Novel uses of the Rashkind ductal umbrella in adults and children with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Objective - To show possible alternative uses of the Rashkind ductal umbrella. Design - Descriptive study of selected, non-randomised patients; with specific congenital heart lesions other than an arterial duct. Setting - A tertiary referral centre. Patients - Nine patients with congenital heart lesions; four with interatrial communications after a fenestrated Fontan procedure two with large aortopulmonary collaterals, three with an unoperated ventricular septal defect. Interventions - Placement of a Rashkind umbrella occluder as treatment for a haemodynamically important lesion. Results - Successful placement with symptomatic and haemodynamic improvement in all. Conclusions - The Rashkind ductal umbrella may be used successfully to treat some patients with aortopulmonary collateral vessels, ventricular septal defects, and interatrial communications after the fenestrated Fontan procedure.