Long-term outcome of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure using Amplatzer duct occluders

Background Immediate-, short-, and intermediate-term results of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure using Amplatzer duct occluders are excellent. However, long-term results have not yet been reported to date. Methods Between September 1996 and April 2002, 64 consecutive patients having isolated PDA with minimal diameter of ≥2 mm underwent percutaneous closure using Amplatzer duct occluders. All patients were included in this study and have been followed up until September 2005. Results Patients have been followed up from 40 to 108 months (median 58 months). The mean PDA diameter was 3.5 ± 1.6 mm. There were no deaths or significant complications during the study period. At a 1-month follow-up, all PDA were completely closed and remained closed thereafter. Conclusions Since the initial clinical experience in September 1996, the Amplatzer duct occluder has been proven as a safe and effective device for transcatheter PDA closure. Based on our experience, we believe that in patients having completely closed PDA with laminar blood flow pattern in the descending thoracic aorta and left pulmonary artery at a 1-year follow-up, there is no need for further evaluations. In contrast, few remaining patients need a careful follow-up until a complete normalization of all findings.