Novel uses of the Rashkind ductal umbrella in adults and children with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE

To show possible alternative uses of the Rashkind ductal umbrella.

DESIGN

Descriptive study of selected, non-randomised patients; with specific congenital heart lesions other than an arterial duct.

SETTING

A tertiary referral centre.

PATIENTS: Nine patients with congenital heart lesions; four with interatrial communications after a fenestrated Fontan procedure two with large aortopulmonary collaterals, three with an unoperated ventricular septal defect.

INTERVENTIONS: Placement of a Rashkind umbrella occluder as treatment for a haemodynamically important lesion.

RESULTS

Successful placement with symptomatic and haemodynamic improvement in all.

CONCLUSIONS

The Rashkind ductal umbrella may be used successfully to treat some patients with aortopulmonary collateral vessels, ventricular septal defects, and interatrial communications after the fenestrated Fontan procedure.