Left pulmonary artery stenosis after transcatheter occlusion of persistent arterial duct

Pulmonary perfusion scans following transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure using the Amplatzer devices

INTRODUCTION

Obstruction to flow in the left pulmonary artery (LPA) is a well-known complication after transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This complication has been studied for different devices using lung perfusion radionuclide scintigraphy (LPRS), but not for Amplatzer devices. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of such devices on lung perfusion using LPRS.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study that looked at all patients who had PDA closure using different Amplatzer devices at our center between July 1999 and January 2007. All patients underwent LPRS within 24 hr of the procedure. We compared LPRS with other hemodynamic data obtained by cardiac catheterization and echocardiography. Results are presented as mean ± SD or median and ranges.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients had PDA closure using an Amplatzer device; median age was 1.8 years (4 months to 75 years) and median weight was 12 kg (5-112 Kg). Nine patients had associated cardiac anomalies. Sixty eight patients had available LPRS. The mean percent of left lung perfusion (LLP) was 42.7% (± 6.7%). Excluding patients with pre-existing LPA stenosis, 17% had abnormally decreased LLP. On hemodynamic measurements, 62 patients had available direct pressure measurements following PDA closure. None had significant increase. No correlation was found with echocardiographic data.

CONCLUSION

PDA closure with Amplatzer family of devices is associated with a relatively significant risk of decreased perfusion to the left lung, mostly mild abnormalities. Comparison with catheterization and echocardiographic measurements showed lack of correlation with LPRS findings.

Obstruction of the Aorta and Left Pulmonary Artery After Gianturco Coil Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

We report an unusual case of simultaneous obstruction of the left pulmonary artery and descending thoracic aorta after Gianturco coil occlusion in a 15-month-old boy. The diagnosis was made by echocardiography and cardiac angiography. At surgery, thrombi coating on the protruded parts of the Gianturco coil in the pulmonary artery and aorta were found.

Arterial duct closure with detachable coils: application in the small child

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus using controlled-release coils was performed in 16 patients weighing < 10 kg. No embolization occurred. Procedure-related complications occurred in 3 patients (18.8%): massive femoral hemorrhage in 1 and femoral artery thrombosis in 2. The ductus recanalized in 1 of them because of mechanical hemolysis caused by streptokinase treatment. This was the only patient who underwent another occlusion procedure. Complete occlusion was achieved in 7 patients (43.8%) immediately, in 13 (81.2%) the following day, and in all 15 patients who had completed the 6-month follow-up. During follow-up, flow velocities between the left and the main pulmonary arteries and between the descending and the ascending aortae did not differ significantly. Flow velocity was > 2 m x sec(-1) in 3 patients in the left pulmonary artery and in 1 in the descending aorta. Protrusion of the coil was seen in 3 of these patients. Flow velocity was also high in the main pulmonary artery in the 4th patient. In conclusion, coil occlusion of ductus arteriosus is feasible in the small child, but no more than half a loop of the coil should be left at the pulmonary site. High flow velocity does not always mean obstruction.

Experimental evaluation of a modified Amplatzer duct occluder

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new device specifically designed for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion based on PDA anatomy. Percutaneous closure of aortopulmonary shunts was attempted in 10 dogs. Shunts were surgically created in the location and orientation of PDA. The occlusion prosthesis consisted of a cylindrical frame filled with polyester and a 32 degree angled retention disk. The delivery system of the device included a 6 Fr thin-walled Teflon introducing sheath, an antirotating delivery catheter, and cable. Complete occlusion of the shunt was obtained in nine animals. One animal died before device placement. Temporary hemolysis occurred in one dog after device placement. The disk of device was completely covered by smooth glistening neoendothelium at 1-3 months postmortem examination. None of the devices protruded into the lumen of the aorta. The device is an improvement over the standard Amplatzer duct occluder. The angled retention disk lies flatly against the aortic wall, avoiding turbulence or an aortic pressure gradient.

