Fontan repair for tricuspid atresia: experience with 50 consecutive patients

Ann Thorac Surg. 1988 Apr;45(4):430-6. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(98)90019-4.

Abstract

From April, 1975, to October, 1985, 50 patients (mean age, 5.3 years; range, 2.5 to 14 years) underwent a Fontan repair for tricuspid atresia or severe tricuspid stenosis. Fifty-six palliative operations had been performed previously in 43 patients. Twenty-nine patients received an atriopulmonary connection by direct anastomosis [19], interposition of an aortic homograft [7], or a porcine heterograft [3]. An atrium-subpulmonary chamber connection was performed in 21 patients (Björk modification, 10; Dacron tube, 10; valved conduit, 1). Eleven patients (22%) died early, 6 of whom did not meet the established criteria for a Fontan operation. One patient died 6 months postoperatively of superior vena cava thrombosis. Four patients were reoperated on successfully. At a mean follow-up of 28.8 months, 28 patients are in New York Heart Association Functional Class I and 9 are in Class II; 1 patient was lost to follow-up. Thirteen patients underwent control catheterization fifteen days to four years postoperatively (median right atrial pressure, 14 mm Hg). Exercise testing in 9 asymptomatic patients, performed after a mean interval of 33 months, showed a moderate impairment of cardiac performance. We conclude that in select patients, a Fontan repair appears to be a reliable procedure at medium-term follow-up.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Postoperative Complications / mortality
  • Pulmonary Circulation
  • Reoperation
  • Tricuspid Valve / abnormalities*
  • Tricuspid Valve / surgery