Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus

Summary 1. A technique has been presented for transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus. 2. A 3.5-kg infant has been treated successfully in this manner. 3. The method should be considered in high-risk patients. 4. Further miniaturization of the system should make it suitable for use in premature infants critically ill as a result of ductal patency. 5. Increased experience will likely indicate that the technique is applicable to most patients who require ductus closure. This investigation was supported in part by Public Health Service Grant HL12307 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and in part by Grants from The American Heart Association, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapters.