Closure of Fontan fenestration with the use of covered stents: short- and mid-term results in a cohort of 50 patients.

Abstract

The use of covered stents to close fenestration in total cavopulmonary connection is presented. We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients undergoing the procedure of a covered stent to close fenestration of total cavopulmonary connection between 2005 and 2012. A total of 50 patients met the inclusion criteria. Median age and weight were 7.7 years and 20 kg, respectively. Median interval between Fontan completion and fenestration closure was 13 months. The femoral vein was used in 42 patients and the jugular vein in eight patients. Of the patients, seven received two stents. Covered stents were CP stents in 42 patients and Atrium Advanta V12 in eight patients. BIB balloons were used in 24 patients and simple balloons in 18 patients. Simultaneous occlusion of venous collaterals was observed in five patients. Median procedural and fluoroscopy times were 49 and 8 minutes, respectively. Mean central venous pressure rose from 10 to 12 mmHg. Mean oxygen saturation increased from 88% to 96%. Full occlusion was confirmed in 47 patients. The remaining had residual shunts: two patients had intracardiac Fontan, and one patient had a stent that could not be fully opened. Following the procedure, five patients had local bleeding, and three delayed discharge 48 hours after the procedure. There was no thromboembolic event after a mean follow-up of 49 months. Covered stent is a good option to close fenestration in extracardiac total cavopulmonary connection. It is safe, easily achievable with low fluoroscopy time, with very low risk of complication or failure. Good results are sustainable when excluding patients with none circular pathway.