Percutaneous use of stents to correct pulmonary artery stenosis in young children after cavopulmonary anastomosis

Pulmonary artery distortion is a risk factor among candidates for the Fontan procedure. In 57 patients evaluated by catheterization after successful cavopulmonary anastomosis, 8 had proximal left pulmonary artery (LPA) stenosis, either discrete (4 patients) or long segment (4 patients). Median age was 27 months (range 19 to 60 months). Median weight was 11.4 kg (range 9.1 to 20.0). Median diameter at LPA stenosis was 4.4 ± 0.4. Proximal right pulmonary artery mean diameter was 10.4 ± 1.0 mm. After angiographic and hemodynamic assessment, short 11F sheaths were placed in the right internal jugular (6 patients) or subclavian veins (2 patients). Pulmonary artery angioplasty and stent placement were performed. LPA stenoses were enlarged using 10 Palmaz stents dilated to 10 mm (7 patients) or to 12 mm (3 patients). Poststent angiograms showed that narrowest LPA dimensions were significantly enlarged to 9.9 mm ± 1.0 mm, p < 001). There were no complications. Follow-up studies (catheterizations in 4 patients, echocardiograms in 8 patients) were performed 4 to 9 months after stent implantation. No restenosis was observed. Five patients had completion of their Fontan procedures; three patients are pending Fontan completion. This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous use of Palmaz stents to correct pulmonary artery stenosis in young children after cavopulmonary anastomosis.