Decompression of Thoracic Duct: New Approach for the Treatment of Failing Fontan

In failing Fontan circulation, the elevated central venous pressure increases lymphatic production and simultaneously retards lymphatic return to the central venous system, thus unbalancing lymphatic homoeostasis. To improve lymphatic drainage, a new concept based on decompression of the thoracic duct to the lower pressure levels of the common atrium, with concomitant increase of preload, has been developed. The thoracic duct, which in the majority of patients enters the circulation at the left subclavia-jugular junction, is decompressed by diverting the innominate vein directly to the common atrium. (C) 2013 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons