Echocardiographic Study of Residual Shunt after Hemoclip Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Neonates

Residual shunt was determined by postoperative echocardiogram after hemoclip closure of patent ductus arteriosus in 22 neonates, and compared with the findings in 15 neonates who had conventional ligation of the ductus between January 1992 and December 1994. There were no significant postoperative complications related to the surgery. The study showed no residual shunt across the ductus by color and pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography in either group, with the exception of one patient who required a second hemoclip operation. We conclude that the method of closure with a hemoclip is safe and effective.