Late outcome after arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries

The Arterial Switch Operation in the Developing World: Risk Factors and Current Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Published data on the outcomes of the arterial switch operation in the developing world are limited. We sought to identify the midterm outcomes of and risk factors for mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing the arterial switch operation at a high-volume center in Vietnam.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 608 patients who underwent an arterial switch operation for the treatment of transposition of the great arteries (TGA; n = 509) or double-outlet right ventricle TGA (DORV-TGA; n = 99) at a single center from 2010 to 2021.

RESULTS

Overall early mortality was 5.9%, and late mortality was 1%. Multivariate Cox regression showed weight at operation of <3 kg (P < .001), prolonged aortic cross-clamp time (P < .001), and need for secondary aortic cross-clamp (P = .011) as risk factors for overall mortality. The actuarial 10-year survival rate was 93%. The overall cardiac reoperation rate was significantly higher in patients with DORV-TGA (hazard ratio [HR], 16.43; 95% CI, 4.70-57.43; P < .001). The rate of freedom from cardiac reoperation at 10 years was 94%. Risk factors for outflow tract reoperation were patients with DORV-TGA (HR, 23.28; 95% CI, 2.86-189.66; P = .003), single coronary artery (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.16-14.46; P = .028), and mild aortic valve regurgitation observed in 3.7% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes of the arterial switch operation in a low- and middle-income country were satisfactory. Nevertheless, the complexity of the procedure and lower weight of patients are still challenges. Patients with DORV-TGA and single coronary artery need to be closely followed up.

Cardiac Catheterization Interventions in the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract and Branch Pulmonary Arteries Following the Arterial Switch Operation

The arterial switch operation for d-transposition of the great arteries achieves anatomic repair but creates the potential for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction as a result of the LeCompte maneuver. The resultant right ventricular hypertension is generally well tolerated but a select group are referred for cardiac catheterization. The outcomes of these catheterizations have not been well described. The objective of this study was to describe the degree and nature of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction found during cardiac catheterization among patients following the arterial switch operation as well as determine the rate of intervention and assess the acute impact of any catheter intervention undertaken. We conducted a retrospective study of patients after arterial switch operation with the LeCompte maneuver and subsequent right heart catheterization. Descriptive statistics were reported, and paired sample t tests were used for analysis. 544 children had an arterial switch operation, of which 110 children (20%) had a cardiac catheterization procedure after surgery and 11% had a right heart catheterization. Of the right heart catheterizations, 90% had an intervention (balloon and/or stent). In the interventional group, the right ventricle to systemic pressure ratio decreased modestly, from 2/3 to half systemic, after balloon dilation and/or stent placement (p < 0.01). No serious complications were observed.

Simultaneous Double Balloon Dilatation for Supravalvar Pulmonary Obstruction After Arterial Switch Operation

The optimal approach for supravalvar right ventricular outflow tract obstruction(RVOTO) after arterial switch operation(ASO) is unclear. The results of percutaneous balloon dilatation have been variable. We report the results of simultaneous double balloon dilation for RVOTO after ASO. Sixteen patients (1.3(0.7-3.8) years; 9.8(8.1-15.1) kgs underwent the procedure at 14(8-44.5) months after ASO. Salient technical features included placement of balloons over stiff guide-wires positioned in both branch pulmonary arteries to enable dilation of the distal-most main pulmonary artery (MPA) with high inflation pressures (~ 12-14 atmospheres) and short inflation-deflation cycles. Effective balloon size was based on the PA annulus or MPA distal to the narrowing. The final balloon: narrowest segment diameter ratio was 2.7. Following dilation, the right ventricle to systemic systolic pressure ratio decreased from 0.9 ± 0.18 to 0.52 ± 0.16 (p  < 0.001) and mean RVOT gradient from 78 ± 18 to 34 ± 13.9 mmHg (p < 0.001). Narrowest diameter improved from 5.4 ± 2.2 to 9.2 ± 2.2 mm. There were no major complications. Two patients with inadequate relief (final RV-systemic ratios: 1.03 and 0.7) were referred for surgery. At median follow up of 9 months, IQR 7-22, range 5-73, others are free of re interventions with median RVOT gradient of 42, IQR 27-49, range 21-55 mmHg. The immediate and short-term follow up results of double balloon dilatation for supravalvar RVOTO is encouraging and may avoid the need for repeat surgery in the majority of patients. Further follow up is needed to determine the long-term durability of the results.

30 years' experience with the arterial switch operation: risk of pulmonary stenosis and its impact on post-operative prognosis

Pulmonary stenosis is one of the most common complications in patients with transposition of the great arteries after the arterial switch operation. The reason for this is multifactorial and related to the anterior shift of the pulmonary trunk during the LeCompte manoeuvre, the complex suture line required to fill the gaps after harvesting the coronary arteries, and the need for patch implantation to maintain a tensionless anastomosis.We reviewed all patients with transposition of the great arteries operated on at our institute between 1991 and 2020 to establish the frequency of pulmonary stenosis during post-operative follow-up, reinterventions, and reoperations related to pulmonary stenosis and its potential risk factors.During the analysed period, we performed 848 arterial switch operations for simple and complex cases of transposition of the great arteries. The overall early mortality was 6.96%, and the late mortality was 2.53%. Among all study groups, 243 (28.66%) patients developed mild pulmonary stenosis, 43 patients (5.07%) developed moderate, and 45 patients (5.31%) developed severe pulmonary stenosis. During follow-up, 21 patients required interventions related to pulmonary stenosis. Pulmonary reconstruction with patches, aortic arch anomalies, and ventricular septal defects associated with transposition of the great arteries were significant risk factors. Nine patients required reoperation because of pulmonary artery stenosis with patch reconstruction of the pulmonary artery, aortic arch anomalies, and aortic cross-clamping time, increasing the risk of reoperation.Pulmonary stenosis in patients with transposition of the great arteries after the arterial switch operation is a common complication. If significant, it occurs early after surgery and is the most frequent reason for post-operative interventions and reoperations.

