Arterial Switch Operation: Operative Approach and Outcomes

Long-Term Outcomes After Arterial Switch Operation for dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries-30-Year Single-Center Experience

Background/Objectives: The arterial switch operation (ASO) has been performed in the neonatal period as an anatomical correction for d-transposition of the great arteries since the 1980s. As the population of adult congenital heart disease patients grows, it is essential for healthcare providers across various disciplines to comprehend the complexities of these patients. We report on outcomes up to the third decade after ASO. Methods: All patients who underwent ASO from May 1985 to December 2020 were included, and a retrospective chart review with follow-up until December 2021 was conducted. Additionally, vital status verification (90.3% complete) was performed through the national health insurance. Survival analysis and competing risk analysis were performed to determine outcomes in the third decade after ASO. Results: One-hundred-ninety-five patients (72.3% male; median age at surgery 6 days; median weight at surgery 3.4 kg) underwent ASO from May 1985 to December 2020. Patients with a prenatal diagnosis showed a lower rate of preoperative cardiac decompensation (p = 0.017). Early in-hospital mortality was 8.7%, and no early in-hospital deaths occurred in the study era from 2006 to 2020. Four late deaths occurred, and the Kaplan-Meier estimated survival of the 178 hospital survivors was 98.3% ± 1.2% at 10 years, 96.8% ± 1.9% at 20 years and 92.4% ± 4.7 at 30 years. The cumulative incidence of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) reoperation after ASO was 1.3% at 10 years, 3.4% at 20 years and 11.3% at 30 years. The cumulative incidence of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reoperation after ASO was 7.2% at 10 years and 17.5% at 20 and 30 years. Conclusions: Overall long-term survival of the hospital survivors is good. The reoperation rate on the LVOT is favorable. Percutaneous interventions, if feasible after the Lecompte maneuver, might pose an option to delay the more common reoperations on the RVOT, though further studies are needed to determine their long-term impact.

Rare coronary artery variants are associated with increased mortality and reinterventions following the arterial switch operation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of coronary anatomy on long-term outcomes of the arterial switch operation (ASO).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with transposition of the great arteries or Taussig-Bing anomaly who underwent ASO at our institution between 1992 and 2022. The primary endpoint was freedom from a composite of death, transplantation, and coronary reintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 632 patients (median age, 5.0 days; interquartile range [IQR], 4.0-7.0 days) underwent ASO. Coronary anatomy included the following categories: usual (n = 411; 65%), circumflex (Cx) from sinus 2 (n = 89; 14%), inverted (n = 55; 9%), single sinus (n = 46; 7%), and intramural (n = 31; 5%). Overall operative mortality was 3% (n = 16) and highest in patients with intramural cardiac anatomy (n = 3; 10%), although it dropped to 0% in this group in the most recent decade. The median duration of follow-up was 14.5 years (IQR, 6.0-20.3 years). Twenty-year freedom from the primary endpoint was 95 ± 1% for usual anatomy, 99 ± 1% for Cx from sinus 2, 90 ± 4% for inverted, 91 ± 4% for single sinus, and 80 ± 9% for intramural (P < .001). Intramurals had the highest 20-year incidence of coronary reintervention (11 ± 8%). Cox modeling identified intraoperative coronary revision (hazard ratio [HR], 20.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.4-53.9; P < .001), Taussig-Bing anomaly (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.2-10.9; P < .001), and an intramural coronary artery (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.0-8.2; P = .04) to be risk factors for the composite endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

Rare coronary artery variants-particularly intramural-are associated with increased mortality and coronary reinterventions after ASO. A low threshold for unroofing intramurals is likely associated with declining mortality and improved outcomes. Additional investigations are needed to determine the long-term fate of the coronary arteries after ASO.

Efficacy and Safety of Esmolol in Neonatal Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) for d-Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA)

OBJECTIVE

D-Transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) is the most common congenital heart disease requiring surgical correction within the neonatal period. Sinus tachycardia often persists postoperatively, potentially affecting cardiac function. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the short-acting beta-1-selective beta-blocker esmolol in controlling heart rate in neonatal cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on neonates undergoing surgery for d-TGA. The study cohort included 112 patients, divided into an esmolol intervention group (n = 57) and a control group (n = 55). Baseline characteristics, hemodynamic parameters and outcome measures were assessed.

