Catheter closure of congenital cardiac defects.

In summary, the role of the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory has changed from that of a primary diagnostic facility to a major therapeutic arena. We have reviewed our experiences with various occlusion devices to successfully treat patients with various congenital cardiac malformations, particularly the PDA. The future for interventional therapeutic procedures appears bright with the possibility of closure of certain defects in an outpatient setting now a reality, thereby lowering hospitalization costs and lessening post-therapeutic morbidity while preserving a high level of successful outcomes.