Objectives: Patent ductus arteriosus is a common pathology in premature newborns that may impair systemic cardiac output and result in deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system and lungs. Transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus has proven to have advantages against the surgical closure, with better recovery time and lower risk of complications, like the postligation cardiac syndrome. The Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder device was approved in 2019 for use in premature infants weighing >700 gr. The Piccolo device is the preferred option for endovascular closure in neonates due to its smaller device profile and possible positioning via a 4 Fr system. Studies have shown its safety and effectiveness for patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm newborns and older infants, with a low risk of embolization and shunt rate after closure. The aim of this study is to offer additional insights into the effectiveness of the Piccolo device in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus, proving its efficacy beyond premature newborn patients. Methods and results: A retrospective review of patients undergoing patent ductus arteriosus closure with a Piccolo device in our Institution between January 2021 and December 2023. Data from the procedure and at least 6-month follow-up were collected. Twenty-seven patients were brought to patent ductus arteriosus closure with the Piccolo device, with a mean age of 12.5 months (CI 5-23) and a median weight of 9,5 kg (CI 5.6-13.8). The average ductus arteriosus diameter was 1.5 mm (CI 1.0-1.9), and the most used size device was 4/4 mm (n=14), follow by 3/4 mm (n=4) and 5/4 mm (n=4). Successful closure was achieved in twenty-six (96,3%) of the patients without evidence of shunt rate after closure. No embolization of the device or local complications were noted after the procedure. One patient died during hospitalization due to unrelated complications of intestinal perforation. During follow-up, at least 6 months, no stenosis of the left pulmonary artery or aorta was found in any patient. Conclusion: Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure with the Piccolo device is safe and offers advantages due to its lower profile, smaller delivery catheter size, and device symmetry that allows for a venous or arterial approach. According to our results, its use may extend beyond the neonatal period and may be used in older children with small ductus.
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