Perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve. Long-term follow-up

Hybrid Interventions in Congenital Heart Disease: A Review of Current Practice and Rationale for Use

BACKGROUND

Hybrid interventions have become a common option in the management for a variety of patients with congenital heart disease. In this review, we discuss the data that have driven decision making about hybrid interventions to date.

METHODS

The existing literature on various hybrid approaches was reviewed and summarized. In addition, the key tenants to creating a successful hybrid program within a congenital heart center are elucidated.

RESULTS

Hybrid strategies for single-ventricle patients, pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, branch pulmonary artery stenosis, and muscular ventricular septal defect closure have important benefits and limitations compared with traditional approaches.

CONCLUSION

A growing body of evidence supports the use of hybrid interventions in congenital heart disease. But important questions remain regarding improved survival and other long-term outcomes, such as neurocognition, that might impact widespread adoption as a primary treatment strategy.

Novel Uses of the SwiftNinja Steerable Microcatheter for Pediatric Cardiovascular Interventions

In the present era, the intricacy of procedures undertaken by a pediatric interventional cardiologist has increased, primarily attributed to dealing with smaller, younger patients with more complex anatomies. To adapt to these smaller and more complex patients, we must adapt our interventions and our equipment to perform these procedures. This article outlines various innovative applications of the SwiftNinja steerable microcatheter within the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Transcatheter radiofrequency pulmonary valve perforation in newborns with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum: Echocardiographic predictors of biventricular circulation

OBJECTIVE

We report a single-institute experience of neonatal transvenous radiofrequency pulmonary valve perforation for pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum, with echocardiographic predictors of biventricular circulation.

METHODS

Data were reviewed retrospectively for all neonates who underwent primary transvenous pulmonary valve perforation for pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum between January 2008 and November 2018 at our institution. We compared patients who need systemic-to-pulmonary shunt or ductal stenting with patients who did not need.

RESULTS

During the study period, 31 patients with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum underwent successful radiofrequency pulmonary valve perforation and balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve. There was no procedure-related mortality. Sixteen patients (52%) needed systemic-to-pulmonary shunt or ductal stenting after initial procedure. Among the survivors (follow-up time of 1 to 11.5 years), 15 patients had a biventricular circulation and 6 patients had 1 and 1⁄2 ventricular circulation. Two patients are awaiting for Fontan operation. Both the TV/MV annulus ratio (>0.85) and tricuspid valve z-score (>-1) were found to be a good predictor of a biventricular outcome in our cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous radiofrequency pulmonary valve perforation and balloon valvotomy is an effective and safe primary treatment strategy for neonates with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum. Ductal stenting or systemic-to-pulmonary shunt may be required in the majority of patients who had smaller right heart components. Preselection of patients according to tricuspid valve z-score and TV/MV annulus ratio allows predicting biventricular circulation.

Transcatheter Approach for Critical Pulmonary Stenosis or Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum in Young Infants Using the Simmons Catheter

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed 52 young infants, 41 of whom had CPS and 11 had PA/IVS, in a single center from June 2009 to October 2017. Patients were divided into three groups according to the type of catheter used to enter through the RVOT. The unique structure of the Simmons catheter allowed it to be maneuvered directly into the RVOT within a few minutes. Compared with the other two groups, the Simmons catheter group had a significantly shorter fluoroscopy time entering through the RVOT (P < 0.001) and a shorter total X-ray exposure time (P < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with the floating catheter group, the success rate of surgery was much higher in the Simmons catheter group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The Simmons catheter is a safe and effective method to enter through the RVOT in infants with CPS or PA/IVS. Therefore, the Simmons catheter could be an alternative catheter when entering through the RVOT in young infants, especially neonates with low birth weight.

A low threshold for neonatal intervention yields a high rate of biventricular outcomes in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

AIMS

Management strategies for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are variable and are based on right ventricular morphology and associated abnormalities. Catheter perforation of the pulmonary valve provides an alternative strategy to surgery in the neonatal period. We sought to assess the long-term outcome in terms of survival, re-intervention, and functional ventricular outcome in the setting of a 26-year single-centre experience of low threshold inclusion criteria for percutaneous valvotomy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum from 1990 to 2016 at a tertiary referral centre, was performed. Of 71 patients, 48 were brought to the catheterisation laboratory for intervention. Catheter valvotomy was successful in 45 patients (94%). Twenty-three patients (51%) also underwent ductus arteriosus stenting. The length of intensive care and hospital stay was significantly shorter, and early re-interventions were significantly reduced in the catheterisation group. There were eight deaths (17%); all within 35 days of the procedure. Of the survivors, only one has required a Fontan circulation. Twenty-eight patients (74%) have undergone biventricular repair and nine patients (24%) have one-and-a-half ventricle circulation. Following successful valvotomy, 80% of patients required further catheter-based or surgical interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

A low threshold for initial interventional management yielded a high rate of successful biventricular circulations. Although mortality was low in patients who survived the peri-procedural period, the rate of re-intervention remained high in all groups.

