The argument for aggressive coiling of aortopulmonary collaterals in single ventricle patients.

Aortopulmonary collaterals are present in up to 80% of single ventricle anatomy patients undergoing pre-Fontan catheterization. There is generally no consensus as to their impact in the mid-long term course of these patients. We present arguments that aggressive coiling of these vessels is warranted to prevent deterioration of ventricular function long-term. Non-invasive modalities for measuring APC are needed. Multi-institutional, prospective, randomized, double blind studies are also needed to confirm our hypotheses. Copyright 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.