Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in very low birth weight preterm infants: early results and midterm follow-up.

Background: Although transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure is becoming increasingly common in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants, several key issues remain controversial. These include identifying suitable patient characteristics, determining the optimal timing for PDA closure, preventing potential complications, and accurately assessing mid- and long-term outcomes. This study aims to summarize our preliminary experience in selecting appropriate patients and timing for PDA closure, and to report the early and mid-term outcomes of transcatheter PDA closure in VLBW preterm infants. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study. Eligible participants included preterm infants with gestational age <37 weeks and birth weight <1,500 g who underwent transcatheter PDA closure between January 2024 and January 2025 at Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital. Data on patient characteristics, procedural age, PDA closure, survival, and intraoperative or postoperative complications were collected. Outcomes were assessed immediately after the procedure, at discharge, and 6 months post-discharge. Results: Procedures were performed in 8 VLBW preterm infants [median procedural age 23 days (range: 13-36 days), median procedural weight 1,350 g (range: 810-1,480 g), median PDA diameter 3.75 mm (range: 2.3-4.1 mm)]. The devices were Amplatzer Piccolo ( Conclusions: The promising early and mid-term outcomes suggest that transcatheter PDA closure in VLBW preterm infants is feasible. Suitable patient characteristics, accurate PDA closure timing, and careful postoperative care are crucial determinants for procedural success. Future studies need to further expand the sample size and extend the follow-up period to evaluate the long-term efficacy and potential complications of this intervention.