Imaging and surgical management of congenital heart diseases

Congenital heart disease affects approximately 1% of live births per year. In recent years, there has been a decrease in the morbidity and mortality of these cases due to advances in medical and surgical care. Imaging plays a key role in the management of these children, with chest radiography, echocardiography and chest ultrasound the first diagnostic tools, and cardiac computed tomography, catheterization and magnetic resonance imaging reserved to assess better the anatomy and physiology of the most complex cases. This article is a beginner's guide to the anatomy of the most frequent congenital heart diseases (atrial and ventricular septal defects, abnormal pulmonary venous connections, univentricular heart, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries and coarctation of the aorta), their surgical management, the most common postsurgical complications, deciding which imaging modality is needed, and when and how to image gently.

Aortic root rotational position associates with aortic valvar incompetence and aortic dilation after arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries

PURPOSE

Aortic dilation and valvar regurgitation can develop in transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after the arterial switch operation (ASO). Variation in aortic root rotational position affects flow dynamics in patients without congenital heart disease. The aim of this study was to assess neo-aortic root (neo-AoR) rotational position and its association with neo-AoR dilation, ascending aorta (AAo) dilation, and neo-aortic valvar regurgitation in TGA following ASO.

METHODS

Patients with TGA repaired by ASO who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were reviewed. Neo-AoR rotational angle, neo-AoR and AAo dimensions indexed (to height), indexed left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDVI), and neo-aortic valvar regurgitant fraction (RF) were obtained from CMR.

RESULTS

Among 36 patients, the median age at CMR was 17.1 years (12.3, 21.9). Neo-AoR rotational angle (range - 52 to + 78°) was clockwise ( ≥ + 15°) in 50%, counterclockwise (<-9°) in 25%, and central (-9 to + 14°) in 25% of patients. A quadratic term for neo-AoR rotational angle, indicating increasing extremes of counterclockwise and clockwise angles, was associated with neo-AoR dilation (R² = 0.132, p = 0.03), AAo dilation (R² = 0.160, p = 0.016), and LVEDVI (R² = 0.20, p = 0.007). These associations remained statistically significant on multivariable analyses. Rotational angle was negatively associated with neo-aortic valvar RF on univariable (p < 0.05) and multivariable analyses (p < 0.02). Rotational angle was associated with smaller bilateral branch pulmonary arteries (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In patients with TGA after ASO, neo-AoR rotational position likely affects valvar function and hemodynamics, leading to a risk of neo-AoR and AAo dilation, aortic valvar incompetence, increasing left ventricular size, and smaller branch pulmonary arteries.

Quantification of Pulmonary Artery Configuration after the Arterial Switch Operation: A Pilot Study

Background: The arterial switch operation (ASO) is the preferred treatment for d-transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Freedom from reintervention is mainly determined by the performance of the arterial outflow tracts, with variable incidence of pulmonary artery stenosis (PAS), possibly related to aspects of surgical technique. This pilot study attempts to describe pulmonary artery (PA) configuration through several measurements using three-dimensional data from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and assesses whether PA configuration is associated with PAS. Methods: A retrospective, single-centre analysis of paediatric patients undergoing CMR after ASO. The geometry of the pulmonary arteries was compared between patients with and without PAS as judged by the CMR report. Results: Among all patients (n = 612) after ASO, 45 patients underwent CMR at a median age of 10 years (3.5–13). Twenty-two (57.9%) had PAS, categorized as mild (n = 1), moderate (n = 19) or severe (n = 2). Eighteen had stenosis on PA branches. Four had MPA stenosis. Comparison between groups with and without PAS revealed no significant differences in neo-aortic to pulmonary angle, MPA to LPA/RPA angle, or bifurcation angle. There was a significant difference in cranial displacement, with more cranial displacement in the group without PAS. However, this group was older, 10.8 (7.3–14.3) years compared to those with PAS, 6.8 (1.5–12.1). Conclusions: The spectrum of PAS after ASO is heterogenous. This study shows the feasibility of measuring PA configuration in three planes on CMR. There is no correlation between PA configuration and PAS. Therefore, other mechanisms are probably responsible for the occurrence of PAS, rather than the configuration on itself. Further multicentric studies are warranted to confirm the suggested measuring method and assessing the associations with PAS, to eventually advise surgical methodology.

Impact of Coronary Artery Anatomy in Arterial Switch Operation: In-hospital and Post-discharge Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The influence of the coronary artery anatomy on the prognosis of patients receiving an arterial switch operation (ASO) is currently controversial, and the risk factors for this operation may change in more complicated patients. This study aimed to investigate the influence of coronary artery anomalies on the in-hospital and post-discharge outcomes of ASO in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and Taussig-Bing anomaly (TBA).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 206 patients who underwent ASO from January 2007 to December 2019. The median age at operation was 33 [interquartile range (IQR): 20-71] days. Median follow-up time was 7.2 years (IQR: 4.0-10.3 years).

