[New selection criterion for Fontan procedure: pulmonary artery clamping test and pulmonary vascular resistance in increased pulmonary blood flow].

A new selection criterion for Fontan procedure, pulmonary artery clamping test (PACT) was developed and employed in 13 candidates for Fontan procedure. PACT was aimed to evaluate the response of pulmonary vascular bed to increased pulmonary blood flow and calculate the pulmonary vascular resistance in the increased pulmonary blood flow as a selection criterion for Fontan procedure, preoperatively. After a median sternotomy incision, an electromagnetic flow meter was employed for measuring the pulmonary blood flow (Qp) on the pulmonary trunk. By clamping the left pulmonary artery and the right pulmonary artery, right pulmonary vascular resistance and the left pulmonary resistance in the pulmonary blood flow of Qp were calculated respectively. By means of electrical analogue, right and left lungs were simulated as resistors in parallel. And the equivalent pulmonary vascular resistance Rpc was calculated as the predicted pulmonary vascular resistance in the increased pulmonary blood flow of two times Qp. Fontan procedure was performed in 9 cases with a Rpc of less than 3 unit.m2 with a successful result and no death. Postoperative cardiac index ranged from 2.6 to 3.7 L/min.m2 with a mean of 2.8 L/min.m2. Postoperative pulmonary vascular resistance ranged from 1.6 to 3.2 unit.m2. Postoperative cardiac index was correlated with postoperative pulmonary vascular resistance. And postoperative pulmonary vascular resistance was well correlated with equivalent pulmonary vascular resistance but was not correlated with preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance measured by Fick's method at the preoperative catheterization. In Fontan procedure, the pulmonary blood flow frequently increases to a certain degree postoperatively. And pulmonary vascular resistance is not a static resistance, but a dynamic resistance. Hence, in discussing a pulmonary vascular resistance as a selection criterion for Fontan procedure, the pulmonary blood flow in which the pulmonary vascular resistance stand should be taken into account. Equivalent pulmonary vascular resistance Qpc is a theoretical selection criterion for Fontan procedure and well reflects the postoperative pulmonary vascular resistance. Fontan procedure can be successfully performed with a Rpc of less than 3 unit.m2.