Endovascular stent implantation in congenital heart defects

We report the immediate and short-term results of endovascular stent implantations from our center. We performed stent implantations in four patients (3, 12, 18 and 20 years old) with different stenoses or obstructions: right ventricular outflow conduit obstruction, left Blalock-Taussig obstruction, post-operative recoarctation and cavopulmonary anastomosis obstruction. Stent were implanted successfully. The mean diameters of stenoses were expanded from 4.5 +/- 3.5 (2-7) mm to 9 +/- 1. 2 (8-10) mm, and the complaints of patients were improved significantly by stent implantation. There was no complication related to the procedures. All patients are living except one who died from cerebrovascular event unrelated to the stent implantation. The mean follow-up period of three living patients is 6.3 +/- 5.5 (1-2) months. As of the last control, all have remained at the caliber achieved at original placement. In light of our limited experience and previous reported studies, we conclude that intravascular stents are safe and can be used effectively in selected patients with congenital heart defects.