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Introduction: Infants and children with congenital aortic stenosis and coarctation of the aorta can be treated by catheter intervention. There are several pharmacological and mechanical techniques described to overcome the balloon movement; none, however, have proved entirely satisfactory. An alternative method to achieve balloon stability is the use of rapid ventricular pacing. We describe our experience with titrating the pacing rate and the use of this technique. Methods: A retrospective review of database was performed, to identify patients who underwent transcatheter intervention with rapid ventricular pacing. Invasive systemic pressures were documented with a catheter in the aorta. Rapid ventricular pacing was initiated at the rate of 180 per minute and increased by increments of 20 per minute to a rate required to achieve a drop in systemic pressure by 50% and a drop in pulse pressure by 25%. The balloon was inflated only after the desired pacing rate was reached. Pacing was continued until the balloon was completely deflated. Results: Thirty patients were identified, 29 of whom had interventions with rapid ventricular pacing. Balloon valvuloplasty of aortic valve was performed on 25 patients while 4 patients had stenting for coarctation by this technique. The rate of ventricular pacing required ranged from 200 to 260 per minute with a median rate of 240. Balloon stability at the time of intervention was achieved in 27 patients. Conclusion: Rapid ventricular pacing is a safe and effective method to provide transient decrease in cardiac output at the time of transcatheter interventions to achieve balloon stability. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:7–13) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventricle-pulmonary artery connections in patients after the Fontan procedure lead to ineffective volume loading and can cause long term problems. In patients with a cavopulmonary shunt anterograde pulmonary blood flow is frequently maintained, but can cause significant volume loading of the heart or complicate the subsequent Fontan procedure. Objective: To evaluate the use of transcatheter closure of a ventricle-pulmonary artery communication in the setting of a cavopulmonary shunt or after the Fontan procedure. Patients and methods: Retrospective study at a tertiary referral centre. Eight patients (age 1 .5-1 8 years, mean 7.8 years). Indications: cardiac failure or persistent pleural effusions after cavopulmonary shunt (n = 2) or after Fontan (n = 3) and abolishing the volume load of the single ventricle prior to Fontan completion (n = 3). Results: Devices used: Rashkind Umbrella (n = 1), Amplatzer PDA (n = 7) and Amplatzer ASD (n = 1). One patient required two devices. There were no procedural complications. All 3 patients with prolonged pleural effusions (1 post CP shunt and 2 post Fontan) showed complete resolution between 4 and 10 days after catheter closure. Two patients underwent transcatheter occlusion for progressive ventricular dilatation and cardiac failure. The first patient was post Fontan and showed gradual improvement in ventricular function. The second patient (post CP shunt) was in end stage cardiac failure due to severe AV valve regurgitation. The patient died 48 hours after an uncomplicated procedure due to ventricular failure and electromechanical dissociation (non-procedure-related cardiac death). Three patients underwent catheter closure to off-load the systemic ventricle prior to the Fontan procedure. The device had to be removed prior to release in one patient, due to unsatisfactory position. Conclusions: Transcatheter closure of ventricle-pulmonary artery communication is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of selected patients after cavopulmonary shunt or Fontan procedure with early or late complications due to inappropriate pulmonary blood flow. This intervention should also be considered in the preparation for the Fontan procedure in selected patients with ventricular overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]