Fetal Intervention Using an Everolimus-Eluting Stent in HLHS With Intact Atrial Septum.

BACKGROUND

In utero stenting of the atrial septum has been introduced for fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and intact atrial septum (IAS) to prevent secondary pulmonary vascular damage caused by left atrial hypertension. Previous reports revealed a high risk of significant or complete in-stent obstruction after successful intervention due to endothelial proliferation.

CASE SUMMARY: We report a fetus with HLHS and IAS complicated by nutmeg lung who underwent successful fetal atrial septal stenting using an everolimus-eluting stent (Xience Sierra; Abbott). The procedure resulted in immediate left atrial decompression and maintained an unrestrictive interatrial communication until delivery.

DISCUSSION: The use of a drug-eluting stent resulted in sustained stent patency without evidence of endothelial overgrowth and without detectable systemic adverse effects in the fetus.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: In utero use of an everolimus-eluting stent appears safe and may reduce the risk of in-stent obstruction in fetuses with HLHS and IAS.