Successful use of a transvenous dual-chamber automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator after a classic Fontan operation for tricuspid atresia

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2006 Dec;29(12):1449-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2006.00563.x.

Abstract

We report the first successful totally percutaneous pacing and defibrillation of a single ventricle in a 52-year-old woman who had undergone a classic Fontan operation (atriopulmonary connection) for tricuspid atresia 21 years earlier. Left ventricular pacing and sensing was obtained with a bipolar lead in the lateral cardiac vein, and defibrillation was obtained with a coronary sinus coil lead and an "active can" in the retromammary position to optimize the current vector. This approach has significant potential benefits because it avoids a repeat thoracotomy, with its associated mortality and morbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Electric Countershock / instrumentation*
  • Electric Countershock / methods*
  • Female
  • Fontan Procedure*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Failure
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tricuspid Atresia / complications*
  • Tricuspid Atresia / surgery*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / prevention & control*