RESULTS

Coronary anomalies were present in 86 patients (41.7%), with 9 (4.4%) of them having a single coronary artery. Additional coronary features included intramural courses in 5 (2.4%) patients, ostial stenosis in 1 (0.5%) patient, and accessory coronary artery orifices in 5 (2.4%) patients. There were 32 (15.5%) in-hospital deaths and 8 (4.6%) post-discharge deaths, yielding an overall survival of 81.3%, 80.7% and 79.9% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Mortality due to ASO has been drastically decreased since 2013. Patients with a single coronary artery had higher rate of in-hospital mortality, but this finding was not statistically significant. The earlier surgical era (OR: 2.756) and a longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR: 2.336) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality, while coronary patterns were not. An intramural coronary artery (HR: 10.034) and a patient age of older than 1 year at the time of ASO (HR: 9.706) were independent predictors of post-discharge mortality.

CONCLUSION

ASO remains the procedure of choice for TGA with coronary anomalies with acceptable in-hospital and post-discharge outcomes in terms of overall survival and freedom of reoperation. However, intramural coronary artery is an independent risk factor for post-discharge mortality. Timely surgery within the 1st year of life helps improve overall midterm survival of ASO.

Coronary Interventions in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease

Coronary artery lesions represent rare conditions in pediatric congenital heart disease and mainly include coronary artery stenoses (CAS) or coronary artery fistulae (CAF). Due to the small vessel size, pediatric percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are demanding and studies concerning long-term results are missing. In this retrospective study, we analyzed indications, procedural details, and post-procedural outcomes in pediatric patients who underwent PCI in our institution. For CAS treatment, procedural success was defined as efficient coronary revascularization with a significant improvement of coronary perfusion. CAF treatment was considered successful, when no residual shunt was detectable. From 1995 to 2020, 32 pediatric patients aged ≤ 18 years received interventional treatment for CAS (n = 24/32) or CAF (n = 8/32). Reasons for CAS were post-surgical (n = 15/24) or post-transplant (n = 9/24). Interventional treatment strategies included coronary angioplasty (20/43), stent placement (10/43), and a combination of both (13/43). In-hospital mortality occurred in 6/24 patients and late mortality in 5/24 patients leading to an overall 5-year survival of 62.5%. Early mortality mainly occurred due to post-ischemic myocardial failure. CAF occlusion was performed using coil embolization (n = 3), placement of vascular plugs (n = 3), a combination of both (n = 1), or a combination of coil embolization and a covered stent (n = 1). Treatment of coronary fistulae was successful in all patients with excellent post-procedural results and no follow-up death. PCI in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease can be performed safely and effectively. However, the overall 5-year survival probability of patients with CAS is reduced due to severe ischemic myocardial damage.

The Impact of Prematurity on Morbidity and Mortality in Newborns with Dextro-transposition of the Great Arteries

Prematurity is a risk factor for adverse outcomes after arterial switch operation in newborns with D-TGA (D-TGA). In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of prematurity on postnatal and perioperative clinical management, morbidity, and mortality during hospitalization in neonates with simple and complex D-TGA who received arterial switch operation (ASO). Monocentric retrospective analysis of 100 newborns with D-TGA. Thirteen infants (13.0%) were born premature. Preterm infants required significantly more frequent mechanical ventilation in the delivery room (69.2% vs. 34.5%, p = 0.030) and during the preoperative course (76.9% vs. 37.9%, p = 0.014). Need for inotropic support (30.8% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.035) and red blood cell transfusions (46.2% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.004) was likewise increased. Preoperative mortality (23.1% vs 0.0%, p = 0.002) was significantly increased in preterm infants, with necrotizing enterocolitis as cause of death in two of three infants. In contrast, mortality during and after surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass times were similar in both groups (median 275 vs. 263 min, p = 0.322). After ASO, arterial lactate (34.5 vs. 21.5 mg/dL, p = 0.007), duration of mechanical ventilation (median 175 vs. 106 h, p = 0.038), and venous thrombosis (40.0% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.004) were increased in preterm, as compared to term infants. Gestational age (adjusted unit odds ratio 0.383, 95% confidence interval 0.179-0.821, p = 0.014) was independently associated with mortality. Prematurity is associated with increased perioperative morbidity and increased preoperative mortality in D-TGA patients.

Acquired anomalies of the coronary arteries after arterial switch operation. Usefulness of coronary computed tomography angiography and impact on follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Mortality and morbidity in patients with transposition of the great arteries after an arterial switch operation depends mainly on the status of coronary perfusion. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) provides accurate information on coronary morphology, however its use in these patients is not yet routine procedure.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess its accuracy to identify acquired coronary anomalies in this population, compared to conventional angiography in a subset of patients, and assess its impact on postoperative management.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of clinical data on transposition of the great arteries in patients who underwent CCTA between January 2013 and September 2017.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and September 2017, 18 patients underwent CCTA. Seven patients (39%) disclosed iatrogenic coronary lesions (stenosis 1; kinking 2, occlusion 1; filiform coronary 3). The exam was performed in 78% of patients due to suggestion of myocardial ischemia (symptoms or altered exams). Only 16% needed to undergo additional exams, and in four patients the CCTA result modified therapeutic management. Conventional coronary angiography was also performed in 10 patients (55%), and in three cases, the results were discordant with underestimation or non-identification of coronary lesions on conventional angiography. The medium radiation dose used was 2.4 mSv and no complications after CT were reported.

CONCLUSION

CCTA accurately identified iatrogenic postoperative coronary lesions and it has proven to be superior to conventional angiography in this population. It should be performed routinely in this group of patients, even in the absence of symptoms.

