Fontan Fenestration Closure Research Articles

Safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of Fontan fenestration with atrial septal occluder

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter fenestration closure following Fontan procedure with an atrial septal occluder. Methods: This is a retrospective study. The study sample consists of all consecutive patients who underwent closure of a fenestrated Fontan baffle at Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between June 2002 and December 2019. The indications of Fontan fenestration closure included that normal ventricular function, targeted drugs for pulmonary hypertension and positive inotropic drugs were not required prior the procedure; and the Fontan circuit pressure was less than 16 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and no more than a 2 mmHg increase during test occlusion of the fenestration. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography were reviewed at 24 hours, 1, 3, 6 months and annually thereafter post procedure. Follow-up information including clinical events and complications related to Fontan procedure was recorded. Results: A total of 11 patients, including 6 males and 5 females, aged (8.9±3.7) years old were included. The types of Fontan were extracardiac conduits (7 cases) and intra-atrial duct (4 cases). The interval between percutaneous fenestration closure and the Fontan procedure was (5.1±2.9) years. One patient reported recurrent headache after Fontan procedure. Successful fenestration occlusion with atrial septal occluder was achieved in all patients. Compared with prior closure, Fontan circuit pressure ((12.72±1.90) mmHg vs. (12.36±1.63) mmHg, P<0.05), and aortic oxygen saturation ((95.11±3.11)% vs. (86.35±7.26)%, P<0.01) were increased. There were no procedural complications. At a median follow-up of (3.8±1.2) years, there was no residual leak and evidence of stenosis within the Fontan circuit in all patient. No complication was observed during follow-up. One patient with preoperative headache did not have recurrent headache after closure. Conclusions: If the Fontan pressure is acceptable by test occlusion during the catheterization procedure, Fontan fenestration could be occluded with the atrial septum defect device. It is a safe and effective procedure, and could be used for occlusion of Fontan fenestration with varying sizes and morphologies.

Transcatheter Fontan Fenestration Closure: Sustained Improvements in Oxygen Saturation with Minimal Morbidity and Mortality.

Fontan fenestration decreases central venous pressure and preserves cardiac output while decreasing systemic oxygen saturation. Transcatheter fenestration closure increases oxygen saturation, though the persistence of this increase and the long-term incidence of adverse outcomes such as death and heart transplant remain unknown. We describe immediate and long-term clinical and adverse outcomes following fenestration closure. Catheterization, echocardiogram, and clinic reports were reviewed following transcatheter Fontan fenestration closure. Data were reported as n (%) and median (IQR). Continuous variables were compared using Wilcoxon ranked sum test. 51 patients had fenestration closure 0.9 (0.7-1.5) years following extracardiac Fontan operation. Most (84%) were closed with Amplatzer Septal Occluders. Systemic O2 saturation immediately increased from 87 (83-89) to 95 (94-97)%, P < 0.05. Cardiac index decreased from 4 (3-5) to 2.9 (2.6-3.5) L/min/m2. Fontan pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were not significantly changed. Clinical follow-up duration for all patients was 7.3 (range 1.3-16) years. Oxygen saturation at last follow-up was 94.5 (92-97)% and did not decrease over time (P < 0.05). One patient (2%) developed protein losing enteropathy, 1 (2%) had heart transplant, and 1 (2%) patient died 9.4years following fenestration closure. No patient required fenestration re-creation following closure. Transcatheter Fontan fenestration closure leads to sustained increases in systemic oxygen saturation and a low incidence of adverse outcomes such as death and transplant. Further study comparing fenestration closure to non-closure and longer follow-up duration are required to determine if there is a survival benefit to fenestration closure.

