Late follow-up of occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus with the Rashkind device with emphasis on long-term efficacy and risk for infections.

During the last decade, the Rashkind device (RD) has been used in many countries for the closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, longterm follow-up has not been extensively studied and the need for continuous surveillance is still controversial, in particular in the case of patients with a persistent residual shunt and denying further intervention. Moreover, the risk for infective endarteritis after PDA closure has not been definitively evaluated. The aim of this study was (I) to present long-term data on a large group of patients treated with RD implantation, and (2) to provide data regarding the risk for infective complications and the need for extended follow-up and antibiotic prophylaxis in case of low- and high-risk events.