Acquired anomalies of the coronary arteries after arterial switch operation. Usefulness of coronary computed tomography angiography and impact on follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Mortality and morbidity in patients with transposition of the great arteries after an arterial switch operation depends mainly on the status of coronary perfusion. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) provides accurate information on coronary morphology, however its use in these patients is not yet routine procedure.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess its accuracy to identify acquired coronary anomalies in this population, compared to conventional angiography in a subset of patients, and assess its impact on postoperative management.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of clinical data on transposition of the great arteries in patients who underwent CCTA between January 2013 and September 2017.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and September 2017, 18 patients underwent CCTA. Seven patients (39%) disclosed iatrogenic coronary lesions (stenosis 1; kinking 2, occlusion 1; filiform coronary 3). The exam was performed in 78% of patients due to suggestion of myocardial ischemia (symptoms or altered exams). Only 16% needed to undergo additional exams, and in four patients the CCTA result modified therapeutic management. Conventional coronary angiography was also performed in 10 patients (55%), and in three cases, the results were discordant with underestimation or non-identification of coronary lesions on conventional angiography. The medium radiation dose used was 2.4 mSv and no complications after CT were reported.

CONCLUSION

CCTA accurately identified iatrogenic postoperative coronary lesions and it has proven to be superior to conventional angiography in this population. It should be performed routinely in this group of patients, even in the absence of symptoms.

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.

Long-Term Survival and Freedom From Coronary Artery Reintervention After Arterial Switch Operation for Transposition of the Great Arteries: A Population-Based Nationwide Study

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term survival and freedom from coronary artery reintervention after the arterial switch operation (ASO). Methods and Results This single-center nationwide retrospective study included consecutive children who underwent ASO between 1990 and 2016 (n=605). Long-term outcomes were obtained by cross-mapping individual data with the National Death Registry and the National Registry of Cardiovascular Interventions for adults. A control group was randomly retrieved at a 1:10 ratio from the National Birth and Death Registries. Early mortality was 3.3% and late mortality was 1.7% during a median follow-up of 10 (interquartile range, 5-16) years. The probability of overall survival at 20 years after ASO was 94.9% compared with 99.5% in the background population (hazard ratio [HR] 15.6; 95% CI, 8.9-27.5, P<0.001). Independent multivariable predictors of worse survival were an intramural coronary artery (HR, 5.2; 95% CI, 1.8-15.2, P=0.002) and period of ASO 1990 to 1999 (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.5-13.6, P<0.001). Fourteen patients (2.3%) required 16 coronary artery reoperations. Freedom from coronary artery reintervention at 20 years after ASO was 96%. The only independent multivariable predictor associated with a higher hazard for coronary artery reintervention was an intramural coronary artery (HR, 33.9; 95% CI, 11.8-97.5, P<0.001). Conclusions Long-term survival after ASO is excellent. Coronary artery reinterventions are rare. An intramural coronary artery was an independent predictor associated with a higher risk for coronary artery reintervention and death, regardless of the surgical period.

Long-term outcome after the arterial switch operation: 43 years of experience

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess our 43-year experience with arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) by analysing cardiac outcome measures (hospital and late mortality, reoperations and catheter interventions, significant coronary artery obstruction) and to identify risk factors for reoperation and catheter interventions.

METHODS

A total of 490 patients who underwent ASO for TGA from 1977 to 2020 were included in this retrospective, single-centre study. Data on reoperation and catheter intervention of hospital survivors were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using a long-rank test. Risk factors for reoperation and/or catheter intervention were assessed by multivariate Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality occurred in 43 patients (8.8%), late death in 12 patients (2.9%) and 43 patients were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up time of 413 hospital survivors was 15.6 (interquartile range 7.0-22.4) years. Reoperations were performed in 83 patients (117 reoperations). Neoaortic valve regurgitation with root dilatation was the second most common indication for reoperation (15/83 patients, 18.1%) after right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (50/83 patients, 60.2%). Risk factors for any reoperation on multivariable analysis were: TGA morphological subtype [TGA with ventricular septal defect: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-3.36; P = 0.010 and Taussig-Bing: HR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.02-4.64; P = 0.045], aortic arch repair associated with ASO (HR = 3.03, 95% CI 1.62-5.69; P = 0.001) and a non-usual coronary artery anatomy (HR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.45-4.00; P = 0.001). One hundred and one catheter interventions were performed in 54 patients, usually for relief of supravalvular pulmonary stenosis (44/54 patients, 81.5%) or arch obstruction (10/54 patients, 18.5%). Main risk factor for catheter intervention on multivariable analysis was aortic arch repair associated with ASO (HR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.37-6.36; P = 0.006). Significant coronary artery stenosis was relatively uncommon (9/413 patients, 2.2%) but may be underrepresented.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients after ASO typically have good long-term clinical outcomes but reoperations and interventions remain necessary in some patients. Neoaortic valve regurgitation with root dilatation is the second most common indication for reoperation after right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and an increasing need for neoaortic valve and root redo surgery in future is to be expected.

Analysis of the 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) continues to rapidly increase worldwide. With an estimated 1.5 million adults with ACHD in the USA alone, there is a growing need for better education in the management of these complex patients and multiple knowledge gaps exist. This manuscript comprehensively reviewed the recent (2020) updated European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the management of ACHD created by the Task Force for the management of adult congenital heart disease of the European Society of Cardiology, with perioperative implications for the adult cardiac anesthesiologist and intensivist who may be called upon to manage these complex patients.

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.

Y-shaped Bifurcated Graft to Pulmonary Arteries After Arterial Switch Operation

Pulmonary artery stenosis is a frequent complication after arterial switch operation. This case study presented a complex pulmonary artery stenosis initially treated with bilateral pulmonary artery stenting. The patient was found to have aortic valve endocarditis and recurrent pulmonary artery stenosis. The aortic valve was replaced and the pulmonary valve was repaired, followed by interposition of a Y-shaped graft from the sinotubular junction to both pulmonary arteries. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged home asymptomatic after endocarditis antibacterial treatment.

