Abstract Abstract 19

Objectives- To report the Belfast experience of the use of the Rashkind double umbrella occluder in closure of the persistent arterial duct(Jan. '89-Jun. '96) and to assess the complications in both the short and medium term (>7 days ≤ 8 years).

Patients and methods- During the specified time period 110 children (9 months to 12 years) and 9 adults (≥ 13 years) underwent attempted trans-catheter occlusion of their patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). 126 procedures were performed.

Outcome measures- Complete occlusion rate and rate of complications.

Results- The success rate for immediate, complete occlusion was 29.9%. However, including reocclusions the overall occlusion rate was 79.1%. 66.6% of residual shunts were trivial. 9 procedures were abandoned. Complications were rare. 4 devices embolised during the procedure, 1 patient developed haemolysis and 4 were found to have some increase in left pulmonary artery/aortic velocity.

Conclusion- Not only is trans-catheter occlusion of the PDA with the Rashkind double umbrella a safe and effective procedure in the short term, but concerns regarding the stability of the device and its longer term effect on the circulation seem unfounded.