Coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), although inexpensive, is technically challenging for the moderate-large ducts in small children. Bioptome assistance allows better control and precision. We describe case selection strategies, technique, immediate and short-term results of bioptome-assisted closure of moderate-large (>/= 3 mm) PDA in 86 infants and children 6 mm (> 4 mm for children under 5 kg) and/or shallow ampullae (by echocardiography) underwent operation (n = 41). Specific technical modifications included use of long sheaths (5.5-8 Fr) for duct delineation and coil delivery, cutting of coils turns (51 patients) to accommodate the coils in the ampulla, and simultaneous delivery of multiple coils (n = 43). As far as possible, coils were deployed entirely in the ampulla. Median fluoroscopy time was 7.3 min (1.2-42 min). Successful deployment was feasible in all (final pulmonary artery mean pressures, 20 +/- 4.6 mm Hg). Coils embolized in 14 (16%) patients (all retrieved). Complete occlusion occurred immediately in 63 patients (73%) and in 77 patients (89%) at 24 hr. Three patients had new gradients in the left pulmonary artery. Follow-up (62 patients; median duration, 13 months) revealed small residual Doppler flows in 11 patients (18%) at the most recent visit. Bioptome-assisted coil occlusion of moderate-large PDA in selected infants and small children is feasible with encouraging results.

Residual flows following transcatheter coil or device closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can result in hemolysis. Of 611 patients who underwent transcatheter PDA closure at our institution, 5 patients (age, 6-63 years) developed overt hemolysis (after coil occlusion in 4 and Amplazter device closure in 1). All had ducts > 3 mm and residual flows after the procedure. In one patient, hemolysis occurred 3 months after coil occlusion following a period of uncontrolled hypertension. The occurrence of hemolysis correlated significantly with both age as well as duct size (P < 0.00001). Hemolysis was associated with a fall in hemoglobin of 3-6 g/100 ml (n = 3), jaundice (n = 2), and renal failure (n = 1). Hemolysis subsided spontaneously in one patient and four patients required flow elimination. Deploying additional coils in three patients eliminated residual flows. In one patient (after Amplatzer device closure for 12.5 mm duct with aneurysm), flow persisted after 25 additional coils, transient balloon occlusion, and gel foam instillation. Flow elimination was eventually achieved through thrombin instillation after balloon occlusion of the ampulla. All patients recovered completely and were well on follow-up. Although hemolysis after duct occlusion is rare (0.8% in this series), residual flow at the end of the procedure merits careful monitoring. Aggressive elimination of residual flows is often necessary to control hemolysis.