Abstract 8880: Utility of Telemedicine 3d Transesophageal Echocardiography in Interventional Procedures in Covid-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Physician Learning

Background: Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) is a diagnostic tool in cardiac procedures, but COVID-19 has made utility challenging. Training junior (JR) attendings and fellows in 3DTEE guidance cases in procedural rooms make it tough to maintain adequate social distance. Collaboration Live (CL) is an application on the ultrasound machine that allows for live communication and access to real time images with a remote user. The study aims were to assess the usefulness of CL during 3DTEE guided procedures and its impact on physician learning. Methods: 3DTEE was obtained in 8 cohorts ranging 4 - 52 years of age on the EPIQ ultrasound machine. CL was used in transcatheter atrial/ventricular septal defect closures, transvenous pacemaker lead placement, and Fontan fenestration closure. 3DTEE was directed by a senior (SR) 3D attending over CL at a remote workstation while a JR attending, cardiac fellow, and echocardiographer performed 3DTEE in the procedural room. A CL post survey was given . Wait time from received page to the start of TEE, TEE duration, fluoroscopy time, absorbed X-ray dose, and saved amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) was noted. Results: A JR attending was in 8/8 cases. CL decreased reliance on SR attending and improved independence in 86% of cases, and no change in 14%. A fellow was in 6/8 cases. CL decreased reliance on SR 3D attending and increased independence in 67% of cases, and no change in 33%. A SR attending was remotely present in all cases. CL allowed flexibility for SR attending in 89% of cases and no flexibility in 11%. Preferred learning skill, comfort performing/giving results over CL, learning/teaching impact, remote user wait time, reduced radiation exposure, and saved amount of PPE are shown in Table 1. Conclusions: CL is valuable in 3DTEE guidance procedures. It increases cost savings by reducing PPE and promotes learner independence. CL allows flexibility and reduces radiation exposure for remote users.

Optimal criteria for transcatheter closure of Fontan fenestration: a single-center experience with a review of literature.

Fenestration closure is considered to remove the persistent right-to-left shunt after the Fontan operation. However, the criteria for effective transcatheter closure of fenestration to avoid both acute and chronic Fontan failure have not been clarified. The objective of this study was to describe the hemodynamic data with test occlusion of the Fontan fenestration for patients who underwent a closure and those who did not, along with subsequent development of Fontan-associated diseases (FAD) at follow-up. This was a retrospective study conducted to assess the outcome of Fontan fenestration closure at Children's Hospital of Michigan over 27years (1993-2019). The inclusion criteria were patients undergoing cardiac catheterization indicated for Fontan fenestration closure. Data were compared between the two groups: closure and non-closure patients. Baseline characteristics and hemodynamic variables with the fenestration occlusion test were analyzed. The primary outcome was the development of composite events of death/transplant, deteriorated New York Heart Association class symptoms, or FAD. Among the 38 patients who were brought to the catheterization laboratory, 33 received fenestration closure and 5 did not. On a median follow-up of 3.4years (range, 1month-12.6years), the incidence of primary adverse outcomes was 13% (5/38). The incidence of primary outcome was significantly higher in the non-closure group (60% vs. 6%, p < 0.01). The non-closure group had a higher incidence of moderate or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation, New York Heart Association class III symptoms, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, furosemide use, and sildenafil use. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that the hemodynamic variables associated with the non-closure group were mean left atrial pressure (odds ratio 1.74, p < 0.05) and change of mean Fontan pressure at the balloon occlusion (odds ratio 2.2, p < 0.05). The judgment of fenestration closure appeared appropriate in our cohort. Fontan fenestration closure may not be advisable in cases with a high baseline left atrial pressure or a significant increase in Fontan pressure on balloon occlusion testing.

Use of institutional criteria for transcatheter device closure of Fontan fenestration - Midterm outcomes.