RESULTS

In the esmolol group, median heart rate at ICU admission was significantly higher compared to the control group (155 vs. 147 bpm, p = 0.018). After a median time of 11 h, heart rate was lower among the esmolol patients (135 vs. 144 bpm, p < 0.001). There were no differences in other hemodynamic parameters between the two groups. Patients treated with esmolol required longer catecholamine support while no difference regarding survival, duration of invasive ventilation and ICU stay were noticed.

CONCLUSION

No relevant hemodynamic difference was seen between neonates treated with perioperative esmolol and the control group and outcome did not differ. This indicates non-inferiority of perioperative betablocker therapy in young age. Prospective and placebo-controlled assessment of perioperative esmolol therapy in neonates is needed.

Decreased clinical performance in TGA-ASO patients after RVOT interventions; a multicenter European collaboration

BACKGROUND

In patients with transposition of the great arteries and an arterial switch operation (TGA-ASO) right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction is a common complication requiring one or more RVOT interventions.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess cardiopulmonary exercise capacity and right ventricular function in patients stratified for type of RVOT intervention.

METHODS

TGA-ASO patients (≥16 years) were stratified by type of RVOT intervention. The following outcome parameters were included: predicted (%) peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid Lateral Annular Systolic Velocity (TV S'), right ventricle (RV)-arterial coupling (defined as TAPSE/RV systolic pressure ratio), and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP).

RESULTS

447 TGA patients with a mean age of 25.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 21-29) years were included. Patients without previous RVOT intervention (n = 338, 76%) had a significantly higher predicted peak VO2 (78.0 ± 17.4%) compared to patients with single approach catheter-based RVOT intervention (73.7 ± 12.7%), single approach surgical RVOT intervention (73.8 ± 28.1%), and patients with multiple approach RVOT intervention (66.2 ± 14.0%, p = 0.021). RV-arterial coupling was found to be significantly lower in patients with prior catheter-based and/or surgical RVOT intervention compared to patients without any RVOT intervention (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

TGA patients after a successful arterial switch repair have a decreased exercise capacity. A considerable amount of TGA patients with either catheter or surgical RVOT intervention perform significantly worse compared to patients without RVOT interventions.

Outcomes of neo-aortic valve and root surgery late after arterial switch operation

BACKGROUND

Neo-aortic root dilatation and valve regurgitation are emerging problems late after arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of neo-aortic root or valve reoperation after ASO.

METHODS

All patients with biventricular circulation who underwent an ASO between 1983 and 2015 were included at a single institution.

RESULTS

In our cohort of 782 late ASO survivors, the median duration of follow-up was 18.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 11.3-25.6 years). During follow-up, 47 patients (6.0%) underwent 60 reoperations on the neo-aortic valve/root. The first neo-aortic valve/root reoperation occurred at a median of 15.2 years (IQR, 7.8-18.4 years) after ASO. Operations included mechanical Bentall (31.9%; n = 15), aortic valve repair (25.5%; n = 12), mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) (21.3%; n = 10), valve-sparing root replacement (19.1%; n = 9), and the Ross procedure (2.1%; n = 1). There was 1 late death (2.1%). Multivariable predictors of neo-aortic valve/root reoperation were bicuspid valve (hazard ratio [HR], 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-10.7; P < .001), Taussig-Bing anomaly (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2-7.4; P < .02), previous pulmonary artery band (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.3; P < .01) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction before ASO (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0-5.8; P < .04). Freedom from neo-aortic valve or root reoperation was 98.0% (95% CI, 96.7%-98.8%) at 10 years, 93.3% (95% CI, 90.8%-95.2%) at 20 years, and 88.5% (95% CI, 84.1%-91.8%) at 30 years after ASO. Among the 47 patients who underwent neo-aortic reoperation, freedom from AVR was 82.3% (95% CI, 67.7%-90.7%) at 10 years, 58.0% (95% CI, 41.8%-71.2%) at 20 years, and 43.2% (95% CI, 27.0%-58.3%) at 25 years after ASO.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for neo-aortic valve or root reoperation surpasses 10% by 30 years post-ASO. Evolving understanding of the mechanisms of neo-aortic valve insufficiency and techniques of neo-aortic valve repair may decrease the need for AVR.

