Patch closure of the ductus arteriosus: an improved method.

An improved surgical procedure for patch closure of the ductus arteriosus under cardiopulmonary bypass is presented. A patch with a Fogarty catheter inserted through its center is used. The catheter is insinuated into the aorta through a pulmonary arteriotomy under normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. An inflated intraaortic balloon is made to plug the orifice of the ductus using gentle traction on the catheter. The catheter may be slanted in any direction that is convenient to provide satisfactory visualization of the operative field.