Video-assisted thoracoscopic ligation of patent ductus arteriosus: safe and outpatient

Background. Minimally invasive techniques for interruption of patent ductus arteriosus have been reported, but are in use at only a few centers. We examined our series of patients who underwent thoracoscopic patent ductus arteriosus ligation. Methods. We reviewed 59 consecutive patients, age 6 days to 50 years, weighing 640 g to 62 kg, who underwent video-assisted placement of a stainless steel clip across the patent ductus arteriosus. Results. Thirty-eight nonneonates and 21 neonates (18 were ≤1,500 g) underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery for patent ductus arteriosus closure with intraoperative echocardiographic confirmation in nonneonates. There were no residual shunts, transfusions, chylothoraces, or significant pneumothoraces. Four were converted to thoracotomy, 3 for anatomic variances, and 1 for coagulopathy. Thirty-six of 38 nonneonate patients stayed less than 24 hours; 18 were discharged the evening of the operation. Two were admitted, one after thoracotomy, and one for a small mucosal intubation injury. No others required a chest tube. There were two recurrent nerve injuries. All neonates survived, and were extubated. Conclusions. Video-assisted thoracoscopic ductus closure is a safe, reliable technique and can be performed as an outpatient procedure in nonneonate patients.