Results of Definitive Repair of Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect in Neonates and Infants

Left-Sided Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation After the Repair of Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect

This study aimed to investigate left-sided atrioventricular valve outcome after the repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect from single-institutional retrospective chart review. From 1998 to 2022, 55 patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect and balanced 2 ventricles underwent biventricular repair. Median age and weight at repair were 5.5 months old [interquartile range, 3.4-9.1] and 4.6 kg [3.9-5.9]. Analyzed possible risk factors were Rastelli classification, low birth weight < 2.5 kg, preterm < 37 weeks, proceeding pulmonary artery banding, Down syndrome, persistent left superior vena cava, tetralogy of Fallot, early surgical era < 2010, preoperative left-sided atrioventricular valve regurgitation > mild, modified single-patch repair, small left mural leaflet, and complete left-sided atrioventricular valve cleft closure. No patients underwent left-sided atrioventricular valve replacement at the timing of repair. No patient required subsequent single ventricular conversion. The median follow-up period in survivors was 11.0 years. The survival rate at 15 years from repair was 96.4%. Freedom from moderate or greater left-sided atrioventricular valve regurgitation rate at 10 years was 58.4%. After elimination of 3 patients undergone complete closure then experienced tone of closed cleft, complete cleft closure was significant inhibitor for moderate or greater left-sided atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p = 0.034, Odds ratio: 0.36, 95% Confidence intervals: 0.14-0.93). Twelve patients underwent 15 reoperations for left-sided atrioventricular valve. All 4 patients who developed left-sided atrioventricular valve stenosis and backward pulmonary hypertension required prosthetic valve replacement. Incomplete cleft closure was the only risk factor for significant postoperative left-sided atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Already small left-sided atrioventricular valve by previous repair developed significant regurgitation, it is no longer repairable therefore required to be replaced.

Can we diagnose aortic arch obstruction in a fetus with an atrioventricular septal defect?

BACKGROUND

Aortic arch obstruction and/or coarctation of aorta is uncommon (5-20%) in balanced atrioventricular septal defects. Although technically challenging, prenatal diagnosis of aortic arch obstruction in atrioventricular septal defect is critical for delivery planning and improves prenatal counselling regarding the timing of cardiac surgery. We sought to identify prenatal predictors of coarctation of aorta in atrioventricular septal defect.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients prenatally diagnosed with atrioventricular septal defect at two institutions.

RESULTS

Ninety-five fetuses with atrioventricular septal defect were identified and sufficient outcome data and diagnostic acoustic windows were available in 62. Six patients (10%) had coarctation of aorta after birth. Among the 38 patients with Trisomy 21, four (11%) had coarctation of aorta. On multivariable analysis, the proximal transverse aortic arch z score and ratio of left:right atrioventricular valve were independent predictors of coarctation of aorta with good interobserver reproducibility. Either proximal transverse aortic arch z score < -2, or ratio of left:right atrioventricular valve <0.7, predicted aortic arch obstruction with 100% sensitivity and 89% specificity.

CONCLUSION

Proximal transverse aortic arch z score and lower ratio of left:right atrioventricular valve diameter are independent predictors of postnatal coarctation of aorta in fetal patients with atrioventricular septal defect. The next step is the prospective application of these parameters to create an algorithm directing fetal counselling in terms of delivery location, and expected timing of surgical interventions.

Association of tetralogy of Fallot and complete atrioventricular canal: a single-centre 40-year experience

OBJECTIVES

Outcome data in tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and complete atrioventricular canal (CAVC) are limited. We report our experience for over 40 years in this patient population.

METHODS

Single-centre, retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical repair with the diagnosis of ToF-CAVC from 1979 to 2022, divided into 2 different periods and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 116 patients were included: 1979-2007 (n = 61) and 2008-2021 (n = 55). Balanced CAVC (80%) and Rastelli type C CAVC (81%) were most common. Patients in the later era were younger (4 vs 14 months, P < 0.001), fewer had trisomy 21 (60% vs 80%, P = 0.019) and fewer had prior palliative prior procedures (31% vs 43%, P < 0.001). In the earlier era, single-patch technique was more common (62% vs 16%, P < 0.001), and in recent era, double-patch technique was more common (84% vs 33%, P < 0.001). In the earlier era, right ventricular outflow tract was most commonly reconstructed with transannular patch (51%), while in more recent era, valve-sparing repairs were more common (69%) (P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 4.3%. The median follow-up was 217 and 74 months for the first and second eras. Survival for earlier and later eras at 2-, 5- and 10-year follow-up was (85.1%, 81.5%, 79.6% vs 94.2%, 94.2%, 94.2% respectively, log-rank test P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical approach to ToF-CAVC has evolved over time. More recently, patients tended to receive primary repair at younger ages and had fewer palliative procedures. Improved surgical techniques allowing for earlier and complete repair have shown a decrease in mortality, more valve-sparing procedures without an increase in total reoperations. Presented at the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting, Vienna, Austria.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Postoperative Coaptation Geometry of Left AV Valve in Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect

Background:

We sought to determine the difference in geometric parameters in the left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) postoperative complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) compared to the normal heart, and the correlation between geometric and functional parameters for detecting the mechanism of LAVV regurgitation (LAVVR) in CAVSD.

Methods:

LAVV geometric parameters based on complete and acceptable quality echocardiograms of 18 patients with repaired CAVSD compared with 17 normal controls. LAVVR severity was also quantified by indexed vena contracta (I-VC) (mm) and % jet area/left atrium area (% Jet/LA), and the correlation with LAVV parameters in the CAVSD group was investigated.