Management considerations in the adult with surgically modified d-transposition of the great arteries

Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) has undergone a significant evolution in surgical repair, leading to survivors with vastly different postsurgical anatomy which in turn guides their long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Atrial switch repair survivors are limited by a right ventricle in the systemic position, arrhythmia and atrial baffles prone to obstruction or leak. Functional assessment of the systemic right ventricle is complex, requiring multimodality imaging to include specialised echocardiography and cross-sectional imaging (MRI and CT). In the current era, most neonates undergo the arterial switch operation with increasing understanding of near-term and long-term outcomes specific to their cardiac anatomy. Long-term observations of the Lecompte manoeuvre or coronary stenoses following transfer continue, with evolving understanding to improve surveillance. Ultimately, an understanding of postsurgical anatomy, specialised imaging techniques and interventional and electrophysiological procedures is essential to comprehensive care of D-TGA survivors.

3D/4D spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) fetal echocardiography provides incremental benefit over 2D fetal echocardiography in predicting postnatal surgical approach in double-outlet right ventricle

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the incremental benefit of 3D/4D spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) fetal echocardiography over 2D fetal echocardiography with respect to the accuracy of identification of anatomic details crucial for surgical decision-making and in predicting surgical approach in fetuses with double-outlet right ventricle (DORV).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of fetuses with DORV which had undergone both 2D echocardiography and 3D/4D STIC echocardiography and which underwent surgery postnatally in a tertiary pediatric cardiac center in Kerala between October 2015 and March 2019. All such cases with normal atrial arrangement, concordant atrioventricular connections and balanced ventricles were included. 2D and 3D/4D STIC fetal echocardiographic data were analyzed by two experienced observers blinded to the other dataset. Anatomic variables crucial for surgical decision-making, i.e. location and routability of the ventricular septal defect, relationship of the great arteries and presence of outflow obstruction, were compared between the two modalities with respect to agreement with postnatal echocardiography. The accuracy of prenatal prediction of the surgical pathway was compared between 2D and 3D/4D modalities with respect to the procedure undertaken.

RESULTS

Included in the study were 22 fetuses with DORV which had undergone both 2D and 3D/4D imaging as well as postnatal surgery. Accuracy of prenatal interpretation of all four anatomic variables was significantly higher using 3D/4D STIC than using 2D fetal echocardiography (19/22 (86.4%) vs 8/22 (36.4%), P < 0.001). Surgical procedures included single-stage repair in 14 (63.5%) patients and a multistage approach in eight (36.4%). Prenatal prediction of the surgical pathway was significantly more accurate on 3D/4D STIC than on 2D echocardiography (20/22 (90.9%) vs 12/22 (54.5%), P = 0.021). Prenatal predictive accuracy of single-stage biventricular repair was significantly better for 3D/4D STIC than for 2D echocardiography (14/14 (100%) vs 8/14 (57.1%), P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Addition of 3D/4D STIC to conventional 2D fetal echocardiography confers incremental benefit on the accuracy of identification of anatomic details crucial for surgical decision-making and the prediction of postnatal surgical approach in fetuses with DORV, thereby potentially aiding prenatal counseling. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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.

Multimodality Imaging of Transposition of the Great Arteries

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a congenital conotruncal abnormality characterized by discordant connections between the ventricles and great arteries, with the aorta originating from the right ventricle (RV), and the pulmonary artery (PA) originating from the left ventricle (LV). The two main types of TGA are complete transposition or dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA), commonly referred to as d-loop, and congenitally corrected transposition (CCTGA), commonly referred to as l-loop or L-TGA. In D-TGA, the connections between the ventricles and atria are concordant, whereas in CCTGA they are discordant, with the left atrium connected to the RV, and the right atrium connected to the LV. D-TGA manifests during the neonatal period and can be surgically managed by atrial switch operation (AtrSO), arterial switch operation (ASO), Rastelli procedure, or Nikaidoh procedure. Arrhythmia, systemic ventricular dysfunction, baffle stenosis, and baffle leak are the common complications of AtrSO, whereas supravalvular pulmonary or branch PA stenosis, neoaortic dilatation, and coronary artery narrowing are the common complications of ASO. CCTGA may manifest late in life, even in adulthood. Surgeries for associated lesions such as tricuspid regurgitation, subpulmonic stenosis, and ventricular septal defect may be performed. A double-switch operation that includes both the atrial and arterial switch operations constitutes anatomic correction for CCTGA. Imaging plays an important role in the evaluation of TGA, both before and after surgery, for helping define the anatomy, quantify hemodynamics, and evaluate complications. Transthoracic echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality for presurgical planning in children with TGA. MRI provides comprehensive morphologic and functional information, particularly in adults after surgery. CT is performed when MRI is contraindicated or expected to generate artifacts. The authors review the imaging appearances of TGA, with a focus on pre- and postsurgical imaging. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2021.

Critical Neonatal Congenital Heart Disease – a Rare Complication after Successful Surgical Correction

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but severe complication that should be investigated in patients diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries who have undergone neonatal arterial switch operation. Early diagnosis and aggressive combination therapy for PAH could help to improve survival in these patients. We report a favorable clinical response 6 months after the initiation of vasodilator therapy in a pediatric case with transposition of the great arteries, successfully repaired in the neonatal period, who developed pulmonary arterial hypertension at the age of 5 years.

