Safety and Feasibility of the Transcatheter Approach to Create a Reverse Potts Shunt in Children With Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The reversed Potts shunt improves right ventricular (RV) function in patients with suprasystemic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The proximity of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) to the descending aorta (DAo) permits the creation of a transcatheter connection. We sought to assess the safety, feasibility, and hemodynamic efficacy of the transcatheter Potts shunt (TPS) in children.

METHODS: The TPS procedure was performed using radiofrequency energy for vessel perforation and deployment of a covered stent to connect the DAo and LPA. Procedural details and clinical follow-up data were collected prospectively.

RESULTS: A TPS was successfully created in 6 children (mean age, 11.0 ± 4.2 years) with drug-refractory suprasystemic PAH and deteriorating RV function. All patients exhibited nearly complete equalization of aortic and pulmonary pressures and improvement in RV contractility within days after TPS placement. Two patients with pre-existing severe biventricular dysfunction and pericardial effusion experienced acute low-output states immediately after shunt creation because of sudden reductions in left ventricular (LV) preload, resulting in cardiac arrest, irreversible brain damage, and death. Stent dislodgement and embolization into the iliac artery occurred in 1 patient. The stent was successfully secured and followed by placement of a second stent at the target location. The procedure was uncomplicated in 4 patients, who remain alive after a mean follow-up of 10 ± 2.6 months. Intravenous vasodilator therapy was weaned uneventfully after TPS in 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: TPS creation in children is feasible and results in hemodynamic improvement. Further insights into high-risk markers, such as reduced preprocedural LV function and preload reserves, are important for guiding patient selection.