Total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) for complicated congenital heart malformations

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 1994 Dec;35(6 Suppl 1):141-4.

Abstract

We reviewed our experience with 40 patients who had undergone total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) during the past three years. Thirty-one patients had functional single ventricle; only 8 of these with tricuspid atresia, five patients had complex forms of double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and four complex A-V canal. Previous palliative procedures, mostly systemic-pulmonic shunts, were performed in 34 patients. Concomitant procedures were required in 18 patients, mainly reconstruction of distorted pulmonary arteries. A subgroup of 14 high risk patients, that did not fulfil the classical Fontan criteria, underwent 4 mm fenestration of the intra-atrial baffle. There were three (7.5%) early postoperative deaths which occurred in the higher risk group (fenestrated group). However, the remaining patients were all in functional class I or II. Total cavopulmonary connection provides reasonably good definitive palliation for patients with single ventricle physiology. Fenestration of the intra-atrial baffle increases the number of candidates suitable for the Fontan procedure, although the exact inclusion criteria for these patients has yet to be defined.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Double Outlet Right Ventricle / surgery
  • Endocardial Cushion Defects / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fontan Procedure
  • Heart Bypass, Right*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery*
  • Heart Ventricles / abnormalities
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Pulmonary Artery / surgery
  • Time Factors