Medium-term outcomes of bovine jugular vein graft and homograft conduits in children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The bovine jugular vein (Contegra) conduit has been described as an alternative to the homograft for right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) connection. We assessed the outcomes of Contegra conduits and homografts at a single institution. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of children (n = 249) who underwent RV-to-PA conduit (Contegra or homograft) implantation from 2001 to 2011. RESULTS: Median operation age was 4.8 years (2 days-18 years). Indications for surgery were as follows: primary conduit insertion (n = 131; 53%), previous conduit failure (n = 57; 23%) or Ross procedure (n = 61; 25%). There were 113 (45%) Contegra conduits and 136 (55%) homografts (92 pul..