Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus occlusion: Evolution of techniques and results from the 1990s

Objective: To review the evolution of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion techniques and results. Methods: A single institution, retrospective review including all patients with intention to close a PDA from 1991 to 1998, with no exclusions. Results: Rashkind occluder (n = 65), sideris double‐button (n = 6), Cook detachable coil (n = 28) and Amplatzer ductal occluder (n = 4) were used. Successful implantation occurred in 99 of 103 patients. There was a need for a second transcatheter procedure to close residual ductal shunting in 12% of patients: Rashkind umbrellas (n = 8), double‐button (n = 1), coils (n = 3). Eight patients (8%) required surgery, including 4 of 6 patients with the double‐button occluder. Conclusions: The Rashkind occluder and the Sideris double‐button device both had an unacceptably high rate of residual shunts requiring a second transcatheter procedure or surgical closure. Detachable coils and the Amplatzer ductal occluder have become the current technology of choice for transcatheter PDA closure with high success rates.