Neonatal Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum-8-Year Surgical Experience at One Center

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) in neonates is challenging because of the broad variations of right ventricular (RV) malformations. In this retrospective study, we summarized our 8-y experience in surgical management for neonatal PA/IVS patients.

METHODS

Thirty-four neonates with PA/IVS between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2014, were reviewed. Patients were categorized into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe RV hypoplasia according to RV morphology and development. Patients were on regular follow-up for at least 5 y. Overall survival, complications, reinterventions, risk factors for mortality, and health status were evaluated.

RESULTS

21 patients (61.8%) were treated with biventricular repair, eight patients (23.5%) with Fontan procedure, and one patient (2.9%) with bidirectional Glenn procedure. There were four postprocedural mortalities and one late death. The 5-y survival rates after final surgical repair for mild, moderate, and severe RV hypoplasia groups were 100%, 100%, and 88.9%, respectively. The reintervention rates were 0% (0/4), 21.4% (3/14), and 55.6% (5/9) for the subgroups, respectively. At the latest follow-up, most patients had a status characterized as New York Heart Association class I (88.9%, 24/27).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical management for PA/IVS in neonates should be individualized. Favorable early and long-term outcomes can be achieved in neonatal PA/IVS patients by individualized surgical strategies, regardless of the degree of RV hypoplasia. In spite of potential RV catch-up development, the degree of RV hypoplasia is a factor of paramount importance to assess PA/IVS in neonates.

Transcatheter pulmonary valvuloplasty in neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter pulmonary valvuloplasty in neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) or duct-dependent pulmonary valve stenosis (DD-PVS) has become a reasonable alternative to surgical right ventricle decompression.

AIM

To investigate mid-term outcomes following pulmonary valvuloplasty.

METHODS

Sixty-five neonates with PA-IVS (n=29) or DD-PVS (n=36) (median age 4 days; mean weight 3.0kg) undergoing pulmonary valvuloplasty were reviewed retrospectively. Procedural data and clinical outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Pulmonary valvuloplasty was successful in 59 patients (90.8%). Preterm birth, larger tricuspid valve annulus diameter and PA-IVS correlated with procedural failure. Eleven patients (18.6%) required a Blalock-Taussig shunt during early follow-up, despite valvuloplasty. These neonates had smaller tricuspid and pulmonary valve annulus Z-scores (-1.9 vs. -0.8 [p=0.04] and -2.5 vs. -0.9 [P=0.005], respectively) and a higher incidence of "bipartite" right ventricle (P=0.02). Mean follow-up was 5.4±3.3 years. Mortality after successful valvuloplasty was 8.5% (n=5). Among the 54 survivors, biventricular repair was achieved in 52 patients (96.3%), including nine with a previous Blalock-Taussig shunt. The cumulative rate of subsequent surgery (excluding Blalock-Taussig shunt) was 13.7% (95% confidence interval 6.8-26.7%) and 16.4% (95% confidence interval 8.5-30.4%) at 2 and 4 years, respectively. Secondary surgery was significantly more frequent in PA-IVS compared with DD-PVS, and in neonates with a Blalock-Taussig shunt (P=0.003 and 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Selected neonates with DD-PVS or PA-IVS managed by transcatheter pulmonary valvuloplasty had a good mid-term outcome. In neonates with a borderline small right ventricle, a hybrid strategy with a supplementary source of pulmonary blood flow can be efficient to achieve biventricular repair.

Transcatheter perforation of atretic pulmonary valve by the stiff end of a coronary wire in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: A solution in developing countries

Objectives

To evaluate the safety of using the stiff end of a coronary wire to perforate an atretic pulmonary valve (PV) in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS).

Background

Radiofrequency perforation is an accepted modality to perforate the PV in patients PAIVS. However, the high cost precludes its widespread use.

Patients and methods

This is a single-center experience that spanned from March 2013 to January 2016 and involved 13 neonates who were severely cyanotic with PAIVS and with ductal-dependent pulmonary circulation. The stiff end of a coronary wire was used to perforate the atretic PV anterogradely, followed by balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty.

Results

The mean age of patients was 3.9 ± 2.7 days and their mean weight was 2.8 ± 0.19 kg. The mean oxygen saturation was 77.1 ± 3.2%. All had membranous pulmonary atresia, with patent infundibulum and tripartite right ventricle. The valve was successfully perforated in 11 out of 13 patients. Death occurred in two patients (15.4%) owing to heart failure and sepsis. Patent ductus arteriosus stenting was performed 2 days after the procedure in one patient because of cyanosis followed by one and half ventricle repair at of age 5 months. Two patients (15.4%) had one and a half ventricle repair at age of 5 months and 6 months owing to insufficient anterograde pulmonary flow. Two patients (15.4%) underwent second intervention with balloon dilatation of the valve. The remaining seven patients (53.8%) had no further intervention. Two cases (15.4%) had femoral artery thrombosis treated with streptokinase. The mean duration of follow-up was 13.17 ± 7 months. There was significant improvement in the degree of tricuspid incompetence. There was a significant growth in the tricuspid valve annulus during the follow-up (the mean Z score increased from −0.8 ± 0.9 to 0.1 ± 0.9) (p = 0.003). There was also a significant increase in the tricuspid valve annulus/mitral valve annulus ratio as its mean increased from 0.73 ± 0.10 to 0.86 ± 0.11 during follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Perforation of the atretic PV in selected cases with membranous atresia and patent infundibulum using the stiff end of a coronary wire is an effective alternative to using radiofrequency perforation.

