Feasibility of transcatheter techniques for intracardiac and extracardiac cavocaval connection in principle for Fontan completion in chronic animal models

OBJECTIVES: We report the safety and feasibility of various transcatheter techniques of cavocaval connection in principle for the completion of Fontan circulation in viable, chronic and ovine heart models. Surgically simulated preparations of both intracardiac and extracardiac cavocaval connections were studied.