OCCLUSION OF FONTAN FENESTRATIONS USING THE AMPLATZER SEPTAL OCCLUDER

Objective-To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Amplatzer septal occluder device for occlusion of Fontan fenestrations. Subjects-Five c hildren aged 5-10 years who had undergone a fenestrated Fontan operati on. Setting-Tertiary paediatric cardiology centre. Methods-Each patien t had right and left heart catheterisation to assess haemodynamic suit ability for fenestration closure. Sizing of the defect was achieved wi th a balloon wedge catheter and transoesphageal echocardiography, Tran scatheter occlusion of the fenestration was accomplished using a 4 mm device in three patients, and 5 mm or 9 mm devices in the other two pa tients. Residual shunting following occlusion was assessed using angio graphy and echocardiography. Results-100% occlusion rate of the fenest ration was achieved in all patients. No complications or device failur es were seen during the three month follow up period. Conclusion-The A mplatzer septal occluder device is safe, and effectively occludes the Fontan fenestration.