Total extracardiac right heart bypass using a polytetrafluoroethylene graft.

Background: With regard to hemodynamics and late arrhythmias, total cavopulmonary connection has been accepted as a superior technique as compared to Fontan type procedures. However, intra-atrial baffles for lateral tunnel or conduit remain construction retain some similar disadvantages. Patients and Methods: As an alternative to total cavopulmonary connection, total extracardiac right heart bypass using a polytetrafluoroethylene tube for the inferior vena cava to pulmonary artery connection may obviate some problems. Five patients with complex heart disease necessitating one ventricle repair underwent this procedure successfully. Results: Aortic cross-clamp time ranged from 0 to 24 minutes (mean = 15.8 min). No case required takedown or an additional step. Although the follow-up periods have been relatively short (mean = 19 months), all patients are well and no arrhythmic event or thromboembolic episode has occurred. Conclusions: As a simple, safe, and reproducible procedure, total extracardiac right heart bypass is an alternative to Fontan or total cavopulmonary connection procedure.