Comparison of two transcatheter closure methods of persistently patent arterial duct

A randomized trial of arterial duct occlusion with a double umbrella (DU) or wire coil (WC) was undertaken for patients <18 years of age, weighing >10 kg with isolated ducts < or = 3 mm in diameter. Baseline, procedural, and outcome characteristics were compared in an intention-to-treat analysis according to randomization group. From 40 consecutively screened patients, 2 were not enrolled due to a ductal diameter of >3 mm on initial aortography, 38 patients were randomized to either the DU (n = 20) or WC (n = 18) groups. The groups did not differ significantly with respect to age, weight, gender, duct size, type, or branch pulmonary artery diameters. Crossover occurred only in the DU group, where 4 patients (20%) had a ductal diameter of < or = 1 mm and could not be entered for umbrella placement. All remaining DU group patients had ductal diameters of > or = 1.3 mm (p <0.0001). There were no embolizations or secondary implants in the DU group, but in the WC group there was 1 early and 1 late embolization, with 6 patients (33%) with > or = 2 coils. Mean times for the procedure (DU 68+/-19 minutes; WC 65+/-27 minutes; p = 0.70) and fluoroscopy (DU 14+/-4 minutes; WC 11+/-6 minutes; p = 0.22) did not differ significantly. Angiographic duct closure was documented in 4 of 13 patients (31%) of the DU group and 4 of 18 patients (22%) of the WC group (p = 0.69). Combined with an echocardiogram, closure in 11 of 17 patients with DU (65%) and 13 of 18 patients with WC (72%) (p = 0.64) was documented before hospital discharge. One WC group patient received thrombolytic therapy for a femoral artery thrombus. Follow-up at a median of 6.5 months (range 3.2 to 37) showed closure by Doppler echocardiography in 15 of 19 patients with DU (79%) versus 14 of 18 patients with WC (78%) (p = 1.0). Thus, with a tendency toward similar procedural characteristics and outcomes, the higher cost of the DU system compared with coil implants favors the use of coils for closure of the small arterial duct.

Lung perfusion studies after detachable coil occlusion of persistent arterial duct

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate relative lung perfusion following complete occlusion of persistent arterial duct with detachable Cook coils.

METHODS

Ductal occlusion using detachable coils was performed in 35 patients (median age 3.9 years, range 0.5 to 16; 32 native ducts, three patients with previous devices). If the duct could be crossed with a 0.035 inch guidewire and a 4 F catheter after coil implantation, a further coil was implanted. Between one and seven coils were used (median two).

RESULTS

Complete ductal occlusion was confirmed by echocardiography 24 hours after the procedure in all patients. Lung perfusion scans were performed three months after the procedure in 33 of 35 patients (two older patients with a single coil each did not attend). Decreased perfusion to the left lung (defined as < 40% of total lung flow) was observed in only one patient, who had previously had a 17 mm Rashkind umbrella implanted. There was no correlation between left lung perfusion and peak left pulmonary artery Doppler velocities (r = 0.27 and p = 0.125 for the entire group; r = 0.29 and p = 0.124 after excluding patients with previous devices).

CONCLUSIONS

Coil occlusion is effective in achieving complete closure of the duct. An aggressive approach using multiple coils did not compromise perfusion to the left lung.

Does ductal occlusion with the gianturco coil cause left pulmonary artery and/or descending aorta obstruction?

Thirty-two patients (median age 4.5 years) underwent transcatheter Gianturco coil occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed the day after coil placement and at intermediate follow-up (median 8.6 months). Echocardiographic results were compared with angiographic and hemodynamic data obtained during catheterization. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography performed the day after ductal occlusion displayed evidence of coil protrusion into the left pulmonary artery in 28 of 31 patients (90%) and into the descending aorta in 17 of 29 (59%). However, pulsed Doppler analysis demonstrated normal left pulmonary arterial flow velocities in 28 of 29 patients (97%) and normal descending aortic flow velocities in 26 of 27 (96%). Pulse Doppler results were corroborated by angiographic and hemodynamic catheterization data, which showed no evidence of adjacent vessel obstruction. Peak Doppler velocities among patients with and without 2D echocardiographic left pulmonary artery or descending aorta coil impingement did not differ significantly. The discrepancy between 2D and pulse Doppler findings did not change significantly at intermediate follow-up. Thus, transcatheter occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus with properly implanted Gianturco coils does not cause significant obstruction to flow in the left pulmonary artery or descending aorta despite frequently misleading 2D echocardiographic images of coil impingement on these vessels.

[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.

Effect of multiple coil closure of patent ductus arteriosus on blood flow to the left lung as determined by lung perfusion scans

Lung perfusion scans reveal that multiple-coil closure of the ductus does not interfere with pulmonary blood flow. However, caution is necessary when placing multiple coils in small infants.

