Transcatheter pulmonary artery debanding: Is it effective in every patient?

Background: This study aimed to present our experience with transcatheter pulmonary debanding, focusing on patient outcomes.

Methods: The retrospective study was conducted with 32 patients (17 males, 15 females; mean age: 3.6±2 years; range, 0.5 to 8.8 years) who underwent transcatheter pulmonary debanding between January 2010 and January 2024. The patients were evaluated in two groups. In Group 1 (n=24), total debanding was targeted for patients with spontaneously closed or restrictive ventricular septal defects or those suitable for transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure. In Group 2 (n=8), palliative debanding was utilized in children with ongoing band requirement.

Results: The median body weight was 15 kg. In Group 1, the mean right ventricle-to-aortic pressure ratio (RVp/Aop) was 0.91±0.21 before the procedure, which decreased to a mean of 0.33±0.20 after the procedure. In Group 2, the mean RVp/Aop was 1.31±0.47, which decreased to 0.77±0.13 after transcatheter palliative debanding. The mean peripheral oxygen saturation was 80±6% before the procedure and 94±2.5% after the procedure. Transcatheter debanding was successful in all patients when surgical pulmonary banding was performed with 6-0 Prolene and polytetrafluoroethylene band material.

Conclusion: Transcatheter banding is a safe and effective procedure that minimizes the need for reoperation.