Predictors of neo-aortic valve regurgitation in the long term after arterial switch operation

Although arterial switch operations (ASOs) have been performed globally to repair d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) in neonates and infants, few studies have been reported regarding the influence of the hemodynamics of patients with d-TGA who have undergone ASO on the development of neo-aortic valve regurgitation (AR). We aimed to investigate the relationship between the hemodynamics and development of AR after ASO in patients with d-TGA by catheter evaluation. This observational study screened 114 consecutive patients who underwent ASO for d-TGA or Taussig-Bing anomaly and who subsequently underwent catheter evaluations in our institution. We reviewed their records for the past 20 years and collected their first catheterization data post-ASO in early childhood. Thirty-six post-ASO patients who underwent catheter evaluations in both the early surgical and long-term phases were finally analyzed. Patients were divided into the following groups according to the presence of significant AR in the long-term phase: the AR group (n = 9 with AR ≥ grade II by the Sellers classification) and the non-AR group (n = 27 with AR < grade II). In the long-term phase, the diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower and the ascending aortic diameter was significantly larger in the AR group than in the non-AR group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.006, respectively). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were similar in both groups. Meanwhile, in the early surgical phase, SBP and PP were significantly higher in the AR group than in the non-AR group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.002, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve for late AR showed that the area under the curve for SBP and PP in the early surgical phase were 0.746 and 0.853, respectively. Even though sensitivity analysis was performed, SBP or PP greater than the cutoff value in the early surgical phase was identified as predictors for late AR. Our results suggested that high SBP or PP in the early surgical phase could influence the development of AR in the long term after ASO.

The behavior of residual pulmonary artery gradient after arterial switch operation: A longitudinal data analysis

OBJECTIVE

The arterial switch operation (ASO) is the standard treatment for the transposition of the great arteries. The timely variation in the residual pressure gradient across the pulmonary arteries is ill-defined. This study is aimed to study the progressive changes in the pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve and pulmonary arteries after ASO.

METHODS

All eligible patients for this study who underwent ASO between 2000 and 2019 were reviewed. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to estimate the peak pressure gradient across the pulmonary artery and its branches. The primary outcome was the total peak pressure gradient (TPG) which is the sum of peak pressure gradients across the main pulmonary artery and pulmonary artery branches. Furthermore, longitudinal data analyses with mixed-effect modeling were used to determine the independent predictors for the changes in the pressure gradient.

RESULTS

Three hundred and nine patients were included in the study. Over a 17-year follow-up, the freedom from pulmonary stenosis reintervention was 95% (16 out of the 309 patients underwent reintervention = 5%). The longitudinal data analyses of serial 1844 echocardiographic studies for the included patients revealed that the TPG recorded in the first postoperative echocardiogram across pulmonary valve, right and left pulmonary artery branches was the most significant predictor for reintervention.

CONCLUSION

The total peak gradient measured in the first postoperative echocardiogram is the most important predictor for reintervention. We propose that a total peak gradient in the first postoperative echocardiography of 55 mm Hg or more is a predictor for reintervention.

Time course and predictors for neoaortic root dilatation and neoaortic valve regurgitation during adult life after arterial switch operation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

There are limited data on the long-term development of neoaortic root dilatation (NRD) and neoaortic valve regurgitation (AR) after arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries during adult life.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective longitudinal analysis of 152 patients older than 15 years who underwent ASO for transposition of the great arteries and who were followed-up for 4.9±3.3 years in 2 referral centers. Sequential changes in body surface-adjusted aortic root dimensions and progression to moderate/severe AR were determined in patients with 2 or more echocardiographic examinations. Risk factors for dilatation were tested by Cox regression to identify predictors of AR progression.

RESULTS

At baseline, moderate AR was present in 9 patients (5.9%) and severe AR in 4 (2.6%), of whom 3 had required aortic valve surgery. Initially, the median neoaortic root dimension was 20.05±2.4mm/m², which increased significantly to 20.73±2.8mm/m² (P <.001) at the end of follow-up. The mean change over time was 0.14mm/m²/y (95%CI, 0.07-0.2). Progressive AR was observed in 20 patients (13.5%) and 6 patients (4%) required aortic valve surgery. Progressive AR was associated with bicuspid valve, AR at baseline, NRD at baseline, and neoaortic root enlargement. Independent predictors were bicuspid valve (HR, 3.3; 95%CI, 1.1-15.2; P=.037), AR at baseline (HR, 5.9; 95%CI, 1.6-59.2; P=.006) and increase in NRD (HR, 4.1 95%CI, 2-13.5; P=.023).

CONCLUSIONS

In adult life, NRD and AR progress over time after ASO. Predictors of progressive AR are bicuspid valve, AR at baseline, and increase in NRD.

Echocardiography and MRI parameters associated with exercise capacity in patients after the arterial switch operation

BACKGROUND

The arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries has excellent survival, but a substantial number of patients suffer from a reduced exercise capacity. The goal of this study was to identify imaging parameters associated with a reduced exercise capacity in patients after ASO.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of ASO patients who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) between 2007 and 2017. Reduced exercise performance was defined as a reduced workload peak (W_peak) with Z-score <-2 or a peak oxygen uptake indexed for weight (VO_2peak/kg) with Z-score <-2. Data on echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance performed within 1 year of the CPET were collected for comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 81 ASO patients (age 17±7 years) were included. Reduced exercise performance was found in 22 patients (27%) as expressed by either a reduced W_peak and/or a reduced VO_2peak/kg. Main pulmonary artery gradient and tricuspid regurgitation gradient by echocardiography were found to be associated with reduced W_peak (p=0.031; p=0.020, respectively). The main pulmonary artery gradient and tricuspid regurgitation gradient by echocardiography were found to be associated with reduced VO_2peak/kg (p=0.009; p=0.019, respectively). No left ventricular parameters were found to be associated with abnormal exercise performance.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that ASO patients frequently experience reduced exercise capacity. Echocardiographic evidence of main pulmonary artery stenosis and increased right ventricular pressure were associated with reduced exercise capacity, and are therefore key to monitor during serial follow-up of ASO patients.

