Transvenous coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus in small (≤3.0 kg) dogs.

Background: Surgical and interventional therapy for occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in small dogs is challenging. Interventional closure of a PDA is rarely described in small dogs.

Objective: Transvenous single-coil occlusion of a PDA in small (≤3.0 kg) dogs is possible and safe.

Methods: Twenty-one client-owned dogs with a left-to-right shunting PDA. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Inclusion criteria were a left-to-right shunting PDA and a body weight ≤3.0 kg. Dogs with additional congenital cardiac diseases were excluded. Without arterial access, a single detachable coil was implanted by a transvenous approach with a 4 Fr catheter.

Results: Twenty-one dogs were the study population with Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier being the commonest breeds (n = 6 and n = 5, respectively). There were 14 female and 7 male dogs. The age range was 1.9-83.5 months (median, 7.7 months), and the body weight was 1.0-2.9 kg (1.87 ± 0.45). By angiography, the minimal ductal diameter measured 1.2-2.4 mm (median, 1.8 mm) and the PDA ampulla diameter was 2.4-5.9 mm (median, 4.6 mm). Coil implantation was successful in all dogs. After detachment of the coil from the delivery cable, repositioning of the pulmonary loop of the coil became necessary in 1 dog. The prevalence of immediate closure was 76%. The prevalence of cumulative closure was 90%.

Conclusions: For an experienced cardiologist, transvenous occlusion of a PDA in small dogs is possible with a 4 Fr catheter and a commercial single detachable coil. Arterial access is not essential. The procedure is safe and successful in experienced hands.