Results:

In the CAVSD group, the posterior closing angle (Pc) was nearly the same as the anterior closing angle (Ac), yet in the normal heart, the Pc angle was double the Ac angle. The anterior opening angle (Ao) and posterior-to-anterior leaflet diameter ratio (a/p) in the CAVSD group was also significantly smaller. The CAVSD group also had a shorter indexed coaptation length (I-CL) and indexed tenting height (I-TH). Displacement length (ΔD) differed completely between the CAVSD and Normal groups, and also showed a strong positive correlation to the functional parameters of LAVVR (% Jet/LA: r = .70, P = .02; I-VC: r = .60, P = .02).

Conclusions:

The parameters in this study were applicable to CAVSD AV valve coaptation characteristics. We introduced 2 novel measures that may provide important insights into the differences in geometry and performance of the LAVV in repaired CAVSD as compared to normal hearts.

Timing of surgical repair and resource utilisation in infants with complete atrioventricular septal defect

INTRODUCTION

Variation exists in the timing of surgery for balanced complete atrioventricular septal defect repair. We sought to explore associations between timing of repair and resource utilisation and clinical outcomes in the first year of life.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-centre cohort study, we included patients who underwent complete atrioventricular septal defect repair between 2005 and 2019. Patients with left or right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and major non-cardiac comorbidities (except trisomy 21) were excluded. The primary outcome was days alive and out of the hospital in the first year of life.

RESULTS

Included were 79 infants, divided into tertiles based on age at surgery (1st = 46 to 137 days, 2nd = 140 - 176 days, 3rd = 178 - 316 days). There were no significant differences among age tertiles for days alive and out of the hospital in the first year of life by univariable analysis (tertile 1, median 351 days; tertile 2, 348 days; tertile 3, 354 days; p = 0.22). No patients died. Fewer post-operative ICU days were used in the oldest tertile relative to the youngest, but days of mechanical ventilation and hospitalisation were similar. Clinical outcomes after repair and resource utilisation in the first year of life were similar for unplanned cardiac reinterventions, outpatient cardiology clinic visits, and weight-for-age z-score at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Age at complete atrioventricular septal defect repair is not associated with important differences in clinical outcomes or resource utilisation in the first year of life.

The effect of surgical technique, age, and Trisomy 21 on early outcome of surgical management of complete atrioventricular canal defect

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing, surgical technique, and the influence of Trisomy 21 on the outcome of surgical repair of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect remains uncertain. We reviewed our experience in the repair of CAVC to identify the influence of these factors on operative outcomes.

METHODS

A prospective study included 70 patients, who underwent repair of CAVC at our institute between July, 2016 and October, 2019. Primary endpoint was mortality and the secondary endpoint was a degree of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation.

RESULTS

No significant difference was noted between patients operated on, at the first 6 months of age versus later, regarding mortality or LAVV regurgitation. Surgical repair by modified single-patch technique showed a significant reduction in bypass time (71.13 ± 13.507 min versus 99.19 ± 27.092 min, p-value = 0.001). Compared to closure of cleft only, posterior annuloplasty used for repair of LAVV resulted in significant reduction in the occurrence of post-operative valve regurgitation during the early period (LAVV 2 + 43 versus 7 %, p-value = 0.03) and at 6 months of follow-up (LAVV 2 + 35.4 versus 0 %, p-value = 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Early intervention, in the first 6 months in patients with CAVC by surgical repair gives comparable acceptable results to later repair; Trisomy 21 was not found to be a risk factor for early intervention. Repair of common AV valve by cleft closure with posterior LAVV annuloplasty showed better results with a significant decrease in post-operative LAVV regurgitation and early mortality in comparison to the closure of cleft only.

Contemporary outcomes after pulmonary artery banding in complete atrioventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the clinical outcomes and the effect of band tightness on outcome after pulmonary artery banding (PAB) in patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD).

METHODS

From 2000 through 2019, among 133 patients with isolated complete AVSD pursuing biventricular repair, 34 patients (25.6%) who underwent PAB were included in this study. Factors associated with adverse outcome, which was defined as prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (> 10 days), were analysed using multiple logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify a threshold band tightness for adverse outcome.

RESULTS

The median age and weight were 43 days and 3.6kg, respectively. There were 4 early deaths. The median ICU stay was 8 days. Twenty-eight patients (28/34, 82.4%) underwent corrective surgery 10 months (IQR 7∼12 months) after PAB. In multivariable analysis, indexed band diameter was identified as a factor associated with adverse outcome (odds ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.48; p=0.035). ROC analysis indicated 22.2 mm/m² of indexed PAB diameter measured at discharge as a threshold band tightness for adverse outcome (area under curve 0.871, p<0.001). The level of B-type natriuretic peptide similarly decreased after PAB regardless of band tightness, although the probability of worsening in atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) was significantly decreased in patients with tighter band (p=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

PAB is a viable option for patients with early presenting complete AVSD. Tighter PAB might be beneficial for early postoperative outcomes and preventing progression of AVVR in complete AVSD.

