Transcatheter Fontan Fenestration Closure: Sustained Improvements in Oxygen Saturation with Minimal Morbidity and Mortality

Fontan fenestration decreases central venous pressure and preserves cardiac output while decreasing systemic oxygen saturation. Transcatheter fenestration closure increases oxygen saturation, though the persistence of this increase and the long-term incidence of adverse outcomes such as death and heart transplant remain unknown. We describe immediate and long-term clinical and adverse outcomes following fenestration closure. Catheterization, echocardiogram, and clinic reports were reviewed following transcatheter Fontan fenestration closure. Data were reported as n (%) and median (IQR). Continuous variables were compared using Wilcoxon ranked sum test. 51 patients had fenestration closure 0.9 (0.7–1.5) years following extracardiac Fontan operation. Most (84%) were closed with Amplatzer Septal Occluders. Systemic O 2 saturation immediately increased from 87 (83–89) to 95 (94–97)%, P