Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Amplatzer septal occluder device for occlusion of Fontan fenestrations. SUBJECTS: Five children aged 5-10 years who had undergone a fenestrated Fontan operation. SETTING: Tertiary paediatric cardiology centre. METHODS: Each patient had right and left heart catheterisation to assess haemodynamic suitability for fenestration closure. Sizing of the defect was achieved with a balloon wedge catheter and transoesphageal echocardiography. Transcatheter occlusion of the fenestration was accomplished using a 4 mm device in three patients, and 5 mm or 9 mm devices in the other two patients. Residual shunting following occlusion was assessed using angiography and echocardiography. RESULTS: 100% occlusion rate of the fenestration was achieved in all patients. No complications or device failures were seen during the three month follow up period. CONCLUSION: The Amplatzer septal occluder device is safe, and effectively occludes the Fontan fenestration.