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BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for dysfunctional right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduits is unknown. Limited follow-up data on stenting of RV-PA conduits have been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2004, deployment of balloon-expandable bare stents was attempted in 242 obstructed RV-PA conduits in 221 patients (median age, 6.7 years). Acute hemodynamic changes after stenting included significantly decreased RV systolic pressure (89+/-18 to 65+/-20 mm Hg, P5 years), with younger age, homograft conduit, conduit diameter < or =10 mm, diagnosis other than tetralogy of Fallot, Genesis stent, higher prestent RV:aortic pressure ratio, and stent malposition associated with shorter freedom from surgery. Tricuspid regurgitation and RV function did not change between stent implantation and subsequent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Conduit stenting is an effective interim treatment for RV-PA conduit obstruction and prolongs conduit lifespan in most patients. Stent fractures were common but not associated with significant complications or earlier conduit reoperation.
Peng et al. (Wed,) studied this question.