Prevalence of Branch Pulmonary Artery Reintervention Following the Arterial Switch Operation

BACKGROUND

The arterial switch operation (ASO) is the preferred surgical procedure used to correct dextro-transposition of the great arteries. A known complication of the ASO is branch pulmonary arteries (PAs) stenosis, which may require reintervention. Our goal is to determine the frequency of reintervention after the ASO and any factors associated with reintervention.

METHODS

This was a single center, retrospective study of infants who underwent the ASO from June 6, 2011 to February 21, 2021. The primary outcome was the prevalence of reintervention on the PAs following the ASO.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight infants were analyzed; 9 (13%) patients had 10 reinterventions. The mean age at time of the ASO was 6.52 ± 6.63 days; weight was 3.34 ± 0.57 kg. Those with a reintervention had a longer bypass time (P = .047). Mean age at reintervention was 0.80 ± 0.72 years; mean time from the ASO to reintervention was 0.799 ± 0.717 years. Six surgical procedures, two stent placements, and four balloon angioplasties were performed on a total of 13 branch PAs. There was no increased risk for reintervention on the right versus left PA. After reintervention, there was an improvement in the minimal PA diameter and echo gradient. There were no adverse events or mortality related to the reintervention. Mean follow-up was 6.17 ± 2.94 years.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of branch PA reintervention following the ASO in our cohort was 13%. There is an association between longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and reintervention. After reintervention, there was an increase in PA diameter and a decrease in echo gradient.

Outcomes of the Arterial Switch Operation in Patients With Dextrocardia

BACKGROUND

Patients with dextrocardia and d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) present a technical challenge when performing the arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to determine the long-term outcomes of this rare presentation.

METHODS

All patients who underwent the ASO with d-TGA and dextrocardia were identified from the hospital database.

RESULTS

There were four patients with dextrocardia (4 of 844, 0.5%) patients; two patients had situs solitus and two patients had situs inversus. Three patients had a ventricular septal defect. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was present in one patient and one patient had a hypoplastic arch with severe coarctation of aorta. Anomalous coronary anatomy occurred in two patients. There was one early mortality and the cause of death was sepsis. One patient required late reoperation for severe neo-pulmonary valve regurgitation at 23 years after the ASO. At last follow-up, all three surviving patients were in New York Heart Association Class I.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with d-TGA and dextrocardia who undergo the ASO are extremely rare and require challenging operative management.

A new predictor of the optimal pulmonary artery reconstruction method during the arterial switch operation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to more accurately predict the optimal pulmonary artery (PA) reconstruction procedure (Lecompte manoeuvre or original Jatene procedure) during the arterial switch operation, we focused on the horizontal sectioning (HS) angle between the left hilum PA and the great arteries using preoperative computed tomography imaging.

METHODS

We defined the HS angle α (β) as the angle between the tangential line from the posterior (anterior) wall of the left PA at the hilum to the left anterior (right posterior) surface of the main PA and the tangential line from the left surface of the ascending aorta to the left anterior (right posterior) surface of the main PA. We identified 14 consecutive patients diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries or transposition of the great artery-type double-outlet right ventricle who underwent preoperative computed tomography imaging. The original Jatene or Lecompte procedure was used for 9 (OJ group) and 5 (L group) patients. Relationships of the great arteries of the OJ and L groups were side by side in 8 and 2 patients, oblique in 1 and 1 patient and anteroposterior in 0 and 2 patients, respectively.

RESULTS

In the OJ group, β was greater than α in all patients. The median α/β value was 0.618. In group L, α was greater than β in all patients. The median α/β was 1.307. Left PA stenosis caused by stretching was not observed in the L group. Coronary obstruction was not identified in the OJ group. Left PA stenosis behind the neo-ascending aorta was observed in 1 patient in the OJ group and required reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

The HS angle may be a useful predictor of optimal intraoperative PA reconstruction during arterial switch operation, especially for side-by-side or oblique relationships.