Innovative interventional catheterization techniques for congenital heart disease

Since 1929, when the first cardiac catheterization was safely performed in a human by Dr. Werner Forssmann (on himself), there has been a rapid progression of cardiac catheterization techniques and technologies. Today, these advances allow us to treat a wide variety of patients with congenital heart disease using minimally invasive techniques; from fetus to infants to adults, and from simple to complex congenital cardiac lesions. In this article, we will explore some of the exciting advances in cardiac catheterization for the treatment of congenital heart disease, including transcatheter valve implantation, hybrid procedures, biodegradable technologies, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided catheterization. Additionally, we will discuss innovations in imaging in the catheterization laboratory, including 3D rotational angiography (3DRA), fusion imaging, and 3D printing, which help to make innovative interventional approaches possible.

Transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation using chronic total occlusion wire in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Background:

Perforation of pulmonary valve using radiofrequency ablation in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA IVS) is a treatment of choice. However, significant cost of the equipment limits its utility, especially in the developing economies.

Objective:

To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of perforation of pulmonary valve using chronic total occlusion (CTO) wires in patients with PA IVS as an alternative to radiofrequency ablation.

Methods:

This is a single-center, nonrandomized, retrospective study conducted during June 2008 to September 2015. Twenty-four patients with PA IVS were selected for the procedure during the study period. The median age and weight of the study population were 8. days and 2.65 kg, respectively. Four patients were excluded after right ventricular angiogram as they showed right ventricular-dependent coronary circulation. The pulmonary valve perforation was attempted using various types of CTO wires based on the tip load with variable penetrating characteristics.

Results:

The procedure was successful in 16 of twenty patients using CTO wires: Shinobi in nine, Miracle in four, CROSS-IT in two, and Conquest Pro in one. Two patients had perforation of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Pericardiocentesis was required in one patient to relieve cardiac tamponade. Later, the same patient underwent successful hybrid pulmonary valvotomy. The other patient underwent ductus arteriosus (DA) stenting. Balloon atrial septostomy was needed in three cases with systemic venous congestion. Desaturation was persistent in five cases necessitating DA or RVOT stenting to augment pulmonary blood flow. There were two early and two late deaths. The mean follow-up was 22.66 ± 16 months. Three patients underwent one and half ventricle repair and one Blalock–Taussig shunt during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Perforation of the pulmonary valve can be done successfully using CTO wires in selected cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.

Outcomes of Radiofrequency Perforation for Pulmonary Atresia and Intact Ventricular Septum: A Single-Centre Experience

Percutaneous radiofrequency perforation (RFP) of the pulmonary valve is used as a primary therapy in neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PAIVS). We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of RFP for PAIVS in a single center and assess the pre-intervention anatomical parameters associated with a biventricular outcome. We retrospectively reviewed all cases of PAIVS treated with RFP at a single center from 1999 through 2012. We collected baseline imaging data, technical aspects of the procedure, adverse events and outcomes. RFP was attempted in 18 patients with 17 successful procedures. There was no mortality; one patient had an acute complication requiring surgical intervention. All were alive at the most recent follow-up (median 4.9 years; IQR = 2.0-6.8 years), 12/17 (71%) had a biventricular circulation, 2/17 (12%) had a 1½ ventricle repair, 2/17 (12%) had a univentricular repair and 1/17 was lost to follow-up. A biventricular outcome in patients with PAIVS was associated with the pre-intervention tricuspid valve/mitral valve (TV/MV) ratio and tricuspid valve (TV) z-score. The median TV/MV ratio for patients who underwent a biventricular repair and a non-biventricular repair was 0.82 (IQR = 0.71-0.90) and 0.59 (IQR = 0.39-0.76), P = 0.036, respectively. The median TV z-scores were -3.2 [(-4.9 to -2.6), and -6.8 (-9.7 to -4.8] P = 0.036 for the biventricular and non-biventricular groups, respectively. RFP is a safe primary therapy for PAIVS. With appropriate patient selection, RFP will often result in a biventricular circulation. Both the TV/MV and TV z-score were found to be a predictor of a biventricular outcome in our cohort.

Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum, Pulmonary Stenosis, and Ebstein's Malformation

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this review are to discuss the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical course, and current treatment strategies for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, pulmonary stenosis, and Ebstein's anomaly.

DATA SOURCE

MEDLINE and PubMed.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable advances have been made in management strategies for these complex congenital heart lesions, which have led to improved outcomes.

