Acute hemodynamic effects of adjustable atrial septal defect closure in the lateral tunnel Fontan procedure

AbstractObjectives. This study evaluated the acute hemodynamic changes with atrial septal defect closure in thek postoperative period in patients undergoing the Fontan procedure.Background. The adjustable atrial septal defect is a modification of the Fontan procedure designed to improve cardiac output and reduce systemic venous hypertension during the postoperative period. Limited information is available on the effects of interatrial shunting on the physiology of direct cavopulmonary connection.Methods. In 11 patients (aged 9 months to 14.5 years), the atrial septal defect was closed 8 h to 4.6 days (mean 1.7 days) postoperatively. Indications for closure included mean right atrial pressure <15 mm Hg or arterial oxygen saturation