Pericardial Effusions After the Arterial Switch Operation: A PHIS Database Review

Background: Pericardial effusion (PCE) is a significant complication after pediatric cardiac surgery. This study investigates PCE development after the arterial switch operation (ASO) and its short-term and longitudinal impacts. Methods: A retrospective review of the Pediatric Health Information System database. Patients with dextro-transposition of the great arteries who underwent ASO from January 1, 2004, to March 31, 2022, were identified. Patients with and without PCE were analyzed with descriptive, univariate, and multivariable regression statistics. Results: There were 4896 patients identified with 300 (6.1%) diagnosed with PCE. Thirty-five (11.7%) with PCE underwent pericardiocentesis. There were no differences in background demographics or concomitant procedures between those who developed PCE and those who did not. Patients who developed PCE more frequently had acute renal failure (N = 56 (18.7%) vs N = 603(13.1%), P = .006), pleural effusions (N = 46 (15.3%) vs N = 441 (9.6%), P = .001), mechanical circulatory support (N = 26 (8.7%) vs N = 199 (4.3%), P < .001), and had longer postoperative length of stay (15 [11-24.5] vs 13 [IQR: 9-20] days). After adjustment for additional factors, pleural effusions (OR = 1.7 [95% CI: 1.2-2.4]), and mechanical circulatory support (OR = 1.81 [95% CI: 1.15-2.85]) conferred higher odds of PCE. There were 2298 total readmissions, of which 46 (2%) had PCE, with no difference in median readmission rate for patients diagnosed with PCE at index hospitalization (median 0 [IQR: 0-1] vs 0 [IQR: 0-0], P = .208). Conclusions: PCE occurred after 6.1% of ASO and was associated with pleural effusions and mechanical circulatory support. PCE is associated with morbidity and prolonged length of stay; however, there was no association with in-hospital mortality or readmissions.

Comprehensive outcomes after primary arterial switch operation

OBJECTIVE

To report the long-term outcomes of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries.

METHODS

The data of 35 patients who underwent an arterial switch operation between April 2006 and May 2021 were retrospectively examined; five had double-outlet right ventricles, three had side-by-side transposition, and 27 had d-transposition. The punch-out technique was the basic method for coronary transplantation; however, if coronary artery kinking after additional peeling was a concern, the trap-door technique was used. In aortic reconstruction, the caliber difference between the neoascending aorta and the native pulmonary artery was fixed using the pulmonary artery flap. In pulmonary reconstruction, the pulmonary artery was bilaterally exposed over the second branch.

RESULTS

The median age at operation and follow-up duration were 10.0 (8.0-12.5) days and 72.9 (40.7-139.5) months, respectively. Thirty-four patients survived, and one was lost to follow-up ([coronary transplantation]: right coronary artery, punch-out = 31, trap-door = 2; left coronary artery, punch-out = 28, trap-door = 7; [aortic regurgitation]: no-slight = 27, mild = 6, moderate = 1; [pulmonary regurgitation]: no-slight = 22, mild = 11, moderate = 1). Slight coronary bending occurred in two patients; ischemia was not observed. Catheter stent placement was performed in one of three patients with stenosis at the pulmonary artery bifurcation. Catheter balloon dilation was performed in one patient with supravalvular pulmonary stenosis. There were no cases of coronary, aortic, or pulmonary artery reoperations. The 15-year cumulative reintervention avoidance rate was 91.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no deaths or reoperations during the long-term follow-up period, and arterial switch operation outcomes at our hospital were satisfactory.

Three-dimensional printing and virtual reconstruction in surgical planning of double-outlet right ventricle repair

Objectives

For more than a decade, 3-dimensional (3D) printing has been identified as an innovative tool for the surgical planning of double-outlet right ventricle (DORV). Nevertheless, lack of evidence concerning its benefits encourages us to identify valuable criteria for future prospective trials.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study involving 10 patients with DORV operated between 2015 and 2019 in our center. During a preoperative multidisciplinary heart team meeting, we harvested surgical decisions following a 3-increment step process: (1) multimodal imaging; (2) 3D virtual valvular reconstruction (3DVVR); and (3) 3D-printed heart model (3DPHM). The primary outcome was the proportion of predicted surgical strategy following each of the 3 steps, compared with the institutional retrospective surgical strategy. The secondary outcome was the change of surgical strategy through 3D modalities compared with multimodal imaging. The incremental benefit of the 3DVVR and 3DPHM over multimodal imaging was then assessed.

Results

The operative strategy was predicted in 5 cases after multimodal imaging, in 9 cases after 3DVVR, and the 10 cases after 3DPHM. Compared with multimodal imaging, 3DVVR modified the strategy for 4 cases. One case was correctly predicted only after 3DPHM inspection.

Conclusions

3DVVR and 3DPHM improved multimodal imaging in the surgical planning of patients with DORV. 3DVVR allowed a better appreciation of the relationships between great vessels, valves, and ventricular septal defects. 3DPHM offers a realistic preoperative view at patient scale and enhances the evaluation of outflow tract obstruction. Our retrospective study demonstrates benefits of preoperative 3D modalities and supports future prospective trials to assess their impact on postoperative outcomes.

