Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus using a new angled Amplatzer duct occluder: initial clinical experience.

In the present study, we report the initial clinical experience with the new angled Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) for the percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Percutaneous closure of PDA using standard ADO in infants and in patients with small PDA ampulla is difficult, or even impossible, due to protrusion of the aortic disk into the descending thoracic aorta. The aortic disk of an angled ADO is angled at 32 degrees to the body of the device and concave toward the aorta to prevent protrusion of the disk into the aorta. Percutaneous closure of PDA was attempted in nine patients with a median age of 5.2 years (range, 0.5-12.7) and median weight of 20 kg (range, 4.9-55). Selection of the occluder and the implantation technique were similar to the standard ADO. The minimal PDA diameter ranged from 2.1 to 3.7 mm (median, 2.5 mm). Occluders were successfully implanted in all patients. Immediate complete PDA closure was achieved in all patients. There were no complications. The new angled ADO is a safe and effective device for PDA closure, particularly suitable for infants and patients with small PDA ampulla. Further studies and long-term follow-up are necessary to confirm our initial experience. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.