Long-term follow-up is not indicated after routine interventional closure of persistent arterial ducts.

Abstract

Little is known about the necessity for long-term follow-up after interventional closure of persistent arterial duct (PDA). Potential side effects and complications include residual shunts, haemolysis, device embolization, and obstruction to flow in the adjoining vessels. Single centre retrospective study of paediatric patients undergoing interventional PDA occlusion. 315 patients who underwent interventional occlusion of a PDA between November 2002 and September 2013 were included. Of these, eight needed re-intervention (three for device embolization, five for residual shunt). Seven had mild obstruction to flow in the adjoining vessels, but did not require any intervention. All sequelae were found latest at the first follow-up appointment after the procedure (usually within 3 months); whilst none developed during further follow-up. Complications of interventional closure of PDA were apparent immediately after the procedure or by three months of follow-up. Long-term follow-up is not indicated in cases when no complications are seen early after the procedure.