Maintaining ductus arteriosus patency by the percutaneous placement of coronary artery stents provides an alternative to surgical systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts. This maintains pulmonary blood flow and serves as a temporary bridge towards later surgical repair. Since the first report by Gibbs, et al. in 1992, the success and outcome of ductal stenting have improved due to advances in technique and equipment. This is now considered an acceptable option for these patients in many centres. OUTCOMES OF DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS STENTING: A REVIEW OF CURRENT LITERATURE Immediate outcomes of PDA stentingA detailed description of the immediate outcomes of PDA stenting can be viewed in Table 1. (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15) The majority of patients underwent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting at an early age, usually shortly after birth, with weights ranging between 1.5 -4.5kg.Procedural success was good and stent placement was successful in 80 to 100% of the cases. The effectiveness of the procedure is highlighted by the fact that all studies have shown a significant improvement in arterial saturations after stent placement. Some cases have required more than 1 stent in an attempt to ensure adequate coverage of the entire ductal length. Reported periprocedural complication rates were low: major complications included stent migration, acute thrombosis and permanent femoral vessel damage. Very few immediate deaths were directly related to

Two patients with a patent foramen ovale associated with redundant and fenestrated atrial septal aneurysms and a history of multiple transient ischaemic episodes underwent percutaneous device closure using the Atriasept™ II septal occluders. After release of the devices, the aneurysms were stabilised and no residual shunts were detected. Certain clinical and technical considerations are outlined.

We discuss our experience using the new Cera TM and Ceraflex TM (Lifetech, Nashan, Shenzhen, China) devices in closing PDAs, an ASD and PFOs. PATIENTSThis is a retrospective review of lesions closed using the Cera ABSTRACTASD AND PDA CLOSURE

The double-wire stenting technique is effective to accurately deliver and anchor stents into lesions close to side branches and bifurcations. Side branch patency is maintained; the clinical objective (gradient relief, aneurysm exclusion, relief of external compression) can safely be reached. Technique and balloon selection should be based on the underlying anatomical substrate.

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