Endovascular stent implantation in the pulmonary arteries of infants and children without the use of a long vascular sheath

Endovascular stent implantation for pulmonary artery stenosis requires the use of a long, large-bore vascular sheath to insure precise implantation without embolization or malposition. A long vascular sheath may be difficult to position and usage may be associated with vascular compromise and/or hemodynamic embarrassment, especially in infants and small children. We report a new technique for pulmonary artery endovascular stent implantation without the use of a long sheath. From December 2000 to May 2001, 10 patients underwent implantation of 13 Palmaz Corinthian premounted biliary transhepatic stents for pulmonary artery stenosis. Median age was 0.8 years (range, 0.5-18.5) and median weight was 11.8 kg (range, 4.6-65). Patient diagnoses were tetralogy of Fallot (five), double outlet right ventricle (three), branch peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (two), single ventricle s/p cavopulmonary shunt (one), and truncus arteriosus (one). All Palmaz Corinthian stents were delivered uncovered on Cordis Opta LP balloon catheters via short sheaths (6-7 Fr); super-stiff guidewires were not always necessary. These stents, with a maximal expanded diameter of 12 mm, were placed for peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis as a definitive procedure or at the pulmonary artery bifurcation in patients who were expected to undergo future open heart surgery. The stents were initially implanted on 4, 6, or 8 mm balloon catheters and further expanded if needed. Stents were placed in the right pulmonary artery alone in three patients, left pulmonary artery alone in four patients, and side-by-side stents were implanted simultaneously in three patients. All thirteen stents were implanted successfully in the desired location without stent malposition or embolization. Mean angiographic diameter increased from 2.5 ± 1.5 to 5.7 ± 1.4 mm (P < 0.01) and peak systolic ejection gradients decreased from 44 ± 22 to 14 ± 11.6 mm Hg (P < 0.01). The uncovered delivery of the premounted Palmaz Corinthian stent allowed for precise and safe endovascular stent implantation without the hemodynamic and technical problems associated with long vascular sheath usage. This technique is useful for the palliation of proximal pulmonary artery stenosis and is effective definitive treatment for peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis in small infants and children.