Device occlusion of Fontan fenestration--an economical alternative.

Fenestrating the Fontan circuit during total cavopulmonary anastomosis is commonly performed to reduce postoperative mortality and morbidity. The resulting systemic desaturation may progressively increase leading to symptoms. We report the case of a symptomatic eight year old, whose Fontan circuit fenestration was closed using a patent ductus arteriosus occluder. The marked improvement in the patient's clinical status immediately and after 3 months confirms this device to be a safe, and economically better alternative to the atrial septal defect occluder.