[Simplified surgical procedure for closure of the ductus arteriosus in premature infants].

The necessity of closing a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a premature neonate is unequivocal. Until 12/86 the PDA was disected and ligated and a chest tube was inserted (127 pts.) Since 1/87 45 pts. (weight less than 1500 g) underwent PDA-closure using a metal-clip and no chest tube. Simplified surgical technique in closure of PDA in the premature neonate has led to a marked reduction of operating time (mean from 36 to 18 min) and has decreased the incidence of perioperative complications.