Vocal cord paralysis after transcatheter coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus

Background In patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) after Gianturco coil embolization, vocal cord paralysis (VCP) had not been previously described. This study investigates the risk factors of coil embolization associated with VCP. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients who had undergone transcatheter closure of PDA with a Gianturco coil between March 1998 and May 2001, and 75 patients (age range, 6 months to 55 years; mean age, 5.5 years) were identified. The procedure was performed with local anesthesia and with sedation in some young children. No patient required general anesthesia or endotracheal intubation. Results Three of the 75 patients had hoarseness caused by VCP after coil embolization. Patients with VCP had a longer ductus length (P <.01) and a smaller ductus diameter (P <.01) than patients without VCP. The pathogenesis of VCP may be caused by tense stretching and angulation of the ductus arteriosus induced by the implanted coil, which leads to compression injury of the adjacent left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Conclusions A long ductus length (≥12 mm) and a small ductus diameter (<1 mm) are significant risk factors of VCP after coil embolization in children <1 year of age. We recommend that coil embolization be performed very carefully in patients with PDA.