Objective: Since 2006 we started to implant handmade polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) tri-leaflet conduits for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction(RVOT).This report assesses the mid-term outcome of these prostheses.
Methods: From 2006 to 2008, 27 handmade whole GoreTex tri-leaflet conduits were implanted in 27 patients. The age at operation ranged from 15 days to 16 years (median: 8.9 months). The diagnoses included pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect in 9 patients, truncus arteriosus - 5, tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome - 1, aortic valve pathology (Ross procedure)-12 patients. The median conduit size was 16 mm (range: 12-24 mm).
Results: There was 1 early death, not related to the conduit. Follow-up was complete for all patients with a mean of 10,1±7,6 months.Echocardiography was performed in all patients and MRI-in 7.None of the conduits required reoperation for conduit obstuction (mean peak pressure gradient by echocardiography - 16±8 mm Hg).Mean regurgitant fraction on conduit by MRI was 10±5.7%. Valve leaflet motion was documented by echocardiography and MRI. All patients are NYHA class I.
Conclusions: Handmade tri-leaflet conduits is a reliable alternative to other methods of RVOT reconstruction in children and provide a good mid-term outcome. Longer follow-up is needed to determine how well whole GoreTex tri-leaflet conduits will function.