Single-Stage Surgical Management of Atrioventricular Septal Defects with Coarctation of the Aorta

Surgical options for coarctation of aorta (CoA) with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) include single-stage repair vs. staged approach with neonatal CoA repair and delayed AVSD repair. The durability of left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) function after neonatal repair is questioned, and the optimal approach remains controversial. Eighteen CoA-AVSD patients who underwent single-stage repair 2005-2015 by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed. Fifteen patients had complete and three had partial AVSD. Birth weight was 3.19 kg (2.17-4.08). Age at surgery was 16 days (6-127). One- and ten-year survival were 80% and 69%. Freedom from reintervention was 60% and 40% at one and ten-year respectively. Reinterventions included relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) (n = 4), repair of cleft LAVV (n = 3), and LAVV and aortic valve replacement (n = 1). Freedom from LAVV reintervention was 85.6% and 66% at 1 and 10 years respectively. There were four deaths: two post-operative and two following hospital discharge. Mortality was due to sepsis in three patients, and heart failure related to LVOTO and LAVV insufficiency in one. At 68-month (0.6-144) follow-up the majority had mild or less LAVV regurgitation, and all had normal LV dimension and systolic function. There was no recurrent arch obstruction. Single-stage surgical repair of CoA-AVSD is feasible and reasonable. Survival and freedom from reintervention in our cohort approximate those outcomes of two-stage repair with durable left AV valve function and no recurrent arch obstruction. These patients are frequently syndromic and demonstrate mortality risk from non-cardiac causes. Consideration of a single-staged approach is warranted for appropriate patients with CoA-AVSD.

Impact of concomitant complex cardiac anatomy in nonsyndromic patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect

OBJECTIVE

We studied a cohort of patients with nonsyndromic complete atrioventricular septal defect with and without concomitant complex cardiac anatomy and compared the outcomes after surgical repair.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 2018, 62 nonsyndromic patients underwent complete atrioventricular septal defect repair. Sixteen patients (26%) had complex complete atrioventricular septal defect with variables representing concomitant cardiac anatomic complexity: tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, concomitant aortic arch reconstruction, multiple ventricular septal defects, staged repair of coarctation of the aorta, and a persisting left superior vena cava. The mean follow-up was 12.7 ± 7.9 years. Baseline variables were retrospectively evaluated and analyzed using univariable logistic regression. Survival was studied using Kaplan-Meier estimates, and group comparisons were performed using the log-rank test. A competing-risk analysis estimated the risk of reoperation with death as the competing event. A Gray's test was used to test equality of the cumulative incidence curves between groups.

RESULTS

The perioperative mortality was 3.2% (2/62). Actuarial survival was 100% versus 66.7% ± 14.9% at 10 years in the noncomplex and complex groups, respectively (P < .01). There was no significant difference in the overall reoperation rate between the noncomplex group (7/46; 15%) and the complex group (4/16; 25%) (odds ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-7.45; P = .30). The competing-risk analysis demonstrated no significant difference in reoperation between the groups (P = .28).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that nonsyndromic patients without complex cardiac anatomy have a good long-term survival and an acceptable risk of reoperation similar to contemporary outcomes for patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect with trisomy 21. However, the corresponding group of nonsyndromic patients with concomitant complex cardiac lesions are still a high-risk population, especially regarding mortality.

Atrioventricular Septal Defects: Pathology, Imaging, and Treatment Options

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) represent a broad spectrum of congenital anomalies from simple to the most complex heart defects including some distinct types. Clinical presentation and timing of intervention differ by morphological subset and functional anatomy. Herein, we review morphological variations and characteristics that determine appropriate intervention and provide insights into functional anatomy based on detailed three-dimensional (3D) assessment of AVSDs.

RECENT FINDINGS

The understanding of functional morphology of AVSDs has improved significantly with detailed 3D echocardiographic evaluation of the atrioventricular junction and valve morphology. As prenatal detection of AVSDs has increased significantly, it has become the most common fetal cardiac diagnosis enabling antenatal counseling and delivery planning. Advances in diagnosis and perioperative care have resulted in optimal outcomes. The diagnosis and management of AVSDs have improved over the years with enhanced understanding of anatomy and perioperative care resulting in optimal short and long-term outcomes.

Long-term outcome after early repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect in young infants

OBJECTIVE

The long-term outcome after repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect in young infants is still not fully understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate data after repair for complete atrioventricular septal defect over a 25-year period to assess survival and identify risk factors for left atrioventricular valve-related reoperations.

METHODS

A total of 304 consecutive patients underwent surgical correction for complete atrioventricular septal defect between April 1993 and October 2018. The results for young infants (aged <3 months; n = 55; mean age 1.6 ± 0.6 months) were compared with older infants (aged >3 months; n = 249; mean age, 5.1 ± 5.2 months). Mean follow-up was 13.2 ± 7.8 years (median, 14.0 years; interquartile range, 7.0-20.0). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess overall survival and freedom from left atrioventricular valve-related reoperation.

RESULTS

Overall, 30-day mortality was 1.0% (3/304) with no difference between young and older infants (P = 1.0). Overall survival in the total population at 20-year follow-up was 95.1% (±1.3%). Independent risk factors for poor survival were the presence of an additional ventricular septal defect (P = .042), previous coarctation of the aorta (P < .001), persistent left superior vena cava (P = .026), and genetic syndromes other than Trisomy 21 (P = .017). Freedom from left atrioventricular valve-related reoperation was 92.6% (±1.7%) at 20 years. There was no significant difference in left atrioventricular valve-related reoperation in young infants compared with older infants (P = .084).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated that excellent long-term survival could be achieved with early repair for complete atrioventricular septal defect, and the need for reoperations due to left atrioventricular valve regurgitation was low. Primary correction in patients aged less than 3 months is, when clinically necessary, well tolerated. Palliative procedures can be avoided in the majority of patients.

