Late Amplatzer device displacement after percutaneous PDA embolization: Case description

Abstract

A 6-month-old, 17 kg, male Labrador Retriever was presented for an evaluation of a suspected patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed a left-to-right shunting PDA with a minimal ductal diameter of 3.5 mm. A transcatheter PDA occlusion was performed, and a 16 mm Amplatzer Vascular Plug II was selected for the procedure. Within 13 days of discharge, the dog developed sudden lethargy, tachypnea, and coughing after physical activity. Thoracic radiographs showed the Amplatzer device to be abnormally positioned in the lumen of the pulmonary artery with a distinct alveolar pattern. Given the progressive cardiopulmonary distress of the dog, the owners opted for euthanasia. In the present case study, the authors have not been able to satisfactorily explain why the device migrated several days after the procedure. In order to avoid device migration, greater emphasis should be placed on strict activity restriction in dogs after percutaneous PDA occlusion.