Closure of tubular patent ductus arteriosus in infants with the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II.

Objectives: We used the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II to close tubular patent ductus arteriosus (DA) in infants.

Background: Despite advancements in device design, catheter-based therapy for the DA of tubular morphology has been problematic. Likewise, the currently available devices are not designed to close DAs in small, often premature infants as the size of the delivery systems can be prohibitive and the devices obstructive to aortic or pulmonary artery flow.

Methods: We report our experience using the second-generation Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP II) in 10 patients with sizeable, tubular DAs, seven of whom were less than or equal to 4.0 kg.

Results: Complete closure was attained in all patients, with one minor complication. In four small infants, the device was delivered without arterial access under echocardiographic guidance.

Conclusion: It is our belief that the AVP II device can be a useful embolization device for DAs in this difficult patient population.