Anatomical reconstruction of proximal coronary artery stenosis in children

OBJECTIVES

Timing and method of surgical reconstruction for non-sclerotic proximal coronary artery stenosis, occuring de-novo or post coronary artery transfer, are evolving. We have pursued a technique of anatomical reconstruction of ostial and short segment proximal coronary artery stenosis and atresia in children, using patch plasty or interposition vein graft. Herein, we discuss the medium- to long-term outcome.

METHODS

Nine consecutive children undergoing ten left main coronary artery reconstructions using autologous great saphenous vein patch (n = 4), autologous pericardium (n = 4), xenopericardium (n = 1) or great saphenous vein interposition graft (n = 1) were retrospectively analysed. Complementary wedge resection of the stenotic coronary ostium was performed in chronic cases.

RESULTS

The aetiology of coronary artery stenosis was post arterial switch operation (n = 6), Takayasu`s arteritis (n = 1), idiopathic left main coronary artery atresia (n = 1) and anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (n = 1). Median age and weight at operation were 0.15 (range 0.01-13.1) years and 4.4 (range 3 -13.1) kilograms, respectively. Survival was 100% at median follow-up of 12.6 (range 1-19.2) years. All patients showed normal left ventricular ejection fraction on transthoracic echocardiogram. In one patient, kinking of the proximal left circumflex artery resulted in non-significant obstruction. In all other cases, follow-up catheter angiography revealed unobstructed coronary arteries. Cardiac magnetic resonance tomography showed no significant perfusion deficit in any child.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical reconstruction of the proximal left coronary artery using autologous saphenous vein may allow optimal restoration of physiological coronary blood flow, keeping the option of future coronary bypass operation open.

Coronary Artery Augmentation with the Right Subclavian Artery for Single Coronary Artery Variants of Dextro Transposition of the Great Arteries Treated by an Arterial Switch Operation

Objective

Single coronary artery variants in dextro transposition of the great arteries increase the technical demands of performing coronary translocations during the arterial switch operation (ASO). Coronary augmentation using the right subclavian artery as an interposition graft is a viable option in certain cases. The aim of this study is to describe this operative technique and review outcomes.

Methods

Of 59 patients who underwent an ASO, from July 2015 to May 2021, 6 had single coronary variants in which the right subclavian artery was used as an interposition graft. Mean follow-up was 21.5 months.

Results

Patients mean age and weight at the time of surgery were 7.1 ± 3.8 days and 2.84 ± 0.76 kg, respectively. Four patients had the left anterior descending coronary artery and right coronary artery coming from the left sinus and the circumflex coronary artery coming from the right sinus. One patient had a single ostium arising from the left sinus and another patient had a single ostium coming from the right sinus. All patients are alive and free of cardiac symptoms at follow-up.

Conclusions

Single coronary artery variants in dextro transposition of the great arteries can pose technical challenges for coronary translocation during ASO. The augmentation of coronary buttons using a segment of the right subclavian artery is an option which should be considered in selective cases.

Alternative pulmonary artery reconstruction technique in the arterial switch operation

OBJECTIVES

Late complications of arterial switch operations (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries, such as neo-pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis and/or neoaortic regurgitation, have been reported. We developed an alternative reconstruction method called the longitudinal extension (LE) method to prevent PA bifurcation stenosis (PABS).

METHODS

We identified 48 patients diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries and performed ASO using the Lecompte manoeuvre for neo-PA reconstruction. In 9 consecutive patients (from 2014), the LE method was performed (LE). Before 2014, conventional techniques were performed in 39 patients (C). The median body weight and age in the LE and C groups were 3.0 and 3.1 kg and 12 and 26 days, respectively. In the LE group, 1 patient underwent bilateral PA banding before ASO. In C, PA banding and arch repair were performed in 1 patient each. Patients who received concomitant procedures were included.

RESULTS

The median follow-up in LE and C groups was 1.9 and 10.1 years, respectively. Early mortality/late death was not found in group LE and in 1 patient in group C. Only 1 case required ascending aorta sliding plasty in LE, and 8 patients needed PA augmentation for PABS in C. The median velocity of right/left PA was measured as 1.6/1.9 m/s in LE and 2.1/2.3 m/s in C, so it showed a lower value in LE.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent mid-term results were obtained with the LE method. It was considered a useful procedure in preventing PABS, which is a primary late complication of ASO. Further follow-up and investigations are needed.