Outcome of arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. A 35-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Arterial switch operation (ASO) is today the first-choice surgical treatment for patients with transposition of the great arteries. Long-term outcome data still remain scarce. Moreover, the course of these patients is not uneventful. Therefore, we wanted to evaluate long-term outcome and determine on which variables to focus during follow-up.

METHODS

Clinical records of 318 patients who underwent ASO between October 1981 and July 2018 were reviewed. Perioperative, post-operative, and interventional data were collected to determine mortality and the need for re-intervention. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up time was 11.1 SD 8.5 years (range 0-35) with a mean age of 12.5 SD 9.0 years (range 0-37) at latest follow-up. In-hospital mortality was 7.5% and overall survival 90.9% for a maximum follow-up time of 35 years. Causes of early mortality were cardiogenic shock, severe pulmonary hypertension, septic shock and multiple organ failure. Causes of late mortality were cardiogenic shock, severe pulmonary hypertension, pacemaker lead fracture and fire death. Re-intervention free survival at 5-year was 91.6%, at 10-year 90.7%, at 20-year 79.2%. For all survivors, the most frequent sequelae after ASO were pulmonary artery stenosis (80.9%), of which 13.5% needed an intervention. The threshold for intervening on lesions at the level of the pulmonary artery bifurcation was higher and the percutaneous re-intervention rate was higher for non-bifurcation lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a relatively high peri-operative mortality, TGA patients have an excellent overall long-term survival. However, a large proportion of patients requires re-interventions, mainly for pulmonary artery stenosis.

Outcomes of arterial switch operation for Taussig-Bing anomaly versus transposition of great arteries and ventricular septal defect

Background

This study aims to present the outcomes of arterial switch operation for Taussig-Bing anomaly versus transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect.

Methods

Between November 2010 and December 2016, a total of 100 consecutive arterial switch operations in 42 pediatric patients (25 males, 17 females; median age 17 days; range, 2 to 210 days) were performed in two centers. Among them, 42 patients had associated ventricular septal defect and were diagnosed with Taussig-Bing anomaly (n=15) or transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect (n=27). Aortic arch anomalies were present in six patients (40%) with Taussig-Bing anomaly and two patients (7.4%) with transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect (p=0.016). Coronary anomaly was observed in five (33.3%) and six (22.2%) patients, respectively. All patient had a large defect (multiple n=4), except for eight patients who had moderate defect in the transposition of the great arteries group.

Results

Early mortality was 13.3% in the Taussig-Bing anomaly group and 7.4% in the other group. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was needed in three patients. Delayed sternal closure was used in most of the patients (92.9%). The median length of intensive care unit and hospital stays were similar between the groups. The median follow-up was 16 (range, 1 to 50) months. Two patients including one planned (debanding and multiple defect closure) and one unplanned (residual defect closure) were reoperated. Three patients needed aortic balloon angioplasty due to recoarctation and one patient underwent pulmonary balloon angioplasty. Overall reintervention rate was 18.4%.

Conclusion

Although the incidence of aortic arch and coronary anomalies were higher in patients with Taussig-Bing anomaly, early and mid-term results were similar. Based on these results, primary arterial switch operation seems to be successfully performed for both pathologies.

Repair of Complex Transposition of Great Arteries: Up to 30 Years of Follow-up

BACKGROUND

To characterize treatment of transposition of great arteries with ventricular septal defect and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in Germany and to analyze late outcomes.

METHODS

German Registry for Congenital Heart Defects data were searched for transposition of great arteries with ventricular septal defect and LVOTO. One hundred thirty-nine patients were treated at 15 institutions between 1968 and 2016. Risk factor analyses were performed for the primary endpoints of death and reoperation/reintervention.

RESULTS

Follow-up was 88% complete, with a mean follow-up of 16 ± 7 years (median, 15 years [range, 1-48]) and a cumulative follow-up comprising 1739 patient-years. Atrial switches were performed in 15%, Rastelli procedure in 48%, Nikaidoh procedure in 9%, réparation a l'étage ventriculair (REV) in 8%, and arterial switch in 20%. Actuarial survival at 30 years was 86% (range, 83%-90%), with no difference between repairs. Freedom from primary reoperation was 17% (range, 12%-21%) at 30 years. Freedom from reoperation for LVOTO at 30 years was 74% (range, 70%-78%). Recurrent LVOTO was found in 9%, with risk factor diffuse subvalvular LVOTO (odds ratio, 9.8; P = .04). Late freedom from first reoperations other than right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit was 60% (range, 59%-61%), with predictors multiple ventricular septal defect (hazard ratio, 6; P = .03) and Rastelli procedure (hazard ratio, 12; P = .03). Absolute reoperation rates were lowest for REV procedure (16% at a mean of 12 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival is good without detectable differences between operations. Since the early 2000s increasing use of Nikaidoh and REV procedures was obvious, with REV performing particularly well. Surgery-specific and -unspecific reoperations are most common after the Rastelli technique.

Arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries: A single-centre 32-year experience

OBJECTIVE

Arterial switch operation (ASO) is nowadays the standard of care for neonates with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA). We evaluated our early and late results with ASO for D-TGA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected data on 267 patients with D-TGA, either with intact ventricular septum (D-TGA/IVS; n = 182, 68%) and with other associated congenital heart malformations (complex D-TGA; n = 85, 32%) that underwent ASO between January 1987 and July 2018.

