abstract |
A device and method for treating patent ductus arteriosus in a human. A catheter having a collapsible/expandable heating element at a distal end for entering an infant transcutaneously and being advanced to the ductus arteriosus. A method of heating the inner surface of the ductus arteriosus with the heating element to a temperature sufficient to produce a material change in the collagen of the ductus arteriosus such that the ductus arteriosus passage shrinks to closure. |