An Analysis of Hospital Mortality After Cardiac Operations in Children With Down Syndrome

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have lower mortality compared to nonsyndromic (NS) children after atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair. Limited data exist regarding hospital mortality and utilization after other congenital heart disease (CHD) operations in DS. We compared hospital mortality and utilization after CHD operations in both populations and hypothesized that the survival benefit in children with DS is not consistent across CHD lesions. The Texas Inpatient Public Use Datafile was queried for all patients <18 years old undergoing operations for CHD between 1999 and 2016. Hospital mortality, length-of-stay and charges were compared between DS and NS groups, stratified by CHD operation using mixed-effects multivariable analyses and propensity score matching analyses adjusting for prematurity, low birth weight, age, and sex. Over the 18-year period, 2841 cases with DS underwent CHD operations compared to 25,063 NS cases. The most common types of interventions performed in DS were AVSD repair, isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair. By multivariable analyses, DS was associated with lower mortality after isolated AVSD repair (RR 0.40 [IQR 0.20-0.79]), and higher hospital mortality after bidirectional Glenn anastomosis (BDG) (RR 5.17 [IQR 2.10-12.77]) and TOF/pulmonary atresia repair (RR 9.71 [IQR 2.16-43.68]) compared to NS children. Similar results were noted using propensity score matching. Children with DS had lower mortality after AVSD repair than NS children, but higher mortality after operations for BDG and TOF/pulmonary atresia. Further study is needed to determine if the presence of pulmonary hypertension in DS modifies the association between DS and mortality depending on cardiac lesion.

Modified Single Repair Technique for Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

There were controversies about the priority of modified single patch (MSP) technique compared with two-patch (TP) technique for patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD). From 2002 to 2013, patients who diagnosed as balanced CAVSD in our institution were retrospectively included. Patients with unbalanced ventricles or associated anomalies were excluded. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint consist of left atrioventricular dysfunction or left atrioventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). A total of 74 patients underwent MSP repair and 102 patients underwent TP repair. After 1:1 propensity matching, there were 46 Rastelli type A CAVSD patients in each group. Patients in MSP group had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time [median (interquartile range) 73.5 (65.5-95.0) versus 105.0 (88.8-130.0) min, P < 0.001] and aortic cross-clamp time [105.5 (90.0-128.0) versus 143.0 (122.0-184.0) min, P < 0.001]. In total, the primary endpoint occurred in 12 patients, including 2/46 (4.3%) in MSP group and 10/46 (21.7%) in TP group. That 1-year, 3-year, 5-year survival rate can be calculated as 95.6%, 95.6%, 95.6% in MSP group and 92.6%, 80.4%, 78.2% in TP group, P = 0.015. No significant statistical difference found for the secondary endpoints that 7/46 (15.2%) patients occurred moderate or severe LAVVR in MSP group versus 11/46 (23.9%) patients in TP group, P = 0.293. No LVOTO occurred in both groups. Besides the simplicity of technique, MSP technique may be safer.

Modified Single-Patch versus Two-Patch Repair for Atrioventricular Septal Defect: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

We performed a meta-analysis of studies to determine whether the modified single-patch technique offers benefits when compared to the two-patch repair. The postoperative outcomes examined in this study were cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross-clamp time, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit length of stay, total hospital length of stay, need for reoperation, need for reoperation for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or left atrioventricular valve regurgitation, need for pacemaker implantation, and mortality during follow-up.

METHODS

A review was conducted to identify studies comparing a modified single-patch repair versus two-patch repair. A fixed-effects model was utilized for end points with low heterogeneity and a random-effects model for end points with significant heterogeneity. Meta-regression was also performed to determine the influence of other factors on the variables of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 964 unique manuscripts were screened, with 10 being included in the final analyses. There were a total of 724 patients, with 353 (49%) having undergone repair utilizing a modified single-patch repair. Mean age at repair for modified single-patch repair and two-patch repair was 8.81 and 9.03 months, respectively. Significant differences were noted in cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamp time with mean difference of -28.53 and -22.69 minutes, respectively. In comparison to the two-patch repair, both times were decreased in modified single-patch repair. No significant difference was noted in any other variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified single-patch repair for atrioventricular septal defects requires less cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time but does not significantly impact the examined postoperative outcomes.

Pulmonary artery banding in complete atrioventricular septal defect

OBJECTIVES

To analyze outcomes after pulmonary artery banding (PAB) in complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), with a focus on surgical pathway outcome and timing, survival, and atrioventricular valve function.

METHODS

PAB was performed in 50 of 474 infants (11%) from 28 institutions between 2012 and 2018 at a median age of 1.1 months. The median duration of follow-up was 2.1 years. Atrioventricular valve function was assessed by review of pre-PAB and predischarge echocardiograms (median, 9 days postoperatively). Competing-risks methodology was used to analyze the risks for biventricular repair, univentricular repair, and death.

RESULTS

At 2 years, the proportions of patients who underwent biventricular repair, univentricular repair, and death were 68%, 13%, and 12%, respectively, with 8% awaiting definitive repair. After PAB, atrioventricular valve regurgitation decreased in 14 infants and increased in 10, but the distribution of regurgitation severity did not change significantly in the total cohort or subgroups. The intended management plan at PAB was deferred biventricular/univentricular decision (23 infants), 2-stage biventricular repair (24 infants), and univentricular repair (3 infants). Among the 24 infants intended for biventricular repair, 23 achieved biventricular repair and 1 died before repair. Survival at 4 years after biventricular repair among patients with previous PAB (93%) was similar to the 4-year survival of the patients who underwent primary biventricular repair (91%; n = 333).

