This study compared the efficacy and costs of the most used approaches for percutaneous closure of large patent ductus arteriosus, that is, multiple coils and the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) device. From April 2000 to September 2003, 47 patients underwent closure of large, symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (diameter 4.6 +/- 3.0 mm/m(2); QP/QS 2.1 +/- 1.9) with multiple Cook detachable coils (n = 19) or the ADO device (n = 28). The multiple coil approach was significantly cheaper (1,389 +/- 168 vs 3,811 +/- 38, p <0.0001) but as effective as the ADO device over a mid-term follow-up (occlusion rate 89.5% vs 96.4%, p = NS).