Detection of intra-atrial conduit leakage by transesophageal echocardiography

A 19-year-old male patient who had undergone total cavo-pulmonary connection for complex congenital cyanotic heart disease with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, was found to have persistent postoperative cyanosis. Transesophageal echocardiography disclosed leakage of the intra-atrial Gortex conduit with a right-to-left shunt. Prompt re-do operation confirmed the site of the leakage which was successfully repaired. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography may be indicated so as to avoid a secondary open-chest procedure for this complication.