RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) is an uncommon disorder with significant morphological heterogeneity. The use of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF)-assisted perforation of the atretic valve and subsequent balloon dilation provides a relatively easy but expensive procedure that is expected to establish ante-grade flow through the pulmonary valve in most patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to attempt a cost reduction by using catheters and wires readily available in our catheter laboratory. METHODS: A total of 50 patients presenting with PA-IVS to Cairo University Children's Hospital (CUCH) were taken to the catheterization laboratory for radiofrequency perforation using the Baylis RFP-100 generator (Baylis Medical, Montréal, Canada) or the stiff end of a coronary wire. A hybrid approach was used in selected cases. RESULTS: The overall success rate for valve perforation was 92% (46 cases), 80% of which had successful primary perforation (40 cases). Success correlated with both tricuspid valve (TV) annulus and pulmonary valve (PV) annulus Z-scores, with P values of 0.2 and 0.5, respectively. CONCLUSION: The management of PA-IVS is complex. This is a disease that necessitates a dedicated team and working collaboration between the cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Cost limitation is essential in developing countries and innovative ideas to reduce costs are essential, especially if comparable success can be expected.