Radiofrequency perforation of the right ventricular outflow tract as a palliative strategy for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect.

Background: Radiofrequency perforation (RF) of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), while an effective management strategy in children with an intact ventricular septum, has not been fully detailed in those presenting with a ventricular septal defect.

Objective: To determine whether transcatheter perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve is an acceptable management strategy prior to surgical repair.

Results: Valve perforation was attempted in eight children seen between May 2000 and March 2006, five being infants between 1 and 9 days of age. In five children, this was the first of two procedures, the second a planned surgical correction. The RF was successful in six children with one child requiring additional stenting of the RVOT. Of these children, three attained a biventricular repair within the next year without additional palliative surgical procedures. Of the remaining three patients, one is awaiting surgical correction, one did not require further surgery, and one had this procedure as the only planned palliation. The two children in whom RF was not possible were referred for surgical augmentation of pulmonary blood flow.

Conclusion: A treatment strategy that includes pulmonary valve perforation as initial palliation to increase pulmonary blood flow may be effective. Additional experience to better define those children who would benefit from this treatment algorithm is required.