This is a retrospective study to evaluate our early experience of using selective microcoil embolization in patients who had gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage. From December 2002 to December 2003, six patients with GI haemorrhage (upper GI, n = 1; lower GI, n = 5) underwent superselective microcoil embolization. Microcatheters were used to carry out embolizations in branches of the superior mesenteric artery. Microcoils were used in five patients and a combination of microcoils and embolospheres was used in one patient. Technical success (bleeding target devascularization) was achieved in all patients who showed active bleeding at the time of angiography. Two patients had recurrent bleeding within 24 h of embolization, of which one (16.7%) died. The other patient did not require active intervention as bleeding was minimal and resolved with conservative management. Satisfactory clinical success (no rebleeding after 30 days) was achieved in five patients. No clinical signs and symptoms of bowel ischaemia occurred in these patients. Follow-up colonoscopy carried out in two patients did not show any signs of ischaemia in the affected bowel segments. Superselective microcoil embolization is an effective and safe method of controlling and arresting bleeding in GI haemorrhage.
A 10-month-old boy underwent operation to close a large secundum atrial septal defect and multiple muscular ventricular septal defects. Closure of the ventricular septal defects was unsuccessful and led to worsening cardiac failure and inability to wean the patient from mechanical ventilation. Transcatheter closure of the ventricular septal defects using Gianturco coils was undertaken. This technique is an effective alternative for closure of multiple muscular ventricular septal defects in infants and small children.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer ductal occluder (ADO) in transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Background: Transcatheter closure of small to moderate sized PDAs is an established procedure. The ADO is a self-expandable device with a number of salutary features, notably its retrievability, ease of delivery via small 5F to 7F catheters and a range of sizes suitable even for the larger PDAs.
Methods: Between November 1997 and August 1999, the ADO was successfully implanted in 205 of 209 patients with PDA. The inclusion criteria for this device occlusion method were patients with clinical and echocardiographic features of moderate to large PDA, weighing > or =3.5 kg as well as asymptomatic adolescents and adults with PDA measuring > or =5.0 mm on two-dimensional (2D) echocardiogram. Occlusion was achieved via the antegrade venous approach. Follow-up evaluations were performed with 2D echocardiogram, color-flow mapping and Doppler measurement of the descending aorta and left pulmonary artery velocity at 24 h and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after implantation.
Results: Two hundred and five patients had successful PDA occlusion using this device. The patients were between two months and 50 years (median 1.9) and weighed between 3.4 kg and 63.2 (median 8.4). Infants made up 26% of the total patients. The PDA measured from 1.8 to 12.5 mm (mean 4.9) at the narrowest diameter. Forty-four percent of patients achieved immediate complete occlusion. On color Doppler the closure rates at 24 h and 1 month after implant were 66% and 97%, respectively. At 6 and 12 months all except one patient attained complete occlusion. Device embolization occurred in three patients; in two this was spontaneous, and in the other it was due to catheter manipulation during postimplant hemodynamic measurement. Mild aortic narrowing was seen in an infant.
Conclusions: Patent ductus arteriosus occlusion using ADO is safe and efficacious. It is particularly useful in symptomatic infants and small children with relatively large PDA. Embolization can be minimized by selection of appropriate sized devices, and caution should be exercised in infants <5 kg.