44 research outputs found
Stenting the neonatal arterial duct in duct-dependent pulmonary circulation: new techniques, better results
No full textAbstractObjectivesThe goal of this study was to assess a new approach to stent the arterial duct in neonates with a duct-dependent pulmonary circulation.BackgroundPrevious attempts to stent the neonatal arterial duct were unsatisfactory. Learning from these failures, we speculated that covering the complete length of the duct with current low-profile stents might avoid previous problems.MethodsTen neonates with duct-dependent pulmonary circulations through a short straight duct were treated with stent implantation. The duct was crossed with an atraumatic 0.014-inch wire. A low-profile premounted coronary stent (outer diameter <4F, length 13 to 24 mm, diameter 3.0 to 4.0 mm) was positioned within the duct, not protected by a sheath; care was taken to cover the complete length of the duct from the aortaductal junction until well within the pulmonary trunk.ResultsAll stents could safely be deployed with adequate pulmonary flow at early- and medium-term follow-up. There were no procedure-related complications; one patient died early from sepsis. All patients had adequate relief of cyanosis for at least three to four months. During follow-up, the pulmonary vasculature bed had grown without distortion. Acute occlusion of a stented duct was not observed. Ductal flow progressively decreased slowly over several months by luminal narrowing, until the stented duct had either become redundant or was dilated/restented or until elective staged surgery was performed.ConclusionsWith current technology, complete stenting of a short straight duct is a safe and effective palliation, allowing adequate growth of the pulmonary arteries
Radiofrequency perforation of the pulmonary valve: an efficient low cost solution
No full textObjective The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of using commonly available catheterization laboratory equipment for radiofrequency perforation of the pulmonary valve in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum. Methods The system (off-label use for all items) is made up of a co-axial telescopic arrangement consisting of a 0.014" PT 2 ™ coronary guidewire, for insulation inside a 2.7-F microcatheter which has an inner lumen of 0.021". The microcatheter was passed via a standard 4-F right coronary catheter to just below the atretic pulmonary valve. Radiofrequency (RF) energy was delivered using a standard electrosurgical system. In vitro testing had been performed and indicated that 5-10 W for 2-5 s would be sufficient for valve perforation. Results Radiofrequency perforation was successfully performed in all (n = 5, 100%) patients at a median age of 3 days (range: 1-36) and weight 2.7 kg (range 2.3-3.0). In one patient the pericardium was entered during the initial attempt; the generator was put on coagulation mode during retrieval of the guidewire and no haemopericardium occurred. The pulmonary valve was dilated in all; in three patients (n = 3) the ductus arteriosus was stented during the same session. Conclusion Results of the study show that it is feasible to perforate the pulmonary valve safely using this system. Availability, simplicity and cost are noteworthy benefits.sponsorship: This work was supported by grants from the Eddy Merckx Research Foundation and a Sporta MonVentoux Research grant. (Eddy Merckx Research Foundation, Sporta MonVentoux Research grant)status: Publishe
Improved perceived health status persists three months after a special sports camp for children with congenital heart disease.
No full textINTRODUCTION: Although summer and sports camps for children with congenital heart disease are organized in many countries and regions, empirical data on the effects of such camps is limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in the perceived health status and habitual physical activities in children attending a special sports camp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 25 children with congenital heart disease who participated in a three-day multi-sports camp were included. The perceived health status was measured using the Child Health Questionnaire-Child Form, CHQ-CF87, completed by the child at the start of the camp (T1), at the end of the camp (T2), and 3 months after the camp concluded (T3). Habitual physical activities were assessed by means of a modified version of the Baecke questionnaire, which was completed by one of the parents at T1 and T3. RESULTS: During the sports camp, we observed significant improvements in the children's perception of their physical functioning, role-physical functioning, general health, role-emotional functioning, self-esteem, mental health, and general behavior. For physical functioning, role-emotional functioning, and family activities, high scores persisted three months after the sports camp concluded. The habitual physical activities (sport and leisure time) of the children remained unchanged. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we propose that a special sports camp for children with congenital heart disease may improve specific dimensions of subjective health status. Our study confirms a previous report on the benefits of such camps for afflicted children. If these findings can be further corroborated in other settings, participation in sport camps should be advocated as a simple, noninvasive means to promote healthier children
Bailout stenting for critical coarctation in premature/critical/complex/early recoarcted neonates
No full textBackground: Surgical repair of critical coarctation can be problematic in premature, critical, complex, or early postoperative neonates. Objectives: We aimed to review our experience with stent implantation to defer urgent surgery to an elective time. Methods: Fifteen neonates with severe aortic coarctation: five premature-hypotrophic (1,400-2,000 g), six critical and complex cardiac malformation, four early (1 day [0-2 days]; median [range]) after surgical coarctectomy or complex arch reconstruction. Bare coronary stents (diameter 4.0 [3.5-5.0] mm; length 10 [8-16] mm) were used. Stents were removed surgically depending on clinical needs. Results: Adequate aortic flow was obtained in 15 patients. The femoral artery was preserved in 13/15 patients. Two deaths occurred before stent removal and were nonprocedure related. In patients with simple stented coarctation, the stent was removed after 2.8 [0.2-5.0] months. In complex cardiac malformation, stents were finally removed 3.0 [0.2-78] months after implantation. Surgical technique: simple coarctectomy end-to-end in eight, extensive arch patch reconstruction in four. One patient is awaiting stent removal. The final maximum systolic velocity (cw-Doppler) across the aortic arch was 1.7 [1.2-2.5] m/sec. Conclusions: In premature/critical/complex neonates with severe coarctation, bailout stenting followed by early or late surgical coarctectomy appears a promising concept. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.sponsorship: Grant sponsor: Rotary Tienen (Belgium) (Rotary Tienen (Belgium))status: Publishe
