[Use of valved tubes in the treatment of ventriculo-pulmonary discontinuity. Long-term results].
Forty five patients, 2 months to 42 years of age, had valved tubes implanted for ventriculo-pulmonary discontinuity. The underlying malformations were: certain forms of Fallot's tetralogy (16 cases), transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis (8 cases), truncus arteriosus (9 cases), double outlet right ventricle (6 cases), other malformations (4 cases). Hospital mortality (at 30 days) was 31% (14 cases). This was mainly due to technical difficulties related to the large number of palliative procedures and to irreversible pulmonary hypertension, present in 43% of cases with fatal outcomes. Thirty one patients were followed up for 6 months to 7 years (mean 3 +/- 1,6 years). There were 3 late deaths, one during reoperation for a residual shunt. All survivors underwent clinical assessment with hemodynamic control in 17 cases (15 routine control catheterisations). To date it has only been necessary to change one valved tube: a good result was obtained.