Congenital heart disease
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Congenital heart disease · May 2007
Review Case ReportsOcclusion of the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt: unique methods of treatment and review of catheter-based intervention.
To report unique methods of treatment and review catheter-based intervention for occluded modified Blalock-Taussig shunts (BTS). ⋯ The use of catheter-based techniques for the treatment of BTS occlusion is highly successful, and potentially avoids high-risk re-operative intervention. ECMO can provide for a stable patient during the procedure. Hopefully, with improved technology and innovative procedures, more children in the future with BTS occlusion can be served by successful percutaneous intervention.
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Congenital heart disease · May 2007
Regression of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations after transcatheter reconnection of the pulmonary arteries in patients with unidirectional Fontan.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) develop in patients with a lung deprived of hepatic blood flow. Unidirectional Fontan patients have superior vena cava (SVC) blood directed to the left or right pulmonary artery (PA), and inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic blood baffled to the contra-lateral PA. Cyanosis often develops due to PAVM in the lung deprived of hepatic blood. We report experiences with transcatheter PA reconnection in patients with unidirectional Fontan and PAVM. ⋯ Patients with unidirectional Fontan and PAVM demonstrate increased oxygen saturations following reconnection of PAs, suggesting regression of PAVM. This procedure can be performed safely using uncovered stents, and it is effective in improving systemic oxygen saturations.