CONCLUSIONS

PAB is a successful strategy in complete AVSD to bridge to biventricular repair and has similar post-biventricular repair survival to primary biventricular repair. Changes in atrioventricular valve regurgitation after PAB were variable.

Preoperative Clinical and Echocardiographic Factors Associated with Surgical Timing and Outcomes in Primary Repair of Common Atrioventricular Canal Defect

In complete atrioventricular canal defect (CAVC), there are limited data on preoperative clinical and echocardiographic predictors of operative timing and postoperative outcomes. A retrospective, single-center analysis of all patients who underwent primary biventricular repair of CAVC between 2006 and 2015 was performed. Associated cardiac anomalies (tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle) and arch operation were excluded. Echocardiographic findings on first postnatal echocardiogram were correlated with surgical timing and postoperative outcomes using bivariate descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. 153 subjects (40% male, 84% Down syndrome) underwent primary CAVC repair at a median age of 3.3 (IQR 2.5-4.2) months. Median postoperative length of stay (LOS) was 7 (IQR 5-15) days. Eight patients (5%) died postoperatively and 24 (16%) required reoperation within 1 year. On multivariable analysis, small aortic isthmus (z score < - 2) was associated with early primary repair at < 3 months (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.283-5.91) and need for early reoperation (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.27-11.34). Preoperative ventricular dysfunction was associated with higher postoperative mortality (OR 7.71, 95% CI 1.76-33.69). Other factors associated with mortality and longer postoperative LOS were prematurity (OR 5.30, 95% CI 1.24-22.47 and OR 5.50, 95% CI 2.07-14.59, respectively) and lower weight at surgery (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.75 and OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.85, respectively). Notably, preoperative atrioventricular valve regurgitation and Down syndrome were not associated with surgical timing, postoperative outcomes or reoperation, and there were no echocardiographic characteristics associated with late reoperation beyond 1 year after repair. Key preoperative echocardiographic parameters helped predict operative timing and postoperative outcomes in infants undergoing primary CAVC repair. Aortic isthmus z score < - 2  was associated with early surgical repair and need for reoperation, while preoperative ventricular dysfunction was associated with increased mortality. These echocardiographic findings may help risk-stratified patients undergoing CAVC repair and improve preoperative counseling and surgical planning.

Dysrhythmias in patients with a complete atrioventricular septal defect: From surgery to early adulthood

Objective

Outcomes after surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (cAVSD) have improved. With advancing age, the risk of development of dysrhythmias may increase. The aims of this study were to (1) examine development of sinus node dysfunction (SND), atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and (2) study progression of atrioventricular conduction abnormalities in young adult patients with repaired cAVSD.

Study design

In this retrospective multicenter study, 74 patients (68% female) with a cAVSD repaired in childhood were included. Patients’ medical files were evaluated for occurrence of SND, atrioventricular conduction block (AVB), atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Results

Median age at repair was 6 months (interquartile range 3‐10) and median age at last follow‐up was 24 years (interquartile range 21‐28). SND occurred after a median of 17 years (interquartile range 11‐19) after repair in 23% of patients, requiring pacemaker implantation in two patients (12%). Regular supraventricular tachycardia was observed in three patients (4%). Atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias were not observed. Twenty‐seven patients (36%) had first‐degree AVB, which was self‐limiting in 16 (59%) and persistent in 10 (37%) patients. One patient developed third‐degree AVB 7 days after left atrioventricular valve replacement. Spontaneous type II second‐degree AVB occurred in a 28‐year‐old patient. Both patients underwent pacemaker implantation.

Conclusions

Clinically significant dysrhythmias were uncommon in young adult patients after cAVSD repair. However, three patients required pacemaker implantation for either progression of SND or spontaneous type II second‐degree AVB. Longer follow‐up should point out whether dysrhythmias will progress or become more prevalent with increasing age.

Contemporary Outcomes After Repair of Isolated and Complex Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect

BACKGROUND

Contemporary outcomes of complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) repair, particularly for defects with associated abnormalities, is unclear. The goal of this study is to report an all-inclusive experience of CAVSD repair using a consistent surgical approach.

METHODS

All patients undergoing CAVSD repair between 1995 and 2016 at our institution were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: isolated and complex (tetralogy of Fallot, aortic arch repair, double outlet right ventricle, and total anomalous pulmonary venous return). Survival and reoperation were analyzed using log-rank test and Gray's test, respectively. Multivariable analysis was performed with Cox regression.

RESULTS

Overall, 406 patients underwent repair: 350 (86%) isolated and 56 (14%) complex CAVSD (tetralogy of Fallot: 34, double outlet right ventricle: 7, aortic arch repair: 12, total anomalous pulmonary venous return: 3). Median age at repair was 5 months (range, 10 days to 16 years); 339 (84%) had trisomy 21. A 2-patch repair was used in 395 (97%) and the zone of apposition was completely closed in 305 (75%). Perioperative mortality was 2% and 4% in the isolated and complex groups, respectively. Perioperative mortality since 2006 was 0.9%. Median follow-up was 7 years. Overall 10-year survival and incidence of any reoperation were 92% and 11%, respectively. Complex anatomy was not a risk factor for mortality (p = 0.35), but it was for reoperation (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.6; p < 0.01). Risk factors for left atrioventricular valve reoperation were a second bypass run (HR: 2.7) and preoperative moderate or worse regurgitation (HR: 2.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality after CAVSD repair is low, yet reoperation remains a significant problem. Repair of complex CAVSD can be performed with similar mortality rates.

