Background: Percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in cats has been infrequently reported, largely due to small patient size and concerns regarding procedural difficulty and device-related thromboembolism.
Hypothesis/Objective To describe multicenter outcomes and complications of transvenous percutaneous PDA occlusion in cats using Flipper Coils, Amplatz Vascular Plug (Types I, II, and IV), Vet-PDA Occluder, and the Nit-Occlud vascular embolisation system.
Animals: Cats diagnosed with left-to-right shunting PDA's.
Methods: Multicenter, retrospective analysis of transvenous percutaneous PDA occlusion procedures. Procedural success was defined as the successful deployment of the intended occlusive device within the PDA without device embolisation within 24 hours. Echocardiography was used to assess device position and residual flow within 24 hours and at 1–3 months post-procedure.
Results: Twenty-two transvenous percutaneous PDA occlusion procedures were performed across four veterinary centers. Procedural success was achieved in 21 cats (95.5%). Devices included Flipper coils (n =11), Amplatz Vascular Plug I (n =2), Amplatz Vascular Plug II (n =6), Amplatz Vascular Plug IV (n =1), Vet-PDA Occluder (n=1), and Nit-Occlud (n =1). One procedure was unsuccessful due to intraoperative embolisation of an Amplatz Vascular Plug; the cat subsequently underwent successful surgical ligation. No major complications occurred. Six cats experienced minor, self-limiting complications that resolved within 24 hours. Mild, non–hemodynamically significant residual flow was observed in five cats (22%) at recheck. Three cats (13.3%) were lost to follow-up. No deaths were reported.
Conclusions and clinical importance: Transvenous percutaneous PDA occlusion with various devices appears safe and effective in cats.