Radiofrequency applications in congenital heart disease

The relatively recent application of radiofrequency technologies in the treatment of congenital heart defects has provided a safe and effective alternative to conventional therapies in establishing endovascular patency for a variety of lesions. Radiofrequency, with typically used frequencies of approximately 500 kHz, does not cause pain and is unlikely to induce atrial or ventricular fibrillation. It can be used either to ablate (higher power (35-50 W); longer duration of application (90-120 sec); lower voltage (30-50 V)) or to perforate (lower power (5-10 W) shorter duration of application (1-5 sec), higher voltage (150-280 V)). In the past, perforating radiofrequency has been applied to establish right ventricular outflow tract patency in pulmonary atresia with intact septum and with ventricular septal defect. More recently radiofrequency has been shown to be effective at recanalizing central and peripheral vasculature and has also been applied in establishing percutaneous left heart access. A new radiofrequency catheter, dedicated to transseptal left atrial cannulation, has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in an animal model and is now ready for clinical trials.

Transcatheter management of neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: a single center experience from Turkey

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) is characterized by a broad spectrum of heterogeneous morphologies. Perforation of the atretic valve, balloon dilatation, and stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus are the percutaneous techniques that are used with increasing frequency in our clinic as well. They have some advantages over surgery, including short hospital stay and short intensive care unit stay. The main goal of the primary interventional approach is to avoid surgery. However, a group of patients with PAIVS still need surgery due to poor right ventricular growth. Therefore, the final achievement of the initial percutaneous treatment strategies is still debatable. In this article, we present the early- and mid-term results of the percutaneous approach utilized at our clinic in order to investigate the final effects of interventional therapy according to initial morphology. Between May 2010 and May 2012, 15 neonates diagnosed with PAIVS underwent transcatheter intervention. Detailed echocardiographic examination focused on right ventricle size, and tricuspid valve morphology and coronary sinusoids were performed in all the patients before the intervention. Nine of the patients were boys and six were girls. The mean age was 11.40 ± 12.87 days and mean weight was 3.34 ± 0.46 kg. Only one procedure-related mortality occurred. The mean follow-up period was 10.05 ± 3.42 months (1-26 months). The mean duration of intensive care was 7.19 ± 5.14 days. The mean follow-up time was 10.05 ± 3.42 months. After this period, survival rate was 66% (10/15). Two of the patients achieved biventricular physiology after pulmonary valve perforation. Two patients still have univentricular physiology. Six patients have been followed as a one and half ventricle repair candidate. Five out of 15 patients had stent patency during 6 months of follow-up, while restenosis developed in one patient (1/5, 20%), who had undergone the Glenn operation at 5 months of age. Transcatheter management for PAIVS is a feasible, safe, and effective primary palliative treatment in newborns. Shunt surgery may be considered in cases where cyanosis occurs despite transcatheter intervention. Right ventricular size determines the type of intervention. The early outcomes can be comparable with surgical palliation. However, a group of PAIVS, particularly with severe right ventricular hypoplasia, needs surgery even after a successful primary percutaneous intervention.

Catheter-based treatment in patients with critical pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: a single institute experience with comparison between patients with and without additional procedure for pulmonary flow

OBJECTIVES

We report a single institute experience of transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy using the soft end of a guidewire followed or not by a systemic-pulmonary shunt in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) or critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS). In addition, we compare patients with or without an additional source of flow to support the pulmonary circulation after successful pulmonary valvotomy.

METHODS

All neonates with PAIVS or CPS who underwent primary transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy between January 2004 and December 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Some of them needed an additional source of flow to support the pulmonary circulation. We performed a comparison between those who required an additional source of pulmonary flow and those who did not.

RESULTS

The initial procedure was successful in 20 out of 22 patients (seven of nine with PAIVS; all of 13 with CPS), but 10 of them needed an additional source of flow to support the pulmonary circulation: nine had arterial duct stenting and one had surgical Blalock-Taussig shunt. There were no deaths or major acute complications, except for femoral artery occlusion in three patients. The bipartite right ventricular morphology, the tricuspid z-score of ≤-0.74, the tricuspid to mitral valve ratio of ≤ 0.9, and the z-score of the diastolic interventricular septal thickness ≥ 2.37 in preprocedural examination showed more tendency of needing shunt placement.

CONCLUSION

Transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy using the soft end of a guidewire followed or not by the arterial duct stent implantation was an effective approach in those patients. The angiographic distinction between CPS and PAIVS did not affect anything in this study including the procedural method, success, and odds for reintervention. The degree of right ventricle cavity hypoplasia provided the main restriction to forward flow after pulmonary valvotomy.

Pulmonary atresia with intact septum: the use of Conquest Pro coronary guidewire for perforation of atretic valve and subsequent interventions

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and safety of the Conquest Pro wire as an alternative to radiofrequency wire for perforation of atretic pulmonary valve and subsequent balloon dilatation and patent ductus arteriosus stenting in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency valvotomy and balloon dilatation has become the standard of care for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in many institutions today.

METHODS

We report eight consecutive patients in whom we used the Conquest Pro coronary guidewire, a stiff wire normally reserved for revascularisation of coronary lesions with chronic total occlusion, for perforation of atretic pulmonary valve and subsequent balloon dilatation, and stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus.

