Closure of Very Large PDA with Pulmonary Hypertension: Initial Clinical Case-series with the New Occlutech PDA Occluder

Objective: We report our recent experience with the new Occlutech PDA Occluder, which seems suitable especially for closure of large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) sizes with elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAH).

Background: Although considered a standard procedure in pediatric cath labs, closure of very large PDA (PDA/Aorta ratio > 0.5) and PAH remains a challenge.

Methods/results: The Occlutech PDA occluder was used in eight children and adolescents (age 4-16, median 10.75 years), body weight from 14 to 54 kg (median 21 kg) with very large PDA and PAH: PDA diameter was 5-13 mm (median 10 mm); PAP/Aortic pressure ratio was 0.58-0.96. Sufficient occlusion of the PDA was documented by angiography and/or echocardiography in all cases. Four different device sizes were selected: Minimal diameter 6-14 mm (median 12 mm), length 6.3-16 mm (median 14 mm), aortic disc 13-24 mm (median 20 mm), size at the pulmonary end 8-18 mm (median 15 mm). A balloon test occlusion of the PDA was performed in five patients in order to evaulate the decline of pulmonary artery pressure or to delineate the exact anatomy of the PDA. Before release of the device, a careful "wiggle manoevre" was performed to assess the stability of the implanted device and to proof the inability to embolize to the aorta.

Conclusions: With the new Occlutech PDA Occluder closure of very large PDAs and PAH is feasible and efficient. The wider pulmonary artery end of the Occlutech PDA Occluder offers enhanced stability and reduces the risk of embolization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.