Background:There are no established criteria to decide suitability for Fontan fenestration closure. Our institution has the following criteria: an unobstructed Fontan pathway with no significant decompressing venovenous collaterals, baseline Fontan pressure ≤15 mmHg, baseline cardiac index ≥2 L/min/m2, and a decrease in cardiac index ≤20% with test occlusion of the fenestration.Objective:The objective of the study was to review midterm outcomes following device closure of Fontan fenestration using institutional criteria.Materials and Methods:A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent catheterization with prior fenestrated Fontan procedure between May 2005 and January 2015. Patients were classified as those who underwent successful closure (A), had closure deferred due to failure to meet criteria (B), or were not referred for closure (C).Results:There were 42 patients in Group A, 10 in Group B, and 150 in Group C. The mean Fontan pressure increased from 13.1 ± 2.1 to 14.5 ± 2.1mmHg in Group A and 14.6 ± 1.5 to 15.7 ± 2.2 mmHg in Group B (P = not significant). With test occlusion, cardiac index fell by 18.12% ± 15.68% in Group A and 33.75% ± 14.98% in Group B (P = 0.019). At a median of 46 month follow-up, oxygen saturation increased significantly from 85.15% ± 6.29% at baseline to 94.6% ± 4.43% (P < 0.001) in Group A but with no statistically significant difference in the rates of plastic bronchitis, protein-losing enteropathy, stroke, or heart transplantation between the three groups.Conclusions:Using institutional criteria, transcatheter device closure of Fontan fenestration was followed by significant increase in oxygen saturations and no statistically significant difference in morbidity or mortality between closure and nonclosure groups.

Fontan circuit fenestration occlusion with Occlutech patent ductus arteriosus occluder

We present a case of Fontan fenestration closure using an Occlutech patent ductus arteriosus occluder. The patient was diagnosed with tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia and secundum ASD at birth. He had a bilateral modified Blalock-Taussig shunt to promote growth of hypoplastic branch pulmonary arteries. He had a bidirectional Glenn Shunt at 11 years of age, and a total cavo-pulmonary connection (TCPC) with a fenestration at 19 years of age. He presented a year later with severe exercise intolerance and cyanosis. Cardiac catheterisation showed hypoxemia, normal pulmonary pressures, patent Fontan circuit and branch pulmonary arteries, and a Fontan circuit-to-right atrium fenestration with right to left shunting. A short shank Occlutech PDA occluder with a waist of 8mm, a pulmonary end of 10mm, an aortic disk of 16mm, and a length of 7mm, was selected to close the fenestration through the transvenous approach. The fenestration achieved complete immediate occlusion with this device.

Feasibility and Safety of Using a Fused Echocardiography/Fluoroscopy Imaging System in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Fused real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy has been used in adult patients during percutaneous mitral valve and aortic valve procedures. The use of fused echocardiographic/x-ray fluoroscopic imaging (FEX) in pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart disease catheterization has not been evaluated for feasibility and safety. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and safety of FEX for interventional guidance and to perform a comparison of atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure using this technology with traditional guidance methods. Prospective evaluation of FEX in congenital cardiac interventions was conducted. A subset of patients with ASD closures were compared with patients with historical ASD closures with and without FEX. The interventionalist and echocardiographer rated the anatomic quality of the fusion imaging as (1) excellent, (2) good, or (3) poor. In addition, the utility of FEX procedural guidance was graded as (1) superior, (2) no added benefit, or (3) inferior to that of standard guidance by fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography. FEX was successfully used in 26 procedures on 25 patients with congenital heart disease from January 2013 to February 2015. The median age was 9years (range, 3-26years), and the median weight was 29kg (range, 16-77kg). Twenty-six procedures were performed, including ASD closure, Fontan fenestration closure, and transcatheter valve placement in the tricuspid valve position. There was reduced fluoroscopy time and radiation dose in patients with ASDs who underwent imaging using this new technology (P<.001 and P<.03, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in procedural times between the two groups. Anatomic definition was rated as excellent in 20 of 26 procedures, with the remaining six rated was good. Twenty-one of 26 procedures were graded as superior (81%), and five of 26 (19%) were graded as providing no added benefit. There were no complications in any of the procedures. In this early experience, FEX is feasible and safe in patients undergoing congenital heart disease catheterization and provides useful guidance in the majority of interventional procedures. There were relative reductions in fluoroscopy time and radiation dose with the use of FEX for ASD closure.