RESULTS

Perforation of atretic pulmonary valve was successful in seven out of eight cases. Radiofrequency valvotomy was employed after failure of perforation by the Conquest Pro wire in one case where the right ventricular outflow tract was broad based and tapered towards the pulmonary valve, and was heavily trabeculated. Failure of the Conquest Pro wire to perforate the pulmonary valve plate was mainly attributed by the failure to engage the wire at the correct position.

CONCLUSION

The Conquest Pro wire for perforation and subsequent interventions in the more straightforward cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is effective and safe, simplifying the entire procedure. However, the radiofrequency generator and wires remain essential tools in the paediatric interventional catheter laboratory.

Use of a telescopic system for transcatheter radiofrequency perforation and balloon valvotomy in infants with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum is a complex congenital heart disease with great morphological variability. Approximately two-thirds of patients may be suitable for transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy. We reviewed our experience in the use of two different percutaneous approaches to evaluate the impact on fluoroscopy time and morbidity of a new technique to perform transcatheter radiofrequency perforation and valvotomy in newborns with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In all, 31 patients underwent radiofrequency perforation of the pulmonary valve. The first 14 infants were treated using a 5 French Judkins right coronary catheter, which was manoeuvred directly underneath the atretic pulmonary valve (Group A). The others were treated using a telescopic system consisting of Northstar Lumax Flex and White Lumax Guiding Catheters (Cook; Group B). In both groups, after radiofrequency perforation of the pulmonary valve, a 0.014-inch superfloppy guidewire was advanced into the descending aorta and balloon dilations were performed. Required fluoroscopy time was significantly lower in Group B (48.5 ± 28.1 versus 24.9 ± 14.4 minutes, respectively; p < 0.01). A higher incidence of unfavourable events including the need for early surgery was found in Group A.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, telescopic catheter proved to be a valid option able to decrease the fluoroscopy time of percutaneous radiofrequency perforation of pulmonary valve and consequently patients’ exposure to procedure-related risks.

Balloon valvuloplasty through the right ventricle: another treatment of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

BACKGROUND

This was a study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of balloon valvuloplasty of the pulmonary valve through the right ventricle (RV) for the treatment of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS).

METHODS

Ten neonates with PA-IVS, who underwent balloon valvuloplasty of the pulmonary valve through the RV at our institution from January 2008 to May 2010, were enrolled in this study. The oxygen saturation range was 60% to 83% (median 76%). The Z-value range of the tricuspid valve annulus was -2 to 2 (median 0.15), the diameter range of the pulmonary valve annulus was 4.6 to 8.6 mm (median 7.3), and the RV systolic pressure range was 88 to 124 mm Hg (median 106.5). A guidewire was used to perforate the pulmonary valve through the RV, followed by balloon dilation of the valve. The procedure was guided by transesophageal echocardiography.

RESULTS

The procedure was carried out successfully in all patients. The procedure time ranged from 64 to 110 minutes (median 82.5). Mechanical ventilation time ranged from 8 to 36 hours (median 11), and hospital stay ranged from 7 to 13 days (median 9). After the procedure, the median oxygen saturation increased to 89.5%, the median RV systolic pressure decreased to 45 mm Hg, and the gradient across the pulmonary valve ranged from 20 to 45 mm Hg (median 27.5). Minor complications included transient supraventricular tachycardia (n = 1), blood loss requiring transfusion (n = 2), moderate pulmonary regurgitation (n = 1), and mild pulmonary regurgitation (n = 3). There were no cases of cardiac perforation, main pulmonary artery aneurysm, or low output syndrome. Follow-up of patients ranged from 8 to 15 months (median 12.3). All patients remained clinically well.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon valvuloplasty of the pulmonary valve through the RV is a safe and feasible alternative to surgical valvotomy or percutaneous balloon dilation. Early results are encouraging.

Stenting of Lesions in Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Duct-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: Focus on Case Selection, Techniques and Outcome

Stenting of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an attractive alternative to the surgical aortopulmonary shunt in the palliation of cyanotic congenital heart disease. However, the diverse morphology of PDA in this setting limits its role, as stenting an overly tortuous duct may not be feasible, and in a significant number of patients, ductus-related pulmonary artery stenosis contraindicates this procedure. The major acute complications are stent migration, thrombosis, and cardiac failure. Early failure of palliation caused by in-stent stenosis is another limitation of this procedure.

Decreased incidence of right-ventricular outflow tract complications using a retrograde snare technique for radiofrequency pulmonary valve perforation

Perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve with balloon dilation in infants with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) is standard initial therapy for right-ventricular (RV) decompression. This procedure often results in adequate pulmonary blood flow, thus eliminating the need for neonatal surgery. Nonetheless, the incidence of RV outflow-tract complications and mortality for this intervention is significant. We report our experience with retrograde snare-guided radiofrequency (RF) perforation in an attempt to improve accuracy and decrease procedural complications. Medical records were reviewed for the period between March 2007 and May 2010 for all patients with PA-IVS who presented to the catheterization laboratory for attempted RF perforation in infancy. Specific details reviewed included demographics, preprocedural echocardiographic (echo) data, procedural technique and complications, pre- and post-RV pressures and pulmonary valve gradients, need for surgical intervention in the neonatal period, and short- to medium-term follow-up. Eleven neonates with PA-IVS underwent RF perforation using a retrograde snare-guided technique during the study period. The pulmonary valve was successfully perforated and the wire snared in all 11 patients. Six of 11 atretic valves were crossed on the first attempt with low energy (5 W × 2 s). No episodes of tamponade or RV/PA perforation occurred as confirmed by echocardiogram performed immediately after the procedure. There was no ductal spasm with retrograde catheter manipulations. Sequential dilation of the perforated valve was not necessary. RV pressures decreased from 169 % systemic before dilation to 93 % after dilation (p < 0.001) with a residual pulmonary valve gradient of 16 ± 6 mm Hg. Eight of 11 patients (73 %) were discharged without surgery at an average 16 days after the intervention. Three patients required Blalock-Taussig shunts to augment pulmonary blood flow. Femoral artery thrombus occurred in 4 of 11 patients treated with anticoagulation, and 2 patients had atrial arrhythmias during the procedure. No other complications occurred. No preprocedural echo parameters predicted requirement for surgical shunt before hospital discharge. Retrograde snare-guided pulmonary valve perforation in infants with PA-IVS is safe and may decrease the incidence of significant procedural complications.

Outcomes of transcatheter approach for initial treatment of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

To review the short and medium term outcome of transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation (PVP) in patients with pulmonary atresia-intact ventricular septum and non-right ventricular dependant coronary circulation (PA/IVS non-RVDCC).

BACKGROUND

PVP in patients with PA/IVS non-RVDCC has become more common in the past two decades. However, data on outcomes with this strategy are mixed.

METHODS

Data were reviewed retrospectively for all patients with PA/IVS non-RVDCC treated from 1996- 2010 at our institution. Patients who had severe neonatal Ebstein malformation, or initial interventional management at another institution were excluded.

RESULTS

PVP was attempted in 30 of 50 patients (60%); 26 (87%) of these had a successful procedure. Twenty-four patients (48%) had surgery without PVP. There were no deaths in the cohort. Complications of PVP included 5 (17%) myocardial perforations. Of those with successful PVP, 10 (38%) did not have surgery (PVP-NS) and 16 (62%) had surgery (PVP-S) prior to discharge. Tricuspid valve (TV) Z-score was larger in the PVP-NS than in PVP-S patients, with median TV diameter Z-scores of +0.7 (-0.9, 1.7) and -1.1 (-2.8, 2), respectively (P = 0.01). Time from PVP to either hospital discharge (PVP-NS group) or surgery (PVP-S group) was significantly different between groups: 15 (7, 22) and 8 days (0, 46), respectively (P = 0.01). There were no differences in the number of trials or lowest arterial PaO2 off prostaglandins between groups. All patients in the PVP-NS group had a biventricular circulation at a median follow-up of 4.3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of a collaborative approach to treating neonates with PA/IVS non-RVDCC are excellent. Smaller TV size is associated with greater likelihood of surgery prior to discharge, and may serve as a surrogate for early RV inadequacy.

Stenting the patent ductus arteriosus in duct-dependent pulmonary circulation: techniques, complications and follow-up issues

Maintaining ductal patency in duct-dependent congenital heart lesions by implantation of coronary stents is an alternative to systemic pulmonary shunt in selected cases and lesions with suitable anatomy. This article focuses on the procedure as the initial palliation in duct-dependent pulmonary circulation, its associated pitfalls and complications. A good understanding of the diverse duct morphology is paramount prior to stenting of the ductus. Long tortuous duct, insufficiently constricted ductus at the pulmonary end and ductus with associated branch pulmonary artery stenosis at the site of insertion are not suitable for stenting. Durability of palliation is generally inferior to a surgical shunt and this may dictate earlier definitive surgical repair. Acceleration of branch pulmonary artery stenosis in certain ductal morphology limits its general applicability. Bioabsorbable and biodegradable stents may offer some solution to this problem.

[Pulmonary stenosis and atresia with intact ventricular septum]

Pulmonary atresia and critical pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum includes a wide spectrum of cardiopathies with great morphological heterogeneity. The pulmonary valve may be completely atretic or may contain a puncture hole if stenosis is present. The obstruction may be membranous and/or muscular. All components of the right ventricle can be affected, even the coronary circulation with ventriculocoronary connections and stenosis or atresia of the pulmonary arteries. Prenatal diagnosis is made when the right ventricle is hypoplastic and hypertrophic. The pulmonary valve is thickened and the pulmonary artery is perfused retrogradely through the ductus arteriosus. Right ventriculocoronary connections may sometimes be seen with fetal echocardiography. Postnatal survival depends on the patency of the ductus arteriosus, requiring prostaglandin E1 infusion. When hypoplastic right ventricle and/or ventricle-dependent coronary circulation exists, biventricular circulation is not possible. In these cases, surgical treatment is palliative. In cases with well-developed right ventricle, transcatheter therapy is usually provided with perforation and balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve. In cases of muscular obstruction of the right ventricle outflow tract, surgery may be considered as first-line therapy. In case of prenatal diagnosis, the medical termination of pregnancy is possible when severe right ventricular hypoplasia exists, precluding biventricular circulation. Postnatally, the prognosis of the patients is highly variable, mainly related to the size of the right cavities and the presence of coronary anomalies.

