A vascular graft that has a valve incorporated into a wall thereof is described. The graft may be used in gaining access to interior portions of the heart. The valve is normally closed and may be opened by a surgical device threaded into the vascular graft and to the valve. Surgical procedures may be performed within the heart with the access provided. Alternately, the valve may be placed in an open state to permit blood communication between the interior of the graft and the interior of the heart or in a closed state to prevent such communication. The vascular graft described has application in Fontan procedures and is useful in pediatric cardiac surgery and in further treating patients who have undergone Fontan procedures.
