Porcine-valved Dacron Conduits in Fontan Procedures

From a series of 52 Fontan procedures between 1976 and 1984, the cases of the 27 consecutive patients who received a porcine-valved conduit were reviewed. There were 5 hospital deaths among these 27 patients. Follow-up ranges from 11 years 9 months to 3 years 9 months. At follow-up, no conduit-related complications could be demonstrated. There were no signs of valvular stenosis, exuberant peel formation, or calcification of the conduit in any of the patients. To date, there has been no need to replace any of the porcine-valved conduits. Cumulative survival (including hospital deaths) is 71% at 10 years. In conclusion, we believe that the porcine-valved conduits have functioned very satisfactorily over time.