Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging-derived blood flow energetics of the inferior vena cava-to-extracardiac conduit junction in Fontan patients

Abstract

The IVC-conduit junction is a potential source of increased energy loss. Junctions with increased energy loss showed: (i) a distorted geometry leading to adverse blood flow patterns and/or (ii) the IVC-conduit mismatch. Sixteen-millimetre conduits appear to be inadequate for older patients.