Relief of an early pulmonary pathway obstruction with stenting after modified Fontan operation in an adult

G Ital Cardiol. 1999 Dec;29(12):1499-502.

Abstract

The prognosis of Tricuspid Atresia, a rare congenital heart disease, has been changed by surgery. The criteria for Fontan operation have been well established in the literature and adult patients rarely fulfil these criteria; however, in very selected cases Fontan operation can be performed also in adults. A 33 year old woman with tricuspid atresia and previous palliation with classical right Glenn and with left modified Blalock-Taussing, underwent modified Fontan operation because increasing cyanosis and moderate exercise intolerance. Three weeks after operation the patient was readmitted with severe heart failure because of a tight obstruction at the anastomosis between right atrium and main-left pulmonary artery. The stenosis was treated with balloon and stenting achieving large pathway. Our experience confirms that after a modified Fontan, if cardiac failure occurs, an immediate full investigation have to be done.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fontan Procedure*
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Pulmonary Valve Stenosis / surgery*
  • Stents*
  • Time Factors