Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the Rashkind device

PURPOSETo assess the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous closure of the persistent ductus arteriosus with the Rashkind device.DESIGNClinical, angiographic and echocardiographic assessment of the patency of the ductus arteriosus at the time of the implantation of the first or second Rashkind device, followed by clinical and echocardiographic control at one, three and six months and yearly thereafter.PATIENTSThirty two patients with patent ductus arteriosus. Twenty seven were female and five male. Their ages ranged between 10 months and 33 years (6.8 +/- 7.7 years) and their weights between 7.3 and 52 (20.1 +/- 12.4) kg. Two patients were excluded due to a ductal diameter greater than 8 mm. Thirty patients had successful device implantation.METHODSImplantation at cardiac catheterization of the Rashkind double umbrella occluder device in the narrowest portion of the patent ductus arteriosus. Twenty one patients had one device implanted and five had the implantation of a second device four to 12 months later, due to persistent patency of the ductus.RESULTSTotal closure was achieved in 26 out of 30 patients. In 21 patients the occlusion was obtained with a single device and in five patients with two devices. Among the remaining four patients, one is awaiting the implantation of a second device and the other three are under follow-up as their first devices were implanted recently. There were no complications.CONCLUSIONSPercutaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus with the Rashkind device represents an efficient and safe alternative to surgery in most patients.