ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the "key anatomical structure detection method" and "working length marking method" on the safety and efficacy of echocardiography-guided percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). MethodsPatients who underwent echocardiography-guided percutaneous PDA closure at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, with complete clinical data, between January 2016 and December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a study group (procedure performed using both "key anatomical structure detection method" and "working length marking method") and a control group (procedures performed without these methods). Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied for 1∶1 matching between the two groups. The primary endpoint was procedure success at 30 days after procedure. Secondary endpoints included intraoperative echocardiography localization success, major and minor complication at 6 months after procedure, and days of hospital stay. Results A total of 273 patients were included, among which 141 were in the study group and 132 in the control group. Before PSM, all patients achieved procedure success. After PSM, 77 matched pairs (154 patients) were analyzed. The study group demonstrated a significantly higher intraoperative echocardiography localization success rate (98.70% vs. 50.64%, P<0.001) and shorter hospitalization duration at (4.10±1.98) d vs. (5.01±2.16) d (P=0.007). The 6-month minor complication rate was lower in the study group (0.00% vs. 6.49%, P=0.058). All patients were successfully discharged, with no cases of device embolization, infective endocarditis, or death observed during follow-up.Conclusion "Key anatomical structure detection method" and "working length marking method" are effective echocardiography-guided adjunctive methods that enhance the safety and efficacy of PDA closure. These approaches deserve further validation in prospective multicenter studies in the future.