Risk Factors for Reoperation After Arterial Switch Operation

OBJECTIVE

The timing and nature of and risk factors for reoperation after the arterial switch operation in the setting of d-transposition of the great arteries requires further elucidation.

METHODS

A total of 403 patients who underwent arterial switch operation from 1986 to 2017 were reviewed. Institutional preference was for pulmonary artery reconstruction using a pantaloon patch of fresh autologous pericardium. The targets for coronary artery reimplantation were identified by intermittent root distension. Multivariable analysis was used to identify risk factors for reoperation.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 8.6 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-16.9). Pulmonary arterioplasty was the most common reoperation (n = 11, 2.7%) at 3.3 years (IQR: 1.4-11.4) postoperatively. Subvalvar right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR) was required in nine (2.2%) patients at 2.5 years (IQR: 1.1-5.3) postoperatively. Aortic valve repair or replacement (AVR/r) was required in seven (1.7%) patients at 13.6 years (IQR: 10.0-15.8) postoperatively. Aortic root replacement (ARR) and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft/coronary patch arterioplasty were required in five (1.2%) patients each at 13.6 years (IQR: 11.0-15.3) and 11.3 years (IQR: 2.3-13.6) postoperatively, respectively. Taussig-Bing anomaly was a risk factor for any reoperation (P = .034). Risk factors for specific reoperations included ventricular septal defect for AVR/r (P = .038), Taussig-Bing anomaly for RVOTR (P = .004), and pulmonary artery banding for ARR (P = .028).

CONCLUSIONS

Pantaloon patch pulmonary artery reconstruction and intermittent neo-aortic root distension during coronary reimplantation have minimized respective outflow tract reoperations. Certain anatomic subsets carry different risks for late reoperation, and pulmonary artery and/or RVOT reinterventions tend to occur sooner than aortic reinterventions. Special attention to these higher risk subpopulations will be critical to optimizing lifelong outcomes.

Intermediate-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life after arterial switch operation beyond early neonatal period

OBJECTIVES

The study objective was to evaluate the cardiac, neurodevelopmental, psycho-social and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes of children who underwent an arterial switch operation (ASO).

METHODS

Children who underwent ASO were evaluated on follow-up at 3-5 years with cardiovascular, neurodevelopmental and HRQOL assessment using validated tools. Children with developmental delay, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, neuromotor and speech and language impairment were considered to have neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). The impact of socioeconomic status (Kuppuswamy classification), perioperative cardiac, nutritional and psycho-social factors on outcomes was analysed.

RESULTS

There were 61 (89.7%) survivors at a mean follow-up of 50.9 ± 7.6 months. The median age at surgery was 41 days (22-74.5). One-third of patients had growth restriction. Two children had residual cardiovascular lesions requiring intervention. The mean HRQOL score was >90 in all scales of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 3.0 Cardiac Module. Neurological abnormalities were seen in 19 patients (31.1%) of whom 17 (27.9%) patients had NDD and 12 had developmental delay. Speech and language impairment, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and neuromotor impairment were found in 16.4%, 3.3% and 6.7% patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis, increasing time to lactate normalization and low socioeconomic status were associated with developmental delay after ASO.

CONCLUSIONS

While intermediate-term cardiac outcomes and HRQOL after ASO were fairly satisfactory, NDD was identified in one-fourth of these children. Increasing time to lactate normalization after ASO and low socioeconomic status were associated with suboptimal intermediate neurodevelopment outcomes after ASO.

Assessment of ventricular flow dynamics by 4D-flow MRI in patients following surgical repair of d-transposition of the great arteries

Objectives

To use 4D-flow MRI to describe systemic and non-systemic ventricular flow organisation and energy loss in patients with repaired d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) and normal subjects.

Methods

Pathline tracking of ventricular volumes was performed using 4D-flow MRI data from a 1.5-T GE Discovery MR450 scanner. D-TGA patients following arterial switch (n = 17, mean age 14 ± 5 years) and atrial switch (n = 15, 35 ± 6 years) procedures were examined and compared with subjects with normal cardiac anatomy and ventricular function (n = 12, 12 ± 3 years). Pathlines were classified by their passage through the ventricles as direct flow, retained inflow, delayed ejection flow, and residual volume and visually and quantitatively assessed. Additionally, viscous energy losses (EL_v) were calculated.