Fontan fenestration closure with Amplatzer Duct Occluder II device.

To evaluate Fontan fenestration closure using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II device (ADO2). Fontan fenestration closure is a well established catheter intervention. A range of occlusion devices developed for other interventions have been utilized. Most of these devices, and especially the most commonly used Amplatzer Septal Occluder, are relatively bulky. The ADO2 is a low profile, flexible, and inexpensive device which seems well suited to the Fontan fenestration. This study details retrospective review of patients undergoing Fontan fenestration closure with an ADO2 device. Outcome measures included procedural success, pre- and post-procedural differences in oxygen saturation and mean pulmonary artery pressure and complications. Thirteen patients were eligible for inclusion during the 34 month study period. All procedures were technically successful. There was a significant increase in oxygen saturations (Mean=+12%, P<0.01) after fenestration closure but no significant change in mean pulmonary artery pressure (Mean=+0.5 mm Hg, P=0.08). There were no procedural complications. Fontan fenestration closure with the ADO2 device is a simple, short, and cost-effective procedure. The ADO2 characteristics recommend it to occlusion of varying sizes and morphologies of Fontan fenestration.

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

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.

Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography for Guiding Percutaneous Fontan Fenestration Closure

Mini AbstractThe presented case highlights the important complementary role of real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography in the guidance of transcatheter closure of a surgically created fenestration after Fontan operation.

Effect of Fontan Fenestration on Regional Venous Oxygen Saturation During Exercise: Further Insights Into Fontan Fenestration Closure

Fontan fenestration closure is a topic of great debate. The body of data regarding the risks and benefits of fenestration closure is limited yet growing. Previous studies have demonstrated that Fontan patients have less exercise capacity than those with normal cardiovascular anatomy. Differences also have been noted within various subgroups of Fontan patients such as whether Fontan is fenestrated or not. This study aimed to compare trends in regional oxygen saturations using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in patients with Fontan circulations during ramping exercise to further delineate differences between patients with and without a fenestration. It was hypothesized that Fontan patients with fenestrations have better exercise times, higher absolute regional oxygen venous saturations, and smaller arteriovenous differences than Fontan patients without fenestrations. For this study, 50 consecutive Fontan patients and 51 consecutive patients with normal cardiovascular anatomy were recruited. Placement of NIRS probes was performed to obtain regional oxygen saturations from the brain and the kidney. Readings were obtained at 1-min intervals during rest, exercise, and recovery. A standard Bruce protocol was used with a 5-min recovery period. Absolute regional tissue oxygenation values (rSO2) and arterial-venous oxygen saturation differences (AVDO2) calculated as arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2)--rSO2 for normal versus Fontan patients and for fenestrated versus unfenestrated Fontan patients were compared using independent t tests. When normal and Fontan patients were compared, the Fontan patients had a significantly shorter duration of exercise (9.3 vs 13.2 min; p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference in rSO2 change or AVDO2 was evident at the time of peak exercise, at 2 min into the recovery, or at 5 min into the recovery. A small oxygen debt also was paid back to the brain in the Fontan patients after exercise, as evidenced by a narrower AVDO2 than at baseline. The comparison of Fontan patients with and without fenestration showed no statistically significant difference in exercise time, rSO2 change, or AVDO2. The Fontan patients were noted to have shorter exercise times than the normal patients and also appeared to have an alteration in postexertional regional blood flow. However, when the various Fontan subtypes were compared by presence or absence of a fenestration, no significant differences were noted with regard to change in regional oxygen saturation or arteriovenous oxygen saturation. Thus, for patients with Fontan physiology, closure of the fenestration does not seem to have an impact on the dynamics of regional oxygen extraction during exercise or recovery.

