Experience of utilization of pedicled autologous pericardium as a viable material for extracardiac total cavo-pulmonary connection: Long term results

  • Dr Takako Nishino, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, Japan
  • Dr Hitoshi Kitayama, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, Japan
  • Dr Toshihiko Saga, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, Japan
  • Dr Kousuke Fujii, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, Japan
  • Dr Shintarou Yukami, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, Japan
  • Back ground: Although extracardiac total cavo-pulmonary connection ( eTCPC ) eliminates the potential problems which standard intracardiac TCPC has, prosthetic extracardiac conduit has the risk of obstruction because of peel formation and no potential for growth. We have used pedicled autologous pericardium as a viable material to create IVC-pulmonary circulation. At present study, we evaluate the long term results of the eTCPC using pedicled pericardium. Patients: Between 1996 and 2008, 10 patients ( 1.5- 11 years: the median 2.5 years, 7 univentricular heart ( UVH ), and 3 tricuspid atresia ) underwent eTCPC using pedicled pericardium. Pedicled pericardium was used in 7 as extracardiac tube graft, and in 3 as extracardiac lateral tunnel, which made with pedicled pericardial flap and atrial wall. In 2 patients with an apicocaval juxtaposition, pericardial conduits were placed behinde the ventricle. A fenestration was created in 8 patients. All patients had early postoperative cardiac catheterization, and 8 patients underwent follow-up catheterization 2 to 9 years after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 10.0 ± 1.7 years ( 8.2- 12.8 years ). Results: No patient showed conduit obstruction. Mid-term angiography showed that the IVC-PA conduits did not show remarkable increase in diameter but did grow in length with the passage of time. Conclusions: Pedicled pericardium might have potential for growth. The IVC-PA conduits lengthened with time. Therefore, it should be expected avoiding re-operation as patients grew long term after eTCPC.