Transarterial correction of patent ductus arteriosus in small dogs with the Amplatz™ Vascular Plug 4: A pilot study

Abstract

Objectives: Determine if the Amplatz™ Vascular Plug 4 (AVP4) can be used to occlude left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs with inadequate arterial vascular access for the Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO).

Animals: Six adolescent dogs with PDA whose femoral artery was too small for insertion of a 4 Fr vascular access sheath.

Materials and methods: Standard femoral arterial vascular access and a 4 Fr diagnostic catheter were used to deploy an appropriately sized AVP4 into the PDA of each dog. Successful occlusion was defined as no residual ductal flow and determined by color Doppler echocardiography and angiography.

Results: The AVP4 was successfully deployed, and complete occlusion of the PDA was achieved in all dogs. There were no complications encountered in any of the dogs.

Conclusions: The AVP4 is a viable option for the correction of PDA in dogs with inadequate arterial vascular access for the ACDO and should be considered as one of the options available for PDA correction in this challenging animal population.

Keywords: Canine; Congenital heart disease; Occlusion; Structural heart; Vascular access.