Arrhythmias after Fontan operation: comparison of lateral tunnel and extracardiac conduit.

Background: Arrhythmias are frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with single ventricle physiology after Fontan operation. The aim of this study was to evaluate which type of Fontan procedure--lateral tunnel (LT) or extracardiac conduit (EC)--provides superior outcomes related to the problem of early postoperative and 1-year follow-up arrhythmias.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the incidence, types, and duration of rhythm disorders in 101 consecutive patients who received either LT (n = 60) or EC (n = 41) between April 1997 and March 2006 in Slovak Children's Cardiac Center, Bratislava (Slovakia).

Echocardiographic measurements of the aorta in normal children and young adults.

Background: To be able to determine aortic valve and ascending aorta pathology, especially aortic root dilatation, it is important to establish normal aortic dimensions. The aim of the study was to measure the dimensions of the aorta in normal healthy children and young adults in Slovakia.

Patients And Methods: 702 healthy subjects, from newborns to 20 years of age, were examined at our institution.

Neuropsychological outcome in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to review a single-institutional experience gained over one decade, to assess late neuropsychological outcome in patients as well as to determine Norwood operation risk factors that are related to patient and procedure and influence these results.

Background: The reports of first successful staged operation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and its numerous modifications have improved the early survival also in patients with complex forms. Specifically, the identification of other specific risk factors related to patient or procedure in the first stage of palliation for HLHS may play a role in cognitive deficit.

Arrhythmias in congenital heart defects.

Aim Of The Study: Evaluation of the incidence and severity of late arrhythmias in patients with predisposing congenital heart defects--either due to the anatomy of the defect itself or as a result of a particular type of surgical intervention.

Patients And Methods: In a retrospective long-term study authors analyzed 158 patients (divided into 5 groups) with congenital heart defects after surgical correction. Evaluated were: the incidence of rhythm disturbances, the type of arrhythmia and the need for medication or intervention.

Long-term outcome of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure using Amplatzer duct occluders.

Background: Immediate-, short-, and intermediate-term results of percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure using Amplatzer duct occluders are excellent. However, long-term results have not yet been reported to date.

Methods: Between September 1996 and April 2002, 64 consecutive patients having isolated PDA with minimal diameter of > or =2 mm underwent percutaneous closure using Amplatzer duct occluders.

Long-term outcome of transcatheter secundum-type atrial septal defect closure using Amplatzer septal occluders.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess long-term results of percutaneous closure of secundum-type atrial septal defect (ASD II) using Amplatzer septal occluders (ASO).

Background: Only immediate-, short-, and intermediate-term results of ASO implantation are known so far.

Methods: Between September 1995 and January 2000, 151 patients underwent a successful percutaneous closure of ASD II in our institution.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus using a new angled Amplatzer duct occluder: initial clinical experience.

In the present study, we report the initial clinical experience with the new angled Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) for the percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Percutaneous closure of PDA using standard ADO in infants and in patients with small PDA ampulla is difficult, or even impossible, due to protrusion of the aortic disk into the descending thoracic aorta. The aortic disk of an angled ADO is angled at 32 degrees to the body of the device and concave toward the aorta to prevent protrusion of the disk into the aorta.

Morphological variations of secundum-type atrial septal defects: feasibility for percutaneous closure using Amplatzer septal occluders.

The aim of the study was to assess the morphology of secundum-type atrial septal defects (ASD) with a view to percutaneous closure using Amplatzer septal occluders (ASO). One hundred and ninety patients who underwent closure of isolated secundum-type ASD between September 1995 and January 2000 were included. The morphology of the defects was studied using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography.

Anterior pulmonary translocation for repair of truncus arteriosus with interrupted arch.

A newborn was found to have truncus arteriosus and an interrupted aortic arch, and underwent primary repair. The patient did well initially, but, by 8 weeks postoperatively, showed evidence of severe compression of the right pulmonary artery. At reoperation, the pulmonary artery was found to be compressed by a large aortic root (truncal root) and the retroaortic area was narrowed.