Effect of transcatheter occlusion of azygos/hemiazygos vein in patients with venous stealing after the bidirectional Glenn procedure-analysis of 24 cases

Objective To observe and follow up the effect of transcatheter occlusion of the azygos/hemiazygos veins in patients with complex congenital heart diseases and venous stealing after bidirectional Glenn procedure, who had not meet the criteria of total cavopulmonary connection(TCPC) or corrective operation. Methods This article analyzed retrospectively and followed up the effect of transcatheter occlusion of the azygos/hemiazygos vein in patients after bidirectional Glenn procedure hospitalized during February 2012 to September 2017. Results Transcatheter occlusions of azygos veins were performed in 21 patients and left superior vena cava(LSVC) was occluded in one of patients meanwhile. Azygos veins and hemiazygos veins were both occluded in two patients. One patient had the hemiazygos vein occluded. Aortic-to-pulmonary collaterals were occluded in 6 patients in the meantime. Atrial septal defect occluders were applied in the transcatheter occlusions of azygos veins, hemiazygos veins and LSVC, except one patient with an azygos vein which was 5.5 mm in diameter. Saturation was increased from 0.78 to 0.85 through occlusion(P 0.05). No complications associated with interventional procedures occurred. There was no significant decrease in blood oxygen saturation. Facial and upper limb edema, varicose veins in the chest and abdominal wall, pleural effusion and peritoneal effusion did not happen during follow up of 2 years. Two patients underwent TCPC operation one year and five years after interventional occlusion separately. Conclusion Transcatheter occlusion of azygos/hemiazygos vein or PLSVC was feasible in patients with complex congenital heart diseases and venous stealing after bidirectional Glenn procedure on the premise of choosing suitable indications. Suitable indications meant that the pressure of pulmonary artery and superior vena cava was less than 20 mmHg in the basal state, and the pressure of superior vena cava was also less than 20 mmHg before the release of the occluder. Occlusions may increase the oxygen saturation of patients, improve the quality of life, and even promote the development of pulmonary vascular bed, so as to achieve the indications of TCPC operation in some patients. Key words: Azygos vein; Hemiazygos vein; Transcatheter closure; Bidirectional Glenn procedure