Extracardiac Conduit
A synthetic tube placed outside the heart to complete Fontan circulation by connecting the inferior vena cava to the pulmonary arteries.
Full Definition
An extracardiac conduit is a synthetic tube, typically made of Gore-Tex or Dacron, used to complete the Fontan circulation by routing venous blood from the inferior vena cava directly to the pulmonary arteries without passing through the heart. This represents one of two main techniques for Fontan completion, the other being the lateral tunnel approach. The extracardiac technique may reduce the risk of atrial arrhythmias and thromboembolism. The conduit is usually 16-20mm in diameter and positioned outside the pericardial space.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviated as EC; distinguish from lateral tunnel Fontan technique.
In Context
- "Fontan completion was achieved using an 18mm extracardiac conduit with excellent flow dynamics." — Operative note
- "The extracardiac conduit showed no evidence of stenosis on follow-up imaging." — Follow-up report