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Experimentally modified Fontan circulation in an adolescent pig model without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass
Meletios A Kanakis1, Fotios A Mitropoulos, Michalis Katsimpoulas
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sismanoglio General Hospital, Athens, Greece. meletis_kanakis@yahoo.gr
Background:
The feasibility and the hemodynamic outcome of Fontan circulation, without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, were studied on a beating heart of an adolescent pig model, using a modified total cavopulmonary connection.
Material/Methods:
Eight open-chest anesthetized pigs underwent a successful total cavopulmonary connection with the use of an appropriate Y-shaped Dacron-type conduit. Through a median sternotomy, the distal part of the superior vena cava was anastomosed end-to-end to one side of the conduit. The other side of the graft was anastomosed end-to-side to the main pulmonary artery. The conduit was tailored to an appropriate length and anastomosed end-to-end to the inferior vena cava. The hemodynamic status of the animals was recorded before and after the establishment of the total cavopulmonary connection.
Results:
Forty-five minutes after completion of total cavopulmonary connection, and for a total of 1 hour, hemodynamic measurements showed a decrease in mean arterial and mean pulmonary artery pressures, heart rate and cardiac output. The inferior vena caval pressure and total pulmonary vascular resistance were increased.
Conclusions:
A total cavopulmonary connection, performed on a beating heart, without extracorporeal circulation or other means of temporary bypass, although it is technically demanding, is feasible.
