Persistent left cranial vena cava (PLCVC) is a remnant vessel connected with the coronary sinus and draining into the right atrium. A 3-month-old intact male Bichon Frise was evaluated for the presence of a mechanical murmur auscultation in the local animal hospital. No significant clinical signs were present on physical examination except mechanical murmur. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was diagnosed in the imaging procedure. During the left thoracotomy, PLCVC was found. The vascular malformation made the surgical process difficult by hiding PDA from the left thoracotomy surgical view. PLCVC and the vagus nerve was carefully dissected and lifted to secure a clear surgical view of PDA. The ductus arteriosus was ligated. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed postoperatively. On CTA, left brachiocephalic vein retaining connection with the coronary sinus draining into the right atrium was observed. CTA is highly recommended for dogs with PDA to provide better postoperative results.

A 2-year-old intact female pomeranian dog presented dyspnea, labored breathing, cough, exercise intolerance, machinery heart murmur, and precordial thrill. A left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was diagnosed based on two-dimensional echocardiography, thoracic radiography, electrocardiography, and blood work. An angiography was performed to accurately evaluate the size and shape of the duct. An interventional approach for transcatheterial occlusion of the PDA was achieved using an Amplatz® Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO), which is a commercially available ductal occluding device. Due to the limited size of the dog’s femoral artery, a device smaller [125% of minimal ductal diameter (MDD); recommended size: 150~200% of MDD] than recommended was mounted. After placement of the ACDO, precordial thrill and continuous heart murmur disappeared, and the patient was discharged the next day after stabilization with O2 supply. Upon follow up examination, dyspnea, labored breathing, cough, exercise intolerance, and cardiomegaly were improved with no complications after the procedure. The ACDO was well maintained in position. This case represents successful clinical application of the Amplatz® Canine Duct Occluder to achieve closure of a PDA using a slightly smaller device than the recommended size.

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is commonly accompanied by premature infants and associated with an increase of comorbidity and mortality. Surgery in the operation room (OR) is more familiar with an anesthesiologist, but transportation of the premature to OR has risks of hypothermia or other unexpected events. These days, PDA ligation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is highlighted because of its advantages. We compared the postoperative outcome of PDA ligation according to the operating theater in the perspective of an anesthesiologist. Methods: A total of 9 patient who underwent PDA ligation surgery from 2007 to 2018 were enrolled and divided into two groups; Group OR: surgery at the OR, Group NICU: surgery at the NICU. Data of gestational age (GA), body weight (BW), patients’ characteristics, anesthesia and hemodynamic, total hospitalization period, and outcome were collected. Results: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics (GA, BW, PDA size, and comorbidities) and the duration of anesthesia, operation and recovery. Total hospitalization period was shorter in a group OR than NICU, but there were no significant differences in postoperative outcome. Only 1 patient has expired in a group OR. Conclusions: PDA ligation surgery in NICU has the advantage to maintain the body temperature than the surgery in the OR, and there were no significant differences in the outcome of the surgery.

The patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a vascular structure connecting the proximal descending aorta to the roof of the main pulmonary artery, near the origin of the left branch pulmonary artery. Transcatheter closure has become the treatment of choice for most cases of PDA in both children and adults; however, measurement of the exact size and morphology of the shunt in adult cases using only contrast fluoroscopy is difficult. We report on a case of a 49-year-old woman who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guideance. In the current case, IVUS is feasible and helpful for measuring the exact size and shape of the PDA.