Occlusion of Fontan fenestrations using Amplatzer septal occluder.

The objective of the study is to assess efficacy and safety of the Amplatzer septal device for percutaneous occlusion of Fontan fenestration. Fenestration improves postoperative outcomes in children undergoing Fontan repair. Many of these fenestrations close spontaneously; persistent fenestrations ultimately cause desaturation and can be a potential cause of paradoxical embolism.

Dilated cardiomyopathy in children and adults: what is new?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common form of cardiomyopathy and cause of cardiac transplantation in children and young adults; mortality is high among this patient population. However, mortality, clinical course, and illustrative echocardiographic data of DCM in children and adults are not well established. Our objective was to provide a research article of detailed descriptions of the incidence, causes, outcomes, related risk factors, and new echocardiographic criteria of risk of death from DCM.