Safety and utility of CardioMEMS device for remote pulmonary artery monitoring in paediatric Fontan patients: a case series

Abstract

Background: Patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease who undergo total cavo-pulmonary anastomosis (Fontan surgery) suffer from elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), which leads to multiple adverse sequelae. Traditionally, the Fontan pressures are assessed via invasive haemodynamic catheterization that exposes these medically fragile patients to the risks of vascular injury and anaesthesia. While the CardioMEM remote PAP monitor has been extensively used in adults with heart failure, the safety of this device has not been established in children. Case summary: We report safety and utility of this device in eight paediatric Fontan patients. Our patients ranged from 9 to 18 years of age. There were no reported complications related to the implantation of the CardioMEMS device in our population. Discussion: This is the first case series of safety of CardioMEMS device in paediatric Fontan Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation patients. Our experience indicates that the device may be safely utilized for the management of Fontan-related complications in this vulnerable population.