The use of the right atrial flap in total cavopulmonary connection

A technical modification of total cavopulmonary anastomosis (TCPC) is described. Inferior vena cava (IVC) channel is constructed from the right atrial wall in a fashion similar to Senning's operation. The use of Gore-TexR (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) patch or tube is avoided. We have used the technique in 11 patients between 1988 and 1991 (six complex transpositions or double outlets with one hypoplastic ventricular chamber and/or straddling of the atrioventricular (AV) valve, four double inlet ventricles with pulmonary stenosis, and one tricuspid atresia). Superior vena cava (SVC)/IVC to pulmonary artery gradient was less than 2 mmHg in all patients. SVC/IVC pressure was 10-15 mmHg (mean 12.3 mmHg), transpulmonary gradient 5-8 mmHg (mean 6.4 mmHg). We have not observed any adverse effects such as arrhythmias or increased pleural drainage when we compared those patients with 85 children in whom the TCPC was performed with Gore-TexR patch/tube. The presented technique is simple, avoids the use of anticoagulants, and may have a possible long-term advantage in allowing growth of the IVC channel.