Maternal Congenital Heart Disease in Pregnancy

Congenital heart disease comprises most maternal cardiac diseases in pregnancy and is an important cause of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pregnancy is often considered a high-risk state for individuals with structural heart disease as a consequence of a limited ability to adapt to the major hemodynamic changes associated with pregnancy. Preconception counseling and evaluation are of utmost importance, as pregnancy is contraindicated in certain cardiac conditions. Pregnancy can be safely accomplished in most individuals with careful risk assessment before conception and multidisciplinary care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

A review of the Nunn modified single patch technique for atrioventricular septal defect repair

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a common congenital cardiac surgical problem. Over the years, younger and smaller infants are having operations for this condition before irreversible cardio pulmonary changes occur. Traditionally a single or two patch techniques have been used to repair this defect. However, in the past two decades an innovative method of modified single patch technique popularized by Dr. Graham Nunn has gained worldwide popularity. This review discusses the origin, surgical principles, technique and outcomes of this method, popularly known as Nunn or Australian technique. Research comparing the modified single patch technique to classic single and double patch techniques has shown good preservation of atrioventricular valve function, no residual ventricular septal defect (VSDs), low incidence of left ventricular outflow obstruction, preserved conduction, easy reproducibility, and improved perioperative and long-term mortality.

Technical Performance Score: Predictor of Outcomes in Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect Repair

BACKGROUND

Technical performance score (TPS) has been associated with both early and late outcomes across a wide range of congenital cardiac procedures. We sought to validate TPS as predictor of outcomes for complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) repair.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective review of patients after balanced CAVSD repair between January 1, 2000, and March 1, 2016. We assigned TPS (class 1, no residua; class 2, minor residua; class 3, major residua or reintervention before discharge for residua) based on summation of subcomponent scores from discharge echocardiograms. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital complications, postoperative days on ventilator, and postdischarge reintervention.

RESULTS

Among 350 patients, median age was 3.2 months (interquartile range [IQR], 2.4 to 4.2 months). Fifty-four patients (16%) had class 1 TPS, 218 (62%) class 2, 63 (18%) class 3, and 15 (4%) were unscorable. There were 36 complications (10%), and median postoperative days on ventilator were 2 (IQR, 1 to 3) days. There were 34 postdischarge reinterventions (10%). Median follow-up was 2.6 years (IQR, 0.09 to 7.9) years. On multivariable modeling, class 3 TPS was associated with complications (odds ratio 5.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 to 28.1, p = 0.04), prolonged postoperative ventilator days (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.80, p = 0.002), and postdischarge reintervention (HR 5.61, 95% CI: 1.28 to 24.5, p = 0.02) after adjusting for covariates such as age, weight, genetic abnormality, concomitant procedure, prematurity, and second bypass run.

CONCLUSIONS

At our center, CAVSD repair was associated with low morbidity. TPS may identify patients with complications, prolonged days on ventilator, and who require postdischarge reinterventions; thus, it provides feedback on areas of improvement and allows identification of patients who warrant closer follow-up.

Factors associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect

Introduction

Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation is the most concerning residual lesion after surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defects.

Objective

To determine factors associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect.

Methods

We assessed the results of 53 consecutive patients 3 years-old and younger presenting with complete atrioventricular septal defect that were operated on at our practice between 2002 and 2010. The following variables were considered: age, weight, absence of Down syndrome, grade of preoperative atrioventricular valve regurgitation, abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve and the use of annuloplasty. Median age was 6.7 months; median weight was 5.3 Kg; 86.8% had Down syndrome. At the time of preoperative evaluation, there were 26 cases with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (49.1%). Abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve were found in 11.3%; annuloplasty was performed in 34% of the patients.

Results

At the time of postoperative evaluation, there were 21 cases with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (39.6%). After performing a multivariate analysis, the only significant factor associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation was the absence of Down syndrome (P=0.03).

Conclusion

Absence of Down syndrome was associated with moderate or severe postoperative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation after surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect at our practice.

Factors associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect

Introduction

Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation is the most concerning residual lesion after surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defect.

Objective

To determine factors associated with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of surgical repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect.

Methods

We assessed the results of 51 consecutive patients 14 years-old and younger presenting with incomplete atrioventricular septal defect that were operated on at our practice between 2002 and 2010. The following variables were considered: age, weight, absence of Down syndrome, grade of preoperative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation, abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve and the use of annuloplasty. The median age was 4.1 years; the median weight was 13.4 Kg; 37.2% had Down syndrome. At the time of preoperative evaluation, there were 23 cases with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (45.1%). Abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve were found in 17.6%; annuloplasty was performed in 21.6%.

Results

At the time of postoperative evaluation, there were 12 cases with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (23.5%). The variation between pre- and postoperative grades of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation of patients with atrioventricular valve malformation did not reach significance (P=0.26), unlike patients without such abnormalities (P=0.016). During univariate analysis, only absence of Down syndrome was statistically significant (P=0.02). However, after a multivariate analysis, none of the factors reached significance.

Conclusion

None of the factors studied was determinant of a moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within the first 30 days of repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect in the sample. Patients without abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve benefit more of the operation.

Modified single patch: are we still worried about subaortic stenosis?

