Patent ductus arteriosus closure using the Amplatzer® vascular plug II for all anatomic variants.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer® Vascular Plug II (AVPII) for closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).


BACKGROUND
The PDA has significant anatomic variation. No device has proven applicable to all PDAs. Previous case reports and small series have documented limited use of the AVPII for some PDA types. We describe the largest and most diverse experience using the AVPII.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing percutaneous PDA closure between 01/01/2009 and 05/01/2012 was performed. The PDA was characterized, measured, and the device chosen was listed. Deployment technique, complications and procedural results were recorded.


RESULTS
Sixty-seven procedures were performed. The AVPII was utilized for 43 (64.2%), 15 (20.9%) had coils, 7 (10.4%) had the AGA duct occluder, and 3 (4.5%) were referred for surgery. The AVPII was placed in infants as young as 2 months and 4.2 kg. AVPII size ranged from 4 to 10 mm. All PDA types were closed. Retrograde and antegrade deployments were performed, using the outer disc as a "retention skirt" to secure the device and improve occlusion. Three patients were up-sized prior to release. All deployments were successful; 89% "in-lab" and 100% closure on postprocedural echocardiogram. There were no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
We report the largest experience with the AVPII for PDA closure. The device was used in all morphologic types and small patients. It is low profile, easily repositioned, and had excellent results without complications. We contend that this is the most versatile device currently available.
Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, USA. jdelaney@childrensomaha.org
Jeffrey W
JW
Delaney
Scott E
SE
Fletcher
D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055989:Septal Occluder Device; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography