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Thoracic Duct Decompression for Protein-Losing Enteropathy in Failing Fontan Circulation

2016; Elsevier BV; Volume: 101; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.08.079

1552-6259

Marta de Antonio, Andreia Gordo, Conceição Pereira, Fátima F. Pinto, Isabel Fragata, José Fragata,

Cardiac Structural Anomalies and Repair

An infrequent but devastating late complication of Fontan circulation is protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), which results from unbalanced lymphatic homeostasis. Surgical decompression of the thoracic duct by redirecting its drainage to the pulmonary venous atrium has been introduced recently as a possible treatment. This report describes a single-institution experience with this innovative procedure in 2 patients with failing Fontan circulation with PLE refractory to optimized medical therapy.