BACKGROUND

When the modified single-patch technique for atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair was introduced by Dr Benson Wilcox, there was concern that these patients might be at risk for late subaortic stenosis and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). This review evaluated our modified single-patch population for LVOTO in the postoperative period.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and 2013, 77 infants underwent AVSD repair with a modified single-patch technique. Median age was 4.2 months, and median weight was 5 kg. Eight patients had a prior repair of coarctation of the aorta via left thoracotomy in the newborn period.

RESULTS

The median hospital stay was 10 days. No patient required a pacemaker. The mean and median follow-up times were 4.6 and 3.7 years, respectively. Only 2 patients (2.5%) required reoperation for LVOTO; both had prior repair of coarctation of the aorta (2 of 8 vs 0 of 69, p = 0.01). A discrete fibrous subaortic membrane developed in the first patient that required resection at 3 and 7 years after repair. The other patient had LVOTO from accessory chordae of the left atrioventricular valve and required mitral valve replacement 5 months after repair. One early death occurred at 4 months postoperatively due to liver failure related to hyperalimentation.

CONCLUSIONS

At intermediate term follow-up, LVOTO does not appear to be a significant postoperative issue after modified single-patch repair of AVSD. Coarctation of the aorta was the most significant predictor of late LVOTO after repair of AVSD with the modified single-patch technique.

Contemporary outcomes of complete atrioventricular septal defect repair: analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database

OBJECTIVE

Contemporary outcomes data for complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) repair are limited. We sought to describe early outcomes of CAVSD repair across a large multicenter cohort, and explore potential associations with patient characteristics, including age, weight, and genetic syndromes.

METHODS

Patients in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database having repair of CAVSD (2008-2011) were included. Preoperative, operative, and outcomes data were described. Univariate associations between patient factors and outcomes were described.

RESULTS

Of 2399 patients (101 centers), 78.4% had Down syndrome. Median age at surgery was 4.6 months (interquartile range, 3.5-6.1 months), with 11.8% (n = 284) aged ≤ 2.5 months. Median weight at surgery was 5.0 kg (interquartile range, 4.3-5.8 kg) with 6.3% (n = 151) < 3.5 kg. Pulmonary artery band removal at CAVSD repair was performed in 122 patients (4.6%). Major complications occurred in 9.8%, including permanent pacemaker implantation in 2.7%. Median postoperative length of stay (PLOS) was 8 days (interquartile range, 5-14 days). Overall hospital mortality was 3.0%. Weight < 3.5 kg and age ≤ 2.5 months were associated with higher mortality, longer PLOS, and increased frequency of major complications. Patients with Down syndrome had lower rates of mortality and morbidities than other patients; PLOS was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In a contemporary multicenter cohort, most patients with CAVSD have repair early in the first year of life. Prior pulmonary artery band is rare. Hospital mortality is generally low, although patients at extremes of low weight and younger age have worse outcomes. Mortality and major complication rates are lower in patients with Down syndrome.

Modified single-patch compared with two-patch repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND

We compared the outcomes of modified single-patch and two-patch surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) on left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter and on left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) coaptation.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively postoperative 2-dimensional echocardiograms of all CAVSD patients who underwent modified single-patch or two-patch repair between 2005 and 2011. We measured the leaflet coaptation length of the LAVV in the apical four-chamber view. The LVOT was measured in the long axis view.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients underwent CAVSD repair at a median age of 4 months (range, 1 to 9 months) (single-patch, n=29; two-patch, n=22). The images from 46 echocardiograms were adequate for analysis. Modified single-patch repair required significantly shorter bypass time (102.0±33.6 vs 152.9±39.5 minutes, p<0.001) and ischemic time (69.0±21.7 vs 106.9±29.7 minutes, p<0.001) than did two-patch repair. The indexed coaptation length of the septal and lateral leaflets was not different between single-patch and two-patch (3.1±2.3 vs 4.1±3.1 mm/m2, p=0.25; 2.3±2.3 vs 3.3±3.0 mm/m2, p=0.21). Indexed LVOT diameter was not different in the two groups (26.1±5.2 vs 28.5±7.1 mm/m2, p=0.22). There was no hospital or late death during the median follow-up time of 35 months (range, 1 to 69 months). Five patients underwent reoperation after single-patch repair (3 with residual ventricular septal defect [VSD] and LAVV regurgitation, 1 with residual VSD, 1 with pacemaker implantation). After the two-patch repair, 1 patient required reoperation for a residual VSD and right atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p=0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

The modified single-patch repair was performed with significantly shorter bypass time and myocardial ischemic time. The postoperative LVOT diameter and LAVV leaflet coaptation length were not significantly different between techniques.

Outcomes of repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect in the current era

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the surgical outcomes of the repair of complete atrioventricular septal defects (cAVSDs) in our institution in the current era.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2011, 138 patients underwent definitive repair of cAVSD. Repair was performed using a two-patch technique in 92.0% of patients and one-patch technique in 2.2%, and the ventricular septal component was closed directly in 5.8% of patients.

