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Stent implantation for post-Mustard systemic venous obstruction

G Santoro1, L Ballerini, J Bialkowski

  • 1Pediatric Cardiology, Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.

Insights

Stent implantation effectively treats late-onset systemic venous obstruction after the Mustard procedure. This minimally invasive approach improved vessel diameter and relieved pressure gradients, with no recurrence observed during follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Late-onset systemic venous obstruction is a potential complication following the Mustard procedure for congenital heart disease.
  • Obstructive caval syndrome can significantly impact patient quality of life and requires effective treatment strategies.

Observation:

  • Three patients with symptomatic late-onset post-Mustard systemic venous obstruction were treated.
  • Initial balloon dilation was unsuccessful in relieving the obstruction.

Findings:

  • Palmaz-Schatz stents were successfully implanted at the veno-atrial junction, followed by high-pressure balloon dilation.
  • Significant improvements were observed: vessel diameter increased from 4.4+/-1.8 mm to 13+/-1.7 mm (P < 0.05), and the trans-stenotic pressure gradient decreased from 8+/-6 mmHg to 0 mmHg (P < 0.01).
  • All patients showed clinical improvement post-intervention.

Implications:

  • Stent implantation offers a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing late-onset systemic venous obstruction after the Mustard operation.
  • This technique provides durable relief from obstructive caval syndrome, as evidenced by the absence of recurrent stenosis at a mean follow-up of 26+/-4 months.
  • The findings support the use of endovascular stenting as a primary or salvage therapy in this patient population.

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