OBJECTIVE To report our experience with PDA closure with Gianturco coils. METHODS Between September 1995 and January 1996, nine patients underwent cardiac catheterization to have patent ductus arteriosus occlusion by Gianturco coils. Selection criteria were age > or = 6 months and narrowest PDA internal diameter < 4 mm. 4F to 6F Judkins right coronary catheters were used to deliver the coils. One loop was delivered in the pulmonary artery and two loops delivered in the descending aorta across the ductus. Angiography after the procedure confirmed complete closure. Follow-up after coil placement occurred the next day, one month and three months by means of color flow mapping. RESULTS Of the nine patients, seven had successful implants. In one no coil was delivered. In the first patient, there is a small residual shunt visualized by color flow doppler that persists after three months of the implant. One patient received two coils, other received three coils and the remainder received one coil each. There were no coil migration, or significant complication related to the implants. CONCLUSIONS The coil occlusion of the ductus is a safe, effective and low-cost procedure, and should be included among non surgical technics of ductal closure.