Transcatheter perforation followed by pulmonary valvuloplasty in neonates with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND

The classic management of neonates with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PAVSD) and moderately hypoplastic pulmonary arteries is usually a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt or ductus arteriosus stenting. We report our experience of transcatheter treatment of PAVSD by perforation followed by balloon dilation of the valve, as it is performed in pulmonary atresia - intact ventricular septum.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Three patients were treated at a mean age and weight of 7.5 days (range 7-8) and 2.9kg (range 2.5-3.3), respectively. Two newborns were prenatally diagnosed, with micro deletion 22q11 in one case. The three patients had no other pulmonary blood flow support than the ductus arteriosus and were on prostaglandin E1 infusion. The pulmonary atresia was predominantly valvular without significant muscular obstruction. By echocardiography, the mean size of the pulmonary annulus was 6.5mm (range 6-7). In all cases, the valvular perforation was performed with a 0.014 coronary guidewire, followed by balloon dilation when successfully.

RESULTS

The procedure succeeded in two cases but failed in the third newborn in whom a long subvalvar muscular stenosis was found at surgery. In the two successful cases, the mean postprocedural transpulmonary doppler gradient was 33.5mmHg (range 17-50). One patient experienced a femoral venous thrombosis that was successfully treated by heparin and a transient right bundle branch block occurred in another one. In the two successful cases, the prostaglandin E1 infusion was weaned and the surgical repair was performed at 4 and 12 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In selected cases with PAVSD, perforation followed by balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve offers an interesting alternative to other surgical or transcatheter palliative therapies.

Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum: Initial Management

BACKGROUND

Outcomes for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are suboptimal, while initial management remains controversial. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of catheter-based therapy on the need for early surgical intervention.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective chart review was made of all 25 neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum from 1999 to 2005.

RESULTS

Mean age at first intervention was 3.1 +/- 2.2 days, mean weight 3.3 +/- 0.5 kg. Right ventricular hypoplasia varied: 20% normal, 16% mild, 28% moderate, 28% moderately severe or severe, 8% not classified. Median tricuspid valve z-score was -2.3 +/- 2.6. First intervention was catheter-based therapy in 56% (14 of 25), operative in 36% (9 of 25), and no therapy in 2. Technically adequate valvotomy was achieved in 79% (11 of 14). Serious catheter-related complications occurred in 3 of 14 (21%). Only 5 of 14 (36%) with catheter-based therapy weaned from prostaglandins without surgery. Of these, 2 required surgery for cyanosis at 1 and 3 months. Surgery after catheter-based therapy consisted of right ventricular outflow patch in 36% (4 of 11), systemic to pulmonary shunt in 64% (7 of 11). Median time between catheter-based therapy and surgery was 8.5 days (range, 1 to 89). Only 3 of the 23 treated patients avoided operation during infancy. There was 1 early and 1 late death after operation after initial catheter-based therapy, and 1 late death after primary surgery alone during a mean follow-up of 33 months (range, 1.5 to 79).

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon valvotomy alone for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum rarely obviates the need for an additional source of pulmonary blood flow--either shunt or ductal stenting.

Management algorithm in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) is a disease with remarkable morphologic variability, affecting not only the pulmonary valve but also the tricuspid valve, the RV cavity and coronary arteries. With advances in interventional techniques and congenital heart surgery, the management of PAIVS continues to evolve. This review is an attempt at providing a practical approach to the management of this disease. The basis of our approach is morphologic classification as derived from echocardiography and angiography. Group A, patients with good sized RV and membranous atresia, the primary procedure at presentation is radiofrequency (RF) valvotomy. Often it is the only procedure required in this group with the most favourable outcome. Patients with severely hypoplastic RV (Group C) are managed along the lines of hearts with single ventricle physiology. The treatment at presentation is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting with balloon atrial septostomy or conventional modified Blalock Taussig (BT) shunt. Bidirectional Glenn shunt may be done 6-12 months later followed by Fontan completion after a suitable interval. Patients in Group B, the intermediate group, are those with borderline RV size, usually with attenuated trabecular component but well developed infundibulum. The treatment at presentation is RF valvotomy and PDA stenting +/- balloon atrial septostomy. Surgical re-interventions are not uncommonly required viz. bidirectional Glenn shunt when the RV fails to grow adequately (11/2 - ventricle repair) and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction for subvalvar obstruction or small pulmonary annulus. Catheter based interventions viz. repeat balloon dilatation or device closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) may also be required in some patients.

Catheterization in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Cardiac catheterization is infrequently required in babies with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. The main indications are to decide on the best form of treatment, the options being determined by the right ventricular as well as infundibular morphology and the presence of right-ventricle dependent coronary circulation. In most cases, an interventional approach is appropriate. This can consist of radiofrequency or laser perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve, combined with balloon dilation. In some patients, additional stenting of the arterial duct may be needed.

