Snare-assisted transcatheter coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus.

Transcatheter occlusion of a small or moderate patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using Gianturco coils is safe and effective. Several investigators have reported using different techniques with variable results. To eliminate the serious potential complications of inadvertent coil embolization to undesirable sites and to improve control of the coil throughout the procedure, a modified snare-assisted method with approach from the main pulmonary artery was developed. However, articles discussing this technique are still limited. Herein, we report our successful experience of the snare-assisted technique to occlude small or moderate PDAs in three children aged from 1 to 8 years old. We achieved immediate total occlusion in all three cases with no complications. All three patients were discharged the next day and there was no coil dislodgement, left pulmonary stenosis, or residual shunting during the follow-up period of up to 3 years. This technique had the advantages of safety, optimal positioning, and improved stability of coil implantation.