Radiofrequency recanalization of an occluded long segment left pulmonary artery in bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis.

In patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who experience the Norwood surgical palliative program, development of the pulmonary artery branches is crucial. Balloon dilation and stenting may relieve potential stenosis but complete occlusion remains difficult to address with transcatheter therapy. We report the use of radiofrequency followed by balloon dilation and stenting to treat a long segment left pulmonary artery occlusion in a 15-month-old boy bidirectional Glenn. The left pulmonary artery was successfully recanalized with an excellent short-term outcome. This further enhances the interest of radiofrequency for recanalization of occluded pulmonary artery branches, as an alternative to surgical reconstruction. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.