Clinical results and radiographic appearance of the Rashkind double umbrella device in patients with occlusion of the ductus arteriosus

Background. The Rashkind double umbrella device for patent arterial duct occlusion has been used in many patients. Its radiographic appearance has not been sufficiently described. Objective. To present the varying radiographic appearances of the Rashkind double umbrella device on the chest X-ray. Materials and methods. The chest radiographs of 69 patients (median age 60 months; median weight 17 kg), who underwent closure of their patent arterial duct between March 1990 and August 1994, were reviewed. The following parameters were evaluated: 1) the size of the heart (cardio-thoracic ratio) and pulmonary vessels, 2) the position of the device in AP/PA and lateral projections. The results of occlusion of the patent arterial duct were also reviewed. Results. Sixty-two of 69 (90%) patients had complete occlusion after a follow-up between 2 months and 3 1/4 years. The cardio-thoracic ratio showed significant reduction at follow-up (P < 0.001). The two different size devices could be well differentiated in the AP and the lateral projection. In 14 patients (20%) the device was in an asymmetrical position. There was no significant correlation between position of the device and success of occlusion in our material. Conclusion. Complete occlusion of the arterial duct using Rashkind double umbrella devices can be achieved in 90% of our population. In 20% the device will have an asymmetrical position. There is no correlation between asymmetrical position of the device in the chest radiograph and residual shunting.