Outcomes of transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in infants weighing ≤6 kg

Objectives: We sought to analyze the outcomes of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion using a variety of devices in infants weighing ≤6 kg. Background Indications for transcatheter closure of a PDA in infancy include congestive heart failure and/or failure to thrive. Devices available for small infants may be problematic for various reasons, including sheath size, stiffness of delivery system, and anchoring and retrievability characteristics of the device. The Amplatzer Ductal Occluder is approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for children weighing >6 kg and older than 6 months of age. Methods We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis of children weighing ≤6 kg in whom transcatheter PDA occlusion was attempted between January 1995 and November 2005 at Texas Children's Hospital and January 2001 to November 2005 at Children's Hospital of San Diego. Results A total of 62 patients underwent attempted closure. The mean age at catheterization was 4.7 ± 2.8 months with a mean weight at catheterization of 4.6 ± 0.9 kg. Successful device placement was achieved in 58 of 62 patients (94%). Among those receiving a device, complete occlusion was noted in all 58 patients at either catheterization or last available follow-up. Conclusions Percutaneous closure of PDA should be considered even in infants ≤6 kg.