Abstract

OBJECTIVE--To show possible alternative uses of the Rashkind ductal umbrella. DESIGN--Descriptive study of selected, non-randomised patients; with specific congenital heart lesions other than an arterial duct. SETTING--A tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS--Nine patients with congenital heart lesions; four with interatrial communications after a fenestrated Fontan procedure two with large aortopulmonary collaterals, three with an unoperated ventricular septal defect. INTERVENTIONS--Placement of a Rashkind umbrella occluder as treatment for a haemodynamically important lesion. RESULTS--Successful placement with symptomatic and haemodynamic improvement in all. CONCLUSIONS--The Rashkind ductal umbrella may be used successfully to treat some patients with aortopulmonary collateral vessels, ventricular septal defects, and interatrial communications after the fenestrated Fontan procedure.