Fontan fenestration closure and event-free survival

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association of open and closed Fontan fenestration status with event-free survival. All patients who underwent a fenestrated Fontan procedure at our institution from January 1994 through June 2007 were reviewed. Patient information was obtained from the medical records. The patients were assigned to 1 of 2 study groups, open or closed, according to their most recent fenestration status. Clinically relevant morbid events were tabulated, and Kaplan-Meier event analysis was used to create event-free probability curves with log-rank comparisons. A total of 161 patients were classified as open and 51 as closed. The median interval to an event was 1.1 years (interquartile range, 0.1-3.3 years) after the Fontan procedure. The median interval to closure was 1.2 years (interquartile range, 0.7-3.3 years). The median interval to an event was 1.5 years (interquartile range, 0.1-4.6 years) in the closed group and 1.1 years (interquartile range, 0.1-3.3 years) in the open group. Event-free probability analysis revealed no significant difference between the 2 groups (P=.15). The median follow-up arterial oxygen saturation was greater in the closed group (96.0%; interquartile range, 94.0%-97.0%) than in the open group (91.0%; interquartile range, 86.0%-95.0%; P<.0001). Fenestration closure was associated with greater arterial oxygen saturation but not greater event-free survival. The interval to an event was slightly less than the interval to fenestration closure, suggesting potential merit in the evaluation of earlier fenestration closure. Adoption of specific fenestration management guidelines might help improve the overall outcomes and enhance the quality of future studies.

Fontan Fenestration Closure Has No Acute Effect on Exercise Capacity but Improves Ventilatory Response to Exercise

The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the effects of elective Fontan fenestration closure upon exercise capacity and ventilatory abnormalities. For patients undergoing Fontan procedures as palliation of single ventricle physiology, the addition of a fenestration to the procedure mitigates perioperative morbidity. Although some fenestrations may close spontaneously, many remain patent and subject patients to arterial hypoxemia and risk for paradoxical emboli. For these reasons fenestration closure is routinely performed post-operatively in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Although closure of Fontan fenestrations typically results in an immediate improvement in systemic arterial oxygen saturation, it is also associated with an acute decrease in cardiac index and systemic O(2) delivery. The sum result of these physiologic changes upon exercise capacity has not been examined. Twenty consecutive patients, age 5 to 46 (median 10) years, underwent pre- and post-fenestration closure exercise testing with expiratory gas analysis. Before fenestration closure, peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)) was depressed and there was systemic desaturation at rest that worsened with exercise. The ventilatory response to exercise was also abnormal, characterized by elevation of the minute ventilation (VE)/CO(2) elimination slope (VE/VCO(2)), a low end-tidal CO(2), and high end-tidal O(2) at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold. Although arterial saturation improved significantly after fenestration closure, there was no change in peak VO(2) (70.9 +/- 18.6% to 74.0 +/- 18.6%, p = NS), heart rate, or O(2) pulse at peak exercise. In contrast, ventilatory abnormalities (VE/VCO(2)) improved considerably (44.4 +/- 10.9 to 33.3 +/- 5.5, p <or= 0.001). Fontan fenestration closure does not significantly improve peak VO(2). However, ventilatory abnormalities improve considerably.

Abstract 2138: Fontan Fenestration Closure Has No Effect On Exercise Capacity But Improves The Ventilatory Response To Exercise

