PDA Piccolo Device Provides Traditional Treatment Alternative

Patent ductus arteriosus is a heart condition where blood seeps through a hole between blood vessels into the heart, increasing the difficulty of breathing. This is a relatively common defect, found in almost 1/2 of all premature babies and 4/5 of those born before 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Traditionally, doctors would supply medical care until the problem resolved itself or conducted surgery, with a transcatheter closure used on bigger new-borns.

Evan Zahn from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explained the severity of the illness. So many “require urgent treatment to survive but aren’t responding to medical management and are at high risk for surgery.”

Abbott’s Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder has a success rate of over 95%, therefore has potential to be a contender when treating patients with PDA. In the past the device lacked data that stretched back far enough to give security over long term results, however Abbott has reported that there have been no deaths and a mere 2% of serious side effects from using the product. Additionally, the side effects did not continue more than 12 months post treatment.

The procedure itself involves the implantation of the product which is 4mm at the narrowest part. This is inserted through a slit made in the leg before being navigated up to the heart, then put in place to cover the hole and allow blood to travel normally.

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