BACKGROUND: Right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction is frequently used to repair cardiac malformations. However, the lifetime of these conduits is short and stent implantation is a good option to relieve obstructed RVOT. The objective of this study is to report the experience of a tertiary center with non-valved stent implantation and its short and medium term results. METHODS: Between September 1990 and January 2009, 11 late postoperative patients were submitted to stent implantation due to RVOT obstruction. Mean age at the time of procedure was 12.5 ± 8.3 years (1-28 years), and mean weight was 35 ± 20.9 kg (6-62 kg). Mean follow-up time was 12.5 ± 6 months (0-48 months). RESULTS: Mean systolic right ventricular pressures decreased from 99 ± 23 mmHg before to 57 ± 12 mmHg (p < 0.001) after stent implantation. At echocardiogram, RV to PA gradient decreased from 69 ± 19 mmHg to 33 ± 20 mmHg (p < 0.01). Forty percent of the patients required percutaneous or surgical reintervention during a mean time of 22 months after the procedure. There was one case of stent fracture, relieved with the implantation of another stent, one case of failure, and one death not related to the procedure. CONCLUSION: Non-valved stent implantation in obstructed RVOT is a highly effective and safe palliative approach. Moreover, it allows the somatic growth of young patients and does not preclude future percutaneous implantation of valved stents to treat free pulmonary regurgitation.
Stents; Heart defects, congenital; Blood vessel prosthesis implantation
