Objective: The aim of this study is to report our experience using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO) for occlusion of significant coronary artery fistulae (CAF).
Background: Transcatheter closure of CAF with coils is well described. Use of newer devices may offer advantages such as improved control of device placement, use of a single instead of multiple devices, and high rates of occlusion.
Methods: A retrospective review of all patients catheterized for CAF from July 2002 through August 2005 was performed.
Results: Thirteen patients with CAF underwent cardiac catheterization, of which a total of 6 patients had ADO placement in CAF (age, 21 days to 56 years; median age, 4.3 years and weight, 3.8 kg to 74.6 kg; median weight, 13.3 kg). An arteriovenous wire loop was used to advance a long sheath antegrade to deploy the ADO in the CAF. Immediate and short-term outcomes (follow-up, 3 months to 14 months; median follow-up, 8.5 months) demonstrated complete CAF occlusion in 5 patients and minimal residual shunt in 1 patient (who had resolution of right atrial and right ventricular enlargement). On follow-up clinical evaluation, all 6 patients had absence of fistula-related murmurs, and 2 previously symptomatic patients had resolution of congestive heart failure symptoms. Early complications included transient palpitations and atrial arrhythmia in the 2 oldest patients (52 and 56 years old).
Conclusions: Use of the ADO is applicable for transcatheter closure of significant CAF. Advantages of using the ADO include the antegrade approach, use of a single device, and effective CAF occlusion.