Rd. Mainwaring et Jj. Lamberti, EXTRACARDIAC CONDUIT FONTAN FOR CHILDREN WITH HETEROTAXY AND FUNCTIONALLY SINGLE VENTRICLE, Cardiology in the young, 8(4), 1998, pp. 479-485
Children with functionally single ventricle in the setting of visceral
heterotaxy (isomerism) may present a surgical challenge at the time o
f Fontan completion because of anomalies of systemic and pulmonary ven
ous drainage. We have used an extracardiac conduit in this population
to direct inferior caval venous blood to the pulmonary arteries. Over
the past five years, nine children with heterotaxy and a functionally
single ventricle underwent correction by placement of an extracardiac
synthetic (Gore-Tex) conduit. All patients had previously undergone a
bidirectional Glenn procedure. Age and weight at the time of insertion
of the extracardiac conduit were 26+/-15 months, and 11+/-2 kilograms
, respectively. Results: Of the nine children, six had an uneventful r
ecovery. One developed elevated venous pressures and required a 'fenes
tration procedure'. Two patients developed pleural effusions. Median l
ength of stay in hospital was 10 days. All children are alive and well
, with follow-up of 19+/-16 months. There have been no thromboembolic
complications. Conclusions: The extracardiac conduit has worked well i
n our experience for the completion of the Fontan circulation in child
ren with functionally single ventricle in the setting of visceral hete
rotaxy.