Results

In normal subjects, the ventricular flow paths were well ordered following similar trajectories through the ventricles with very little mixing of flow components. The flow paths in all atrial and some arterial switch patients were more irregular with high mixing. Direct flow and delayed ejection flow were decreased in atrial switch patients’ systemic ventricles with a corresponding increase in residual volume compared with normal subjects (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001 respectively) and arterial switch patients (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001 respectively). In non-systemic ventricles, arterial switch patients had increased direct flow and decreased delayed ejection fractions compared to normal (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001 respectively) and atrial switch patients (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). Regions of high levels of mixing of ventricular flow components showed elevated EL_v.

Conclusions

4D-flow MRI pathline tracking reveals disordered ventricular flow patterns and associated EL_v in d-TGA patients.

Key Points

• 4D-flow MRI can be used to assess intraventricular flow dynamics in d-TGA patients.

• d-TGA arterial switch patients mostly show intraventricular flow dynamics representative of normal subjects, while atrial switch patients show increased flow disorder and different proportions of intraventricular flow volumes.

• Flow disruption and disorder increase viscous energy losses.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00330-021-07813-0.

Long-term outcomes of the arterial switch operation

OBJECTIVES

The arterial switch operation (ASO) has excellent early outcomes in the modern era. We sought to determine the long-term outcomes in patients who underwent an ASO at a single institution.

METHODS

Patients who underwent an ASO between 1983 and 2015 were identified from the hospital database and retrospectively reviewed using hospital records.

RESULTS

From 1983 to 2015, 844 patients with a biventricular circulation underwent an ASO. There were 28 (3.3%, 28/844) early deaths. Follow-up was available for 94% (729/774) of local patients after hospital discharge. Median follow-up was 15 years (interquartile range, 8-20 years). There were 187 (26%, 187/729) patients with more than 20 years of follow-up and 95 (13%, 95/729) patients with more than 25 years of follow-up. Overall survival was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94%-97%) at 10 and 25 years after the ASO. At 25 years after ASO, freedom from overall reintervention was 77% (95% CI, 73%-81%), freedom from reoperation on the neoaortic root or neoaortic valve was 92% (95% CI, 88%-95%), and freedom from coronary reoperation was 99% (95% CI, 98%-99.7%). Left ventricular (LV) systolic function was normal in 595 of 609 (98%) of patients who had LV function quantified at latest follow-up. Of the 95 patients with more than 25 years of follow-up after ASO, 6 (6.3%) had at least moderate neoaortic valve regurgitation (AR) and 8 (8.4%) had undergone replacement of the neoaortic valve.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, survivors of ASO have excellent late survival and normal LV systolic function into adult life. However, AR and reoperation on the neoaortic valve remains an issue for older patients.

Clinical Outcome of Patients with Transposition of the Great Arteries and Intramural Coronary Artery

To review the early and intermediate outcomes of patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and intramural coronary artery (IMCA) who underwent arterial switch operation (ASO) at our center. Among 450 patients with TGA who underwent an ASO between 2010 and 2018, 26 (5.8%) patients were identified with IMCA. The left coronary artery was intramural in 21 of 26 patients. We adopted coronary transfer using double coronary buttons with unroofed intramural course for all 26 patients. Early mortality for patients with IMCA was 3 of 26 (11.5%) compared with 10 of 424 (2.4%) for those without IMCA (p = 0.007). Six patients suffered major adverse events, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in 3 patients, delayed sternal closure in 6 patients. The follow-up was available for all 23 survivors, with the mean follow-up period of 73.5 ± 28.7 months. There was no late death and reinterventions, and all patients were asymptomatic at last follow-up. One patient exhibited moderate neopulmonary regurgitation, and 1 patient presented with distal stenosis of the right pulmonary artery. Coronary transfer using double coronary buttons with unroofed intramural course was a good option for patients with TGA and IMCA. With this technique, ASO could be performed with optimal early and intermediate outcomes.

