Single-centre experience in stenting arterial shunts for adult CHD patients with single-ventricle physiology and pulmonary blood flow dependent on arterial shunts.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to describe the approach to stenting arterial shunts in adult congenital patients with single-ventricle physiology and to assess the medium-term clinical and haemodynamic outcomes following stent insertion.

BACKGROUND: Adult patients with single-ventricle physiology and pulmonary blood flow dependent on a surgically placed arterial shunt who did not progress to venous palliation are extremely challenging to manage. Progressive cyanosis secondary to narrowing of the shunt has a marked impact on exercise tolerance and results in intolerable well-being for these patients. Stenting arterial shunts in adult patients is one method that can help improve pulmonary blood flow. There is very limited information in the literature about this patient.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study for arterial shunts stenting conducted between 2008 and 2016. The peripheral oxygen saturations, the NYHA status, the haemoglobin, and the degree of atrio-ventricular valve regurgitation as assessed on transthoracic echo were compared before and 6-12 months after procedures.

RESULTS: There was a short-term improvement in oxygen saturations; the pre-procedure mean was 75.8 (SD 2.55)% (range 70-85%) and post-procedure mean was 83 (SD 2.52)% (range 78-87%), with a p value of 0.04. Haemoglobin level decreased from a pre-procedure mean of 22.06-20.28 g/L 6 months post procedure (range 18.1-24.4 to 13-23.3 g/L), with a p value of 0.44. NYHA class decreased from a mean of 3.2-2.2 post procedure. Left atrial volume for four of the cases did not change (22.6-76.6 ml [mean 48.4 ml] to 29.6-72.9 ml [mean 52 ml], p value: 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS: Stenting stenotic arterial shunts is a useful method to gain a medium-term improvement on the oxygen saturation and clinical symptoms, and may act as a useful intermediate step for further management plans.