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Incidence and impact of systemic venous collateral development after Glenn and Fontan procedures
M Heinemann1, J Breuer, V Steger
1Abteilung für Thorax-, Herz- und Gefässchirurgie, Universitätsklinik Tübingen, Germany. heinemann@uni-mainz.de
Insights
Systemic venous collaterals can develop after Glenn or Fontan procedures, impacting heart function. Early identification and intervention for these venous connections are crucial for patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Univentricular heart disease poses challenges post-Glenn or Fontan procedures.
- Systemic venous collateral development can impair ventricular function and cause desaturation.
Observation:
- Seventy-nine patients undergoing Glenn or Fontan procedures were analyzed.
- Systemic venous collaterals were detected in 20.2% of patients postoperatively.
- Common sites included brachiocephalic/pericardial veins and the azygos/hemiazygos system.
Findings:
- Nineteen veno-venous connections were identified.
- Drainage pathways varied, including pulmonary veins and the left atrium.
- Five patients required intervention (catheter embolization or surgical closure) for low saturations, all with improved outcomes.
Implications:
- Increased central venous pressure post-Fontan/Glenn may reactivate embryonic vessels.
- Pre- and postoperative evaluation of collateral sites is essential.
- Ligation during surgery and interventional/surgical closure are vital management strategies.
Background:
Development of systemic venous collaterals after Glenn or Fontan procedures can lead to systemic desaturation and reduction in ventricular function, resulting in impaired everyday performance in patients with univentricular heart disease.
Methods:
We analyzed 79 patients who had undergone a Glenn or Fontan procedure between 1995 and 1999 for the incidence and predilection sites of systemic venous collaterals as well as the therapeutic options.
Results:
In 16/79 (= 20.2%) patients, 19 veno-venous connections were detected 310 days (1-966 days) postoperatively. Locations were: brachiocephalic angles/pericardial veins (7), azygos/hemiazygos system (5), Thebesian veins (2), epidiaphragmatic veins (5). Drainage was to the pulmonary veins in 5, to the "left" atrium in 9, and to the IVC system in 5 patients. An isolated intervention became necessary because of low saturations in 5/16 pts, with improvement in all of them (catheter embolization 4, surgical closure 1).
Conclusions:
After Glenn or Fontan operations, the increased central venous pressure may induce recanalization of embryologically preformed and obliterated vessels. Their predilection sites must be carefully evaluated pre- and postoperatively. During surgical procedures, potential venous channels should be ligated. Interventional or surgical closure of collaterals may become necessary.
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