RESULTS

Operative mortality was 1.4% (2 of 138). Overall mortality was 5.8% (8 of 138). Follow-up was 96% complete. Freedom from reoperation was 84.3% (95% CI 77.1-91.5%) at 8 years. Age >6 months at repair was associated with higher rates of reoperation (P = 0.001; HR 6.85; 95% CI 2.30-20.44). However, operating at <6 months of age was associated with longer intensive care unit stay (P = 0.019; median 2.7 vs 1.4 days), mechanical ventilation (P = 0.001; median 1.7 vs 0.9 days) and postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.016; median 8 vs 5 days). Moderate or greater left atrioventricular valvular regurgitation (LAVVR) at discharge was a risk factor for reoperation (P < 0.001; HR 10.85; 95% CI 3.75-31.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of cAVSD carries low mortality, but a moderate reoperation rate. An optimal time for repair of the cAVSD is between 3 and 6 months of age. Repair prior to 3 months of age and the need for cleft closure were associated with a higher degree of LAVVR at discharge. Greater LAVVR at discharge is a risk factor for reoperation regardless of age at initial repair. In the current era, Down's syndrome is not a risk factor for reoperation.

Unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect: definition and decision making

Unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect is an uncommon lesion with widely varying anatomic manifestations. When unbalance is severe, diagnosis and treatment is straightforward, directed toward single-ventricle palliation. Milder forms, however, pose a challenge to current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The transition from anatomies that are capable of sustaining biventricular physiology to those that cannot is obscure, resulting in uneven application of surgical strategy and excess mortality. Imprecise assessments of ventricular competence have dominated clinical decision making in this regard. Malalignment of the atrioventricular junction and its attendant derangement of inflow physiology is a critical factor in determining the feasibility of biventricular repair in the setting of unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect. The atrioventricular valve index accurately identifies unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect and also brings into focus a zone of transition from anatomies that can support a biventricular end state and those that cannot.

Unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect: defining the limits of biventricular repair

Unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect (uAVSD) is a challenging lesion with suboptimal outcomes in the current era. Severe forms of uAVSD mandate univentricular repair with well-documented outcomes. Determining the feasibility of biventricular repair (BVR) in patients with moderate forms of uAVSD is difficult. Ventricular hypoplasia has traditionally formed the cornerstone of defining uAVSD. However, malalignment of the atrioventricular junction and related derangements of the anatomy and physiology of the atrioventricular inflow play a central role in establishing and sustaining a biventricular end state. Atrioventricular valve index, left ventricular inflow index, and right ventricle/left ventricle inflow angle are important recently described measures of inflow physiology. Additional patient anatomic and physiologic factors that impact BVR feasibility undoubtedly exist. A recently launched Congenital Heart Surgeons Society prospective inception cohort study will address these and other issues that impair our ability to predict BVR feasibility in uAVSD.

Successful replacement of common atrioventricular valve with a single mechanical prosthetic valve in an infant with repaired complete atrioventricular septal defect and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis

A 4-month-old infant with trisomy 21 and repaired complete atrioventricular septal defect developed endocarditis with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the early postoperative period. We report the successful replacement of the common atrioventricular valve with a single St. Jude mechanical prosthetic valve, along with an intraluminal pulmonary artery banding to restrict pulmonary flow.

Echocardiographic definition and surgical decision-making in unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect: a Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society multiinstitutional study

BACKGROUND

Although identification of unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is obvious when extreme, exact criteria to define the limits of unbalanced are not available. We sought to validate an atrioventricular valve index (AVVI) (left atrioventricular valve area/total atrioventricular valve area, centimeters squared) as a discriminator of balanced and unbalanced forms of complete AVSD and to characterize the association of AVVI with surgical strategies and outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Diagnostic echocardiograms and hospital records of 356 infants with complete AVSD at 4 Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society (CHSS) institutions (2000-2006) were reviewed and AVVI measured (n=315). Patients were classified as unbalanced if AVVI≤0.4 (right dominant) or ≥0.6 (left dominant). Surgical strategy and outcomes were examined across the range of AVVI. Competing risks analysis until the time of commitment to a surgical strategy examined 4 end states: biventricular repair (BVR), univentricular repair (UVR), pulmonary artery banding (PAB), and death before surgery. A prediction nomogram for surgical strategy based on AVVI was developed. The majority of patients had balanced AVSD (0.4<AVVI<0.6) and underwent BVR. Patients with AVVI<0.19 uniformly underwent UVR. Heterogeneous repair strategies were found when 0.19≤AVVI≤0.39 (UVR and BVR), with a disproportionate number of deaths in this range. AVVI≥0.6 (left dominant) was less common. The proportion of subjects predicted for the end states at 12 months after diagnosis are: BVR, 86%; UVR, 7%; PAB, 1%; death without surgery, 1%; alive without surgery, 5%.

CONCLUSIONS

AVVI effectively characterizes the transition between balanced and unbalanced AVSD with important correlation to anatomic substrate and selected surgical strategy.

Management of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect With Aortic Arch Obstruction

Patients with complete atrioventricular canal defect and aortic arch obstruction represent a particular challenge for management. The incidence is rare, so surgical experience is limited. A reasonable treatment option for newborns and young infants with competent atrioventricular valves is the staged approach, with the arch obstruction repaired first, followed at an appropriate interval by repair of the complete atrioventricular canal defect. If there is a significant degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation, the primary single-stage correction of both aortic arch obstruction and the intracardiac malformation should be undertaken, irrespective of age. It remains to be seen whether this surgical strategy can be adopted for the entire spectrum of atrioventricular canal defect associated with arch obstruction.

Intensive Care and Perioperative Management of Patients With Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect

Operative repair of an atrioventricular septal defect is not without risk. The purpose of this review is to highlight various key topics in the perioperative treatment of patients with atrioventricular septal defects, including challenges related to Down syndrome, postoperative arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, hypothyroidism, postoperative residual and recurrent lesions, including systemic atrioventricular valvar regurgitation and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, sedation and analgesia, and vascular access.