Bioptome-assisted coil occlusion of moderate-large patent ductus arteriosus in infants and small children.

Coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), although inexpensive, is technically challenging for the moderate-large ducts in small children. Bioptome assistance allows better control and precision. We describe case selection strategies, technique, immediate and short-term results of bioptome-assisted closure of moderate-large (>/= 3 mm) PDA in 86 infants and children </= 10 kg (age, 18 days to 3 years; median, 8 months; weight, 6.6 +/- 1.9 kg; duct size, 3.6 +/- 0.8 mm; pulmonary artery mean pressures, 33 +/- 12 mm Hg). Patients with PDA > 6 mm (> 4 mm for children under 5 kg) and/or shallow ampullae (by echocardiography) underwent operation (n = 41). Specific technical modifications included use of long sheaths (5.5-8 Fr) for duct delineation and coil delivery, cutting of coils turns (51 patients) to accommodate the coils in the ampulla, and simultaneous delivery of multiple coils (n = 43). As far as possible, coils were deployed entirely in the ampulla. Median fluoroscopy time was 7.3 min (1.2-42 min). Successful deployment was feasible in all (final pulmonary artery mean pressures, 20 +/- 4.6 mm Hg). Coils embolized in 14 (16%) patients (all retrieved). Complete occlusion occurred immediately in 63 patients (73%) and in 77 patients (89%) at 24 hr. Three patients had new gradients in the left pulmonary artery. Follow-up (62 patients; median duration, 13 months) revealed small residual Doppler flows in 11 patients (18%) at the most recent visit. Bioptome-assisted coil occlusion of moderate-large PDA in selected infants and small children is feasible with encouraging results. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.