Feasibility and clinical impact of transcatheter closure of interatrial communications after a fenestrated Fontan procedure: medium-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study was to review an institutional experience with transcatheter closure of Fontan fenestrations and its impact on clinical care.

BACKGROUND

An interatrial fenestration improves postoperative outcomes in high-risk children undergoing a Fontan repair. While technical feasibility has been well defined, the clinical impact of subsequent closure is not well defined.

METHODS

Transcatheter closure of a surgically created or additional interatrial communication was attempted in 152 children at a median interval of 13.8 months after surgery. The clinical records were reviewed for demographic and anatomical characteristics, previous surgeries; catheterization data, and status at latest follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean oxygen saturation and right atrial pressure increased acutely from 87% +/- 5% to 96% +/- 3% (P < 0.001) and 12 +/- 2 mm Hg to 13 +/- 3 mm Hg (P < 0.001), respectively. Higher systemic venous atrial pressures after occlusion correlated with higher pulmonary artery pressures (P = 0.05) before the Fontan procedure and with higher right (P < 0.001) and left atrial (P = 0.001) and ventricular end-diastolic pressures (P < 0.001) immediately before occlusion. Complications included device malposition in 2 children, 1 child each had an air embolism and post-procedural bleeding, and each self-limiting and 1 child had acute ST elevation in inferior ECG leads because of occlusion of the acute marginal branch which was treated with angioplasty and placement of a stent. At follow-up (median 4.5 years), the mean oxygen saturation was 95% +/- 3%. Residual interatrial leaks were noted echocardiographically in 9%. Two children developed protein-losing enteropathy after fenestration closure. No deaths or strokes were observed in follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter occlusion of Fontan fenestrations is safe with acute and persistent improvements in oxygen saturations.