation and the requirement for a smaller-sized sheath for delivery than that used with other devices, we have used this custom-made double-disc device in a 5-year-old child and have shown successful closure of the ductus by angiography and by color Doppler studies. Further clinical trials with this device seem warranted.

Double-umbrella device for transvenous closure of patent ductus arteriosus and atrial septal defect: first experience

A new device for transcatheter closure of heart defects was constructed and used to close a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in seven adult patients and an atrial septal defect (ASD) in six adult patients. The device consisted of two self-opening umbrellas and a piece of Ivalon. A Dacron patch was sewn on the "male" umbrella for the ASD closure. The device required a 9 Fr introducing venous sheath for PDA and a 14 Fr sheath for the ASD. The venoarterial (right femoral vein-PDA or ASD-left femoral artery) long wire track was arranged. The "male" umbrella and the Ivalon were inserted transvenously one after another, advanced over the long wire across the PDA or ASD and extruded into the aorta or left atrium, respectively. The "female" umbrella was advanced transvenously over the long wire into the pulmonary artery (for PDA) or into the right atrium (for ASD). The metal conus on the long wire was used to pull the "male" umbrella while a special stiff pusher was used to bring the "female" umbrella to the "male" umbrella along the long wire. By these means the umbrellas interlocked at the defect level and closed it. The long wire was then removed through the left femoral artery. Protrusion of the interlocked device through the PDA occurred in one patient and through the ASD in two patients. In all three patients the device was kept on the wire until surgery and an early postrelease device embolization was avoided. In all other patients the defects were successfully closed. The follow-up of 3-27 months was uneventful in all patients. These results indicate that the described procedure is effective and safe, and warrants further clinical trial.