BACKGROUND: The introduction of total cavopulmonary anastomosis (TCPA) or Fontan procedure significantly changed the natural history of patients with complex heart diseases inadequate for biventricular repair. However, the development of silent stenosis is well known. In addition, fenestrated conduits are frequently used. The present study reports the experience of a tertiary center with percutaneous devices implanted in the conduits of patients with univentricular circulation. METHOD: From July 2000 to July 2010, 12 patients received percutaneous devices in conduits after Fontan procedure. Patients were divided into two groups, according to the indication for the procedure: 5 patients received septal occluders to close surgical fenestrations (group 1), 6 patients received stents for the relief of conduit obstructions (group 2) and 1 patient received both devices simultaneously. Mean age of group 1 patients at the time of the procedure was 174 ± 53.5 months and mean weight was 30.7 ± 6.8 kg. Mean age of group 2 patients was 148.5 ± 84.6 months and mean weight was 28.9 ± 19.8 kg. RESULTS: In group 1, oxygen saturation rose from 82.6 ± 7.5% to 90.4 ± 7.5% immediately after the procedure (P = 0.001). In group 2, oxygen saturation rose from 81.8 ± 8.9% to 91.3 ± 8.7% (P = 0.01). The minimal conduit diameter changed from 6.9 + 4,8 mm to 16.6 ± 3.5 mm after the procedure (P = 0.02). The patient who was submitted to both procedures simultaneously had an increase of the minimal conduit diameter from 11.7 mm to 16 mm and an improvement in systemic saturation from 60% to 90%. CONCLUSION: Treatment of conduit obstructions with non-covered stents and the occlusion of surgical fenestrations with covered stents or AmplatzerTM devices are safe procedures, with high immediate success rates which are maintained in the mid-term follow-up.
Stents; Heart defects, congenital; Prostheses and implants