Outcomes following aortic valve procedures in 201 complex congenital heart disease cases-results from the UK National Audit

OBJECTIVES

Some patients with complex congenital heart disease (cCHD) also require aortic valve (AoV) procedures. These cases are considered high risk but their outcome has not been well characterized. We aim to describe these scenarios in the current practice, and provide outcome data for counselling and decision-making.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study using the UK National Congenital Heart Disease Audit data on cCHD patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, balloon dilation (balloon aortic valvuloplasty) or surgical repair (surgical aortic valve repair) between 2000 and 2012. Coarsened exact matching was used to pair cCHD with patients undergoing AoV procedures for isolated valve disease.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients with a varied spectrum of cCHD undergoing 242 procedures were included, median age 9.4 years (1 day-65 years). Procedure types were: balloon aortic valvuloplasty (n = 31, 13%), surgical aortic valve repair (n = 57, 24%) and aortic valve replacement (n = 154, 63%). Mortality at 30 days was higher in neonates (21.8% vs 5.3%, P = 0.02). Survival at 10 years was 83.1%, freedom from aortic valve replacement 83.8% and freedom from balloon aortic valvuloplasty/surgical aortic valve repair 86.3%. Neonatal age (P < 0.001), single ventricle (P = 0.08), concomitant Fontan/Glenn (P = 0.002) or aortic arch procedures (0.02) were associated with higher mortality. cCHD patients had lower survival at 30 days (93% vs 100%, P = 0.003) and at 10 years (86.4% vs 96.1%, P = 0.005) compared to matched isolated AoV disease patients.

CONCLUSIONS

AoV procedures in cCHD can be performed with good results outside infancy, but with higher mortality than in isolated AoV disease. Neonates and patients with single ventricle defects, especially those undergoing concomitant Fontan/Glenn, have worse outcomes.

Technical Performance Score's Association With Arterial Switch Operation Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Outcomes after the arterial switch operation (ASO) for dextro-transposition of the great arteries have improved significantly since its inception in the 1980s. This study reviews contemporaneous outcomes and predictors for late reinterventions after ASO.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent ASO for dextro-transposition of the great arteries from 1997 to 2017. Technical performance score (TPS) class (class 1, trivial or no residua; class 2, minor residua; class 3, major residua or reintervention) was assigned at discharge based on echocardiographic evaluation of components of the ASO. Multivariable Cox regression identified patient- and procedure-specific factors associated with postdischarge reinterventions.

RESULTS

Among 598 patients, 410 (69%) underwent ASO and 188 (31%) underwent ASO with ventricular septal defect repair. Median age at surgery was 5 days (interquartile range, 3 to 7); median follow-up time was 8.2 years; 408 (68%) were male; 50 (8.3%) were premature; and 10 (1.7%) had noncardiac anomalies or syndromes. Survival to hospital discharge was 98% (n = 591). Among 349 patients with follow-up, freedom from unplanned reintervent2ion at 5 years was 99% for TPS class 1, compared with 84% for class 2 and 30% for class 3. On multivariable Cox regression, classes 2 and 3 had significantly higher hazard for reintervention (class 2 hazard ratio 10.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.5 to 44.2; P = .001; class 3 hazard ratio 58.2, 95% confidence interval, 13.1 to 259; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

At our center, ASO was associated with relatively low mortality. Class 2 and class 3 TPS were the most important independent predictors of reinterventions after discharge. Therefore, TPS can serve as a tool for identifying high-risk patients who warrant closer follow-up.

Late Period Rastelli Take-Down and Arterial Switch Operation After Rastelli Operation

The Rastelli operation is a useful technique for treating the transposition of the great arteries. However, conduit stenosis of the right ventricular outflow tract is a late complication of the procedure. We report the case of a 35-year-old man for whom an arterial switch operation was performed to treat conduit stenosis and improve ventricular arterial alignment 28 years after he underwent a Rastelli operation to treat transposition of the great arteries with a ventricular septal defect. In the 8 years that followed the operation, he was asymptomatic and was treated with warfarin.

Late Arterial Switch Surgery Under ECMO Support in a Patient with Transposition of the Great Arteries with Intact Ventricular Septum: a Case Report

A 30-month-old male patient with transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA/IVS) is presented. Arterial switch operation (ASO) was performed in the light of echocardiographic and angiographic findings. The patient remained under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for seven days postoperatively, and his cardiac functions returned to normal at the postoperative 10^th day. He was discharged at the postoperative 20^th day. The present case, which presents one of the most advanced ages at operation for TGA/IVS among previously reported cases, is used to discuss late ASO in this study.