Stenting of the inter-atrial septum in infants and small children: Indications, techniques and outcomes

To evaluate the procedural success and outcome of inter-atrial stenting.

Inter-atrial stenting has been shown to be an effective way to maintain inter-atrial blood flow, however it is considered a high risk procedure, usually performed urgently in patients with significant hemodynamic compromise.

Between September 2004 and August 2016, inter-atrial stenting was attempted in 29 children. Procedural, clinical, and follow-up data were collected retrospectively.

The procedures were completed successfully in 27 patients. Twenty-five procedures were undertaken percutaneously, with the remaining four being performed as hybrid procedures. The patients were considered as high risk for adverse events (82% scored as CRISP 4 and 5) with four deaths during the first 24 hr (14%). Procedural complications occurred in eight patients (28%) with related death in three patients (10%). One further patient died after an uncomplicated technically successful stent implantation performed as a salvage procedure. Procedural complications (71% vs. 14%) and mortality (43% vs. 5%) were higher in those, who weighed 3 kg or less (P < 0.05). Patency of the stents was maintained until planned staged surgery in 22 patients at a mean of 302 days. Three patients underwent further balloon dilation for flow restriction at 58-201 days. In two un-operated patients the stents remained patent at follow-up. One patient with severe pulmonary hypertension died with a patent stent.

Inter-atrial stenting produces reliable patency with a very good success rate. Morbidity and mortality were related to low weight at the time of the procedure.