Transcatheter occlusion of native persistent ductus arteriosus using conventional Gianturco coils

Two hundred eleven patients with small- to moderate-sized native patent ductus arteriosus underwent closure using Gianturco coils, employing the transvenous multiple catheter approach. Short-term results showed a high rate of complete occlusion and a potential long-term complication of mild left pulmonary artery stenosis in a small number of patients.

The role of surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in the era of the Rashkind device

BACKGROUND

The role of surgery in managing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was studied in the era of the Rashkind double-umbrella device.

METHODS

All 354 patients with PDA referred to our center in a 5-year period were included in this report. Of the 354 patients, 236 underwent cardiac catheterization with the intent of transcatheter PDA closure, and 118 had surgical intervention.

RESULTS

In 46 (19.5%) of the 236 patients having cardiac catheterization, the procedure either was abandoned or failed. Color Doppler echocardiography demonstrated total occlusion of the ductus after 24 hours in 97 patients (41%) in the cardiac catheterization group. An additional 20 patients had no residual leaks at follow-up. Twenty other patients underwent reocclusion because of a residual shunt. Thus, of the 236 patients, 137 (58%) had successful complete closure of the PDA. Surgical PDA ligation was performed in 118 patients as the initial procedure and in 26 of the 46 patients in whom transcatheter closure was abandoned. If the remaining 20 patients in whom transcatheter closure failed are added to the 144 patients who underwent PDA ligation, the percentage having surgical intervention versus transcatheter occlusion is higher than 46%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that surgery plays a major role in the management of patients with PDA despite the advent of new interventional catheterization techniques.

Evolving use of embolisation coils for occlusion of the arterial duct

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcome of arterial duct occlusion with coils chosen according to the duct morphology.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Paediatric cardiology centre.

PATIENTS

Coil occlusion was attempted in 57 patients aged 0.5 to 15 (median 3.7) years and weighing 5-59 (median 14) kg between January 1991 and December 1995. A residual leak was present in 8 patients after umbrella closure and in 4 patients after duct ligation.

METHODS

Coils of 4 different types were implanted through 4 or 5 F femoral artery catheters. Platinum or Interlocking Detachable 0.018 inch coils were deployed completely inside tubular ducts. Gianturco or PDA controlled release 0.038 inch coils were implanted to straddle short, post ligation and post umbrella ducts.

RESULTS

Coil implantation was successful in 54/57 patients. At 1 year the cumulative occlusion rate was 53/57 ducts (93%) on an intention to treat analysis. A single coil was implanted in 37 (69%), 2 coils in 10 (19%), 3 coils in 3 (5%) and 4 coils in 4 (7%) of the 54 successful procedures. Duct occlusion was documented at the end of the procedure in 31%, by the following day in 83%, by 6 weeks in 87%, by 6 months in 96%, and by 1 year in 98%. Coil embolisation occurred in 6/58 procedures (10%), with a 50% rate in the first year of implantation (1/2 patients) falling to 7% in the last year (3/42 patients). All embolised coils were easily retrieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Occlusion of small to moderate size arterial ducts, including residual post umbrella or post ligation ducts, was readily accomplished by coils selected according to the duct anatomy. This has both cost and practical benefits.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus occlusion: application in the small child

OBJECTIVES

This study intended to evaluate application of transcatheter occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus in children < 10 kg body weight.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus in the child weighing > 10 kg has been proved safe and effective.

METHODS

We reviewed 74 consecutive patients weighing < 10 kg (median 8.1 kg, range 3.98 to 10) and aged 4 to 30 months (median 13 months) who underwent patent ductus arteriosus occlusion between June 1986 and November 1992. A modification of the delivery system to facilitate application in small children is described.

RESULTS

A 12-mm device was implanted in 50 patients and a 17-mm device in 24. Three device embolizations occurred early in the experience, and one required removal because of hemolysis associated with a moderate residual shunt. One 17-mm device was removed at catheterization because of acute compromise to left pulmonary artery flow after implantation. Prevalence of residual shunting was 33% at 6 months, 20% at 12 to 18 months and 17% at 2-year follow-up and was not related to device, age, weight or size of the patent ductus. Altered flow to the left pulmonary artery was noted in seven patients (9.9%), with more significant compromise associated with the 17-mm device.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus occlusion is feasible in the small child < 10 kg, particularly with the use of a modified delivery system. However, implantation of a 17-mm device in this patient population may impair flow to the left lung and should be reserved for the symptomatic child.