Transcatheter management of neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

This report describes a 1 day-old infant with valvar pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in whom we were successful in performing transcatheter guidewire perforation and balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty to establish right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery continuity and flow. Also described is implantation of a 4 mm coronary stent into ductus arteriosus in lieu of surgical aortopulmonary shunt to treat pulmonary oligemia and systemic arterial hypoxemia. Details of transcatheter guidewire perforation are presented and it is suggested that this method be used as an alternative to Laser/radio frequency wires, especially in the absence of approval of the latter wires by the regulatory agencies. Stenting of the ductus may be considered an alternative to surgical aortopulmonary shunt. Role of transcatheter technology in the management of selected patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum is discussed.