RESULTS

Median age at ASO was 8 days (interquartile range [IQR], 6-12 days). Fifteen patients (5.6%) died in hospital (6/182 with D-TGA/IVS, 3.3% and 9/85 with complex D-TGA, 11%; P = 0.02). Median follow-up time was 10.2 years (IQR, 3.7-18 years). There were 2 (0.8%) late sudden deaths. Overall survival at 10 and 20 years was 94% and 93%, respectively. Thirty-five patients (14%) required either reoperations or reinterventions, mainly for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 28, 11%). Freedom from reoperation/reintervention at 10 and 20 years was 87% and 78%, respectively. All patients were in NYHA I at latest clinical examination. Six over 173 patients (3.4%) who underwent a postoperative evaluation of their coronaries presented acquired anomalies. Forty-four patients (17%) who performed a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) have a predicted VO ₂ comparable to normal peers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of ASO for D-TGA are excellent, with a fairly low mortality and reoperation/reintervention rate. Functional capacity evaluated with CPET is comparable to normal peers. Continuous follow-up for detecting asymptomatic acquired coronary artery disease is mandatory. A reassessment of competitive sport eligibility criteria for specific D-TGA patients should be considered.

Identifying Subclinical Coronary Abnormalities and Silent Myocardial Ischemia After Arterial Switch Operation

The incidence of late coronary complications is reported around 8% after arterial switch operation (ASO) for d-transposition of the great arteries, but the affected patients are usually asymptomatic. Exercise stress test (EST) and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are common non-invasive modalities to screen for silent myocardial ischemia, but their diagnostic reliability in children after ASO is unclear. We retrospectively reviewed asymptomatic patients following ASO with EST, MPI, and coronary imaging studies (CIS) and examined the reliability of each test in identifying abnormal coronary lesions responsible for myocardial ischemia. Thirty-seven asymptomatic patients (24 males; ages 12.7 ± 3.7 years) had EST, in which 27 and 33 patients also underwent MPI and CIS, respectively. Exercise capacity was comparable to the age- and sex-matched 37 controls. In seven patients with angiographically proven moderate to severe coronary abnormalities, only two patients had positive EST and/or MPI, and five patients were negative including one patient who later developed exercise-induced cardiac arrest due to severe proximal left coronary artery stenosis. Two patients with positive EST or MPI showed no corresponding coronary abnormalities by CIS. Occurrence of acquired late coronary abnormalities did not correlate with the original coronary anatomy or initial surgical procedures. There is no single reliable method to identify the risk of myocardial ischemia after ASO. Although CIS are regarded as a gold standard, multidisciplinary studies are essential to risk-stratify the potential life-threatening coronary lesions after ASO in children.

Surgical Age and Morbidity After Arterial Switch for Transposition of the Great Arteries

BACKGROUND

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a complex congenital heart disease that requires early diagnosis as well as advanced surgical repair and postoperative support. This study sought to investigate the impact of surgical timing on early postoperative morbidity.

METHODS

This study reviewed all patients with TGA repaired at a single institution (Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden) by arterial switch operation (ASO) between June 2001 and June 2017. Major postoperative morbidity (MPM) and death within 30 days after ASOs were documented. Patients with double-outlet right ventricle, chromosomal abnormalities, and noncardiac diseases were excluded. MPM was defined as the presence of at least 1 of the following: delayed sternum closure, reoperation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation after extubation, peritoneal dialysis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 241 patients were included, with medians for birth weight, gestational week, and age at surgery of 3.5 kg, 39 weeks, and 5 days, respectively. MPM was encountered in 32.3% of patients. Prematurity (P = .001) and need for aortic arch repair at the time of ASO (P = .04) were associated with a significant increase in MPM. Non-A coronary anatomy, associated ventricular septal defect requiring surgical closure, and fetal diagnosis of TGA had no significant impact on MPM (P = .35, .08, and .21, respectively). There was no significant difference in MPM among the surgical groups (P = .49).

CONCLUSIONS

Early complications after ASO do occur and are mostly associated with prematurity and the need for aortic arch repair. Timing of surgical repair does not seem to influence the rate of these complications.

Does Coronary Reimplantation After Neoaortic Reconstruction Increase Aortic Regurgitation?

Coronary reimplantation after neoaortic reconstruction (CRANR) in the arterial switch operation (ASO) allows easy selection of accurate coronary transfer sites in the distended neoaorta. However, neoaortic valve injury may occur during coronary reimplantation. We determined whether the CRANR procedure increased the incidence of aortic valve regurgitation (AR) after ASO. Between March 1994 and August 2017, 227 patients underwent ASO. Since September 2000 CRANR has been performed on 155 patients and open coronary reimplantation (OCR) on 72. Patients who had undergone aortocoronary flaps procedures (n = 13), had early or late mortality (n = 27), or lacked data (n = 11) were excluded. We enrolled and retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 176 patients who were followed up for postoperative AR: 38 underwent OCR and 138 underwent CRANR. We compared the incidences of early and late postoperative AR in both groups. We defined mild or greater AR as "significant AR." The groups did not differ in body weight at operation, great artery relationship, and coronary artery anatomy. The incidences of significant AR at discharge were 21.1% (8/38) in the OCR group and 16.6% (23/138) in the CRANR group (p = 0.53). The freedom from significant AR at 5 years was 59.9% in the OCR group and 62.4% in the CRANR group with no difference between the two groups (p = 0.73). Moderate AR occurred in one patient in the CRANR group. No surgical intervention was required for the aortic valve in either group. ASO using the CRANR technique did not increase the incidence of postoperative early and late AR.