Conduit Stenosis
Narrowing of an artificial tube or vessel used to connect different cardiac chambers or vessels, requiring intervention or replacement.
Full Definition
Conduit stenosis refers to the narrowing of synthetic or biological conduits used in congenital heart surgery to establish connections between cardiac chambers or great vessels. Common examples include right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits (Rastelli operation) or extracardiac Fontan conduits. Stenosis may develop due to conduit degeneration, calcification, compression, or patient outgrowth of the conduit. This complication typically manifests as increased pressure gradients, reduced exercise tolerance, and may require balloon dilation, stent placement, or surgical conduit replacement.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the type and location of conduit (e.g., RV-PA conduit, extracardiac conduit) and quantify severity with gradients.
In Context
- "Serial echocardiograms revealed progressive conduit stenosis with peak gradients exceeding 50 mmHg." — Follow-up cardiology note
- "The adolescent underwent successful percutaneous stent placement for severe Fontan conduit stenosis." — Interventional procedure report