A new Amplatzer device to maintain patency of Fontan fenestrations and atrial septal defects

Zahid Amin, David A. Danford, Carlos A.C. Pedra

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study evaluated use of Amplatzer fenestrated device to maintain patency of the Fontan fenestration and atrial septal defect. Fenestrations are routinely created in patients with lateral tunnel or extracardiac Fontan. Spontaneous closure of the fenestration can lead to Fontan circulation failure. Other patients without single-ventricle physiology may benefit from a small communication between the left and right atria for decompression if closure of the atrial septal defect leads to failure of a dysfunctional ventricle. Amplatzer septal occluder device was modified to create a fenestration through the disks. Three patients with modified Fontan and one patient with a large atrial septal defect underwent placement of the device by transcatheter technique. The device deployment was guided by transesophageal echocardiography. The procedure was successful in all patients. Contrast injection after placement revealed patent fenestration with free flow. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 1 year. All devices were patent by transthoracic echocardiography. These preliminary results suggest that the Amplatzer fenestrated device can serve as a valuable tool in failing Fontan circulation and may help to avoid surgical intervention. More studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy of the device.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)246-251
Number of pages6
JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions
Volume57
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Amplatzer device
  • Fontan fenestration
  • Protein-losing enteropathy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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