Single ventricle palliation: greater risk of complications with the Fontan procedure than with the bidirectional Glenn procedure alone.

Background: This study was performed to evaluate and compare the early, intermediate, and long-term outcomes of the bidirectional Glenn procedure and Fontan procedure in patients who live at moderately high altitude.

Methods: The outcome of each method of palliation for patients with a functionally single ventricle was retrospectively evaluated from a review of medical records.

Results: The bidirectional Glenn procedure was performed in 177 patients from October 1984 to June 2004.

COMPLETE ATRIOVENTRICULAR CANAL AND COR TRIATRIATUM.

Two patients with complete atrioventricular canal and coexisting cor triatriatum are described. This rare combination of defects probably results from nonrelated embryological events. Successful correction was limited by the major lesion, complete atrioventricular canal, due to inadequate reconstruction of the atrioventricular valve.