Use of a bifurcated ePTFE craft for off-pump extracardiac Fontan completion

Abstract

A 6-year-old girl underwent off-pump extracardiac Fontan completion. Intrapericardial inferior caval vein was found to be accompanied by the hepatic vein on the left side; a 20 x 10 x 10-mm bifurcated ePTFE graft was used without external shunting. This approach is practical for the surgeons and may result in lower perioperative Fontan pressures/transpulmonary gradients as well as a shorter intubation period and hospital stay.