Introduction: For patients undergoing Fontan procedures for palliation of single ventricle physiology the addition of a fenestration to the procedure, which permits intracardiac right-to-left shunting, mitigates perioperative morbidity. While some fenestrations may close spontaneously, many remain patent and subject patients to arterial hypoxemia and risk for paradoxical emboli. For this reason fenestration closure is routinely performed post-operatively in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Fenestration closure typically results in improved arterial oxygenation, but decreased cardiac index. We assessed the hypothesis that sum effect of these physiologic changes would have not improve exercise capacity. Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients, age 4.8–46 (median 10) years underwent pre and post-fenestration closure exercise testing with expiratory gas analysis. Results: Prior to fenestration closure, peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was low. Arterial desaturation was present at rest and worsened with exercise. The ventilatory response to exercise was excessive, characterized by elevation of the minute ventilation vs. CO2 production slope (VE/VCO2 slope) and a low end tidal pCO2 at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (pETCO2). Following fenestration closure, arterial saturation (at rest and at peak exercise) improved significantly. However, there was no change in VO2, heart rate, or oxygen pulse at peak exercise. In contrast, ventilatory abnormalities improved considerably. The VE/VCO2 slope fell 25% and pETCO2 rose from 27.9+/−4.2 to 34.1+/−3.2 mmHg. Conclusion: Elective Fontan fenestration closure does not improve peak VO2. However, the reduction in right-to-left intracardiac shunting improves arterial oxygen saturation during exercise and reduces the patient’s need to ventilate during exercise. These changes may reduce the Fontan patient’s perception of dyspnea during exercise. Pre and Post-Fenestration Exercise Data

Improved Exercise Capacity during Single Ventricle Cycle Ergometry in Fontan Patients Post TVanscatheter Fenestration Closure

PURPOSE: To evaluate the exercise capacity of patients that have undergone a transcatheter Fontan fenestration closure. METHODS: We evaluated 11 patients (6 males, mean age 15 yrs) pre and post closure with a standardized cycle ergometer protocol developed for patients with single ventricle physiology. The average time between the two tests was 132 days. Successful fenestration closure was accomplished in all using an Amplatzer device 8.9 ± 2.9 years post Fontan. All had suitable anatomy and hemodynamics. RESULTS: Immediately following closure during cardiac catheterization, arterial saturation increased from 91 to 95% and cardiac index decreased from 2.4 to 1.8 (L/min/m2) (p<0.05). Similar peak heart rates were achieved during both exercise tests. Rest, submaximal and peak exercise O2 saturation increased from 88, 84 and 81% to 95, 94 and 92% respectively. Peak VO2, total working capacity and exercise duration increased by 7%, 17% and 11% respectively (p<0.005, p<0.05).TableCONCLUSION: O2 saturation improves throughout exercise after transcatheter fenestration closure in Fontan patients resulting in an increased aerobic and exercise capacity. These results indicate that during dynamic exercise, improved oxygen saturation increases oxygen uptake and more than compensates for the restricted resting cardiac output obtained immediately after fenestration closure with the Amplatzer device.

Perioperative risk factors for development of protein-losing enteropathy following a Fontan procedure

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a devastating complication after a Fontan procedure that often responds poorly to treatment. Its features include hypoalbuminemia, ascites, pleural effusions, diarrhea, malaise, and lymphocytopenia. The reported prevalence among patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure ranges from 2.5% to 11%1–4 with a 5-year postonset survival rate of 46% to 59%.2,3 Until recently, many clinicians have assumed that PLE results from chronically elevated systemic venous pressure that promotes the development of lymphangiectasis and protein loss into the gastrointestinal tract. However, Goff et al,5 from our institution, recently reported a surprisingly low prevalence of PLE (1 in 154, 0.6%) at follow-up (median 3.4 years) after Fontan fenestration closure, a procedure that produces a sustained increase in systemic venous pressure.6 This observation prompted us to explore the alternative hypothesis that PLE might be related to perioperative injury. Accordingly, by analyzing database information on the first 500 patients undergoing a Fontan procedure at our institution, we sought to identify perioperative risk factors for the development of PLE.

Fontan fenestration closure in the catheterization laboratory—Echocardiographic evaluation of residual right to left shunts

In conclusion, Fontan fenestration closure in the catheterization laboratory by the snare technique results in a high rate of complete closure at the fenestration site. However, residual right to left shunts at different sites are common.