Right ventricular outflow tract transannular patch placement without cardiopulmonary bypass

In children with pulmonary atresia not amenable to initial complete correction, antegrade pulmonary blood flow can be established with surgical right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) patch enlargement. An 11-year experience with RVOT transannular patch (TAP) augmentation without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump) is reported. From March 1993 to October 2004, off-pump surgical RVOT enlargement with a TAP was attempted in all patients in whom a concurrent procedure that required bypass was not required. The procedure was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass standby. Twenty-two consecutive patients in whom this procedure was attempted were reviewed. Twenty of 22 patients tolerated off-pump TAP placement. In 2 patients with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow, off-pump TAP placement was not tolerated. Adequate antegrade pulmonary blood flow was achieved in all patients without operative mortalities or complications. There was one death in the postoperative period from myocardial ischemia secondary to right ventricular-dependent coronary circulation. Transannular RVOT patch augmentation can be performed safely and effectively without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Evolution of the management approach for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

To review the evolution of the management approach for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) in the past two decades and to assess its impact on patient outcomes.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Retrospective review of the management and outcomes of 94 patients (55 male patients) with PAIVS diagnosed between July 1980 and August 2003.

SETTINGS

Tertiary paediatric cardiac centre.

RESULTS

Seven patients died before interventions. Of the remaining 87 patients who underwent intervention at a median age of 9 days (from 1 day to 2 years), 12 had right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR), 42 had closed pulmonary valvotomy (CPV), and 15 had laser assisted valvotomy with balloon valvoplasty. A systemic-pulmonary shunt was inserted in 18 patients, six of whom had subsequent RVOTR (n = 4) or laser assisted valvotomy (n = 2). Since 1990, catheter intervention accounted for 38% (17 of 45) of the right ventricular outflow procedures. The mean (SEM) freedom from reintervention was 93 (7)%, 71 (12)%, and 57 (13)% after RVOTR, 75 (7)%, 40 (8)%, and 14 (6)% after CPV, and 54 (13)%, 24 (12)%, and 16 (10)% after laser assisted valvotomy at one month, six months, and one year, respectively (RVOTR versus CPV, p < 0.001; RVOTR versus laser assisted valvotomy, p = 0.001). Low cardiac output syndrome was significantly less common after catheter intervention than after RVOTR (0% v 44%, p = 0.003) or CPV (0% v 29%, p = 0.01). The overall mean (SEM) survival was 77 (5)% and 70 (5)% at one and five years, respectively, and the overall mortality was 33% (29 of 87). There were no significant differences in survival between the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple interventions are often required in the treatment algorithm of PAIVS. The shift towards increased use of the transcatheter approach has reduced the occurrence of postprocedural low cardiac output syndrome.

Risk factors for augmentation of the flow of blood to the lungs in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum after radiofrequency valvotomy

Some patients with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum, mild to moderate right ventricular hypoplasia, and a patent infundibulum remain duct dependent on the flow of blood through the arterial duct despite adequate relief of the obstruction within the right ventricular outflow tract. The objective of our study was to review the risk factors for stenting of the patent arterial duct, or construction of a Blalock-Taussig shunt, in the patients with pulmonary atresia and an intact ventricular septum who remain duct-dependent following radiofrequency valvotomy and dilation of the imperforate pulmonary valve. We reviewed the data from 53 patients seen between November 1995 and December 2001. Of the 47 patients who survived, 6 required stenting of the patent arterial duct, while 4 needed construction of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt to augment the flow of blood to the lungs at a mean of 7 plus or minus 5.7 days following the initial intervention. The remaining 37 patients required no additional procedures. We compared the findings in these two groups. The mean diameter of the tricuspid valve in the patients requiring early reintervention was 8.5 plus or minus 3.7 millimetres, giving a Z-score of -1.1 plus or minus 1.47, whilst those in the group without early reintervention had values of 10.7 plus or minus 2.2 millimetres, giving a Z-score of -0.58 plus or minus 1.18 (p equal to 0.003). No statistically significant differences were found in right ventricular morphology, McGoon ratio, or residual obstruction across the right ventricular outflow tract after decompression of the right ventricle. The diameter of the tricuspid valve, therefore, appears to be the only factor predicting the need for augmentation of flow of blood to the lungs. As just over one-fifth of our survivors required such augmentation, we hypothesize that stenting of the patent arterial duct may be performed as an integral part of primary transcatheter therapy in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum who have moderate right ventricular hypoplasia and a small tricuspid valve.

Interventional cardiac catheterisation in congenital heart disease

As a result of recent technological advances, more types of congenital heart disease are amenable to treatment in the cardiac catheter laboratory than ever before.1 Improved imaging techniques allow for better selection of patients, and the development of a wide range of devices specifically for use in children means that many patients can avoid surgery altogether, while those with complex congenital heart disease may require fewer or less complex surgical procedures.2 This allows for a quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay, and gives many patients an improved quality of life in the short to medium term. However, the long term outcome for many of the newer forms of intervention is still unknown.