Surgical correction of the hypoplastic aortic arch by the subclavian free flap method in the neonate

Modified technique for uncommon coarctation of the aorta with arch hypoplasia

A true presubclavian coarctation of the aorta with arch hypoplasia without major intracardiac anomaly can result in a surgical dilemma. Theoretically, one can avoid repair through median sternotomy using selective cerebral perfusion and its sequelae since no major intracardiac repair is needed. Repair through thoracotomy is technically challenging if arch reconstruction is required and precise surgical planning is required to avoid spinal hypoperfusion and to maintain cerebral perfusion. Moreover, inadequate repair often has resulted in hypoplastic aortic arch or residual coarctation on follow-up requiring future intervention. We have employed a modified surgical repair through thoracotomy avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass to address presubclavian coarctation of the aorta with diffuse arch hypoplasia with theoretically less chance for future stenosis.

Modified reverse aortoplasty versus extended anastomosis in patients with coarctation of the aorta and distal arch hypoplasia

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our prospective randomized study was to compare modified reverse aortoplasty (MRA) and extended end-to-end anastomosis (EEA).

METHODS

We have assessed the operative correction results in 54 infants with coarctation of the aorta and distal aortic arch hypoplasia who underwent primary repair in our institute between July 2013 and February 2014. All of the patients were <12 months old when they had the operation. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 arms: modified reverse subclavian flap angioplasty (MRA group; n = 27) or extended end-to-end anastomosis (EEA group; n = 27).

RESULTS

We found a significant difference in residual arterial hypertension between the groups: 2 (7.7%) patients in the MRA group and 8 (30.8%) patients in the EEA group, respectively (P = 0.03). Risk factors for arterial hypertension were precoarctation area rigidity and endocardial fibroelastosis. During the last follow-up visit, recoarctation was observed in 1 (3.8%) patient in the MRA group and in 2 (7.7%) patients in the EEA group, respectively (P = 0.50). Cox regression analysis showed that the only risk factor for recoarctation was the patient's low weight before surgery [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.016 (0.001-0.51), P = 0.047]. An aortic aneurysm developed in 2 (7.7%) patients in the MRA group; however, no significant difference was found between the groups (P = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta using modified reverse subclavian flap angioplasty and extended anastomosis were comparable in mortality rates and early postoperative complications. Nevertheless, MRA may be beneficial in reducing residual arterial hypertension at the mid-term follow-up visit.

Staged surgical approach in neonates with a functionally single ventricle and arch obstruction: pulmonary artery banding and aortic arch reconstruction before placement of a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt in infants

The success rate of right-heart bypass surgery in patients with a functionally single ventricle (f-SV) and systemic obstruction is low. In patients with a high risk of subaortic stenosis, we performed an initial step of pulmonary artery banding (PAB) and arch reconstruction before placing a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) in infants with or without Damus-Kaye-Stansel (DKS) anastomosis. We assessed the success of right-heart bypass surgery. Between October 2003 and August 2008, we performed surgery in 19 neonates (median age 5 days) with f-SV and arch obstruction. Extended aortic arch anastomosis, with or without distal arch augmentation, was performed in 10 patients, and subclavian flap aortoplasty was performed in 9 patients. The circumference of the PAB was determined as the individual patient's body weight in kilograms plus 16.2 +/- 3.7 mm. Eighteen of 19 infants (95%) underwent successful BCPS placement at a median age of 7.8 months. DKS anastomosis was performed concomitantly during BCPS placement in 11 infants in whom subaortic stenosis was morphologically suspected but not demonstrated physiologically. As our first-stage operation, arch reconstruction plus PAB provided high success rates for right-heart bypass operations. This strategy is not leading, but it is a reliable approach for progression along a Fontan pathway.

Intermediate term follow-up of the end-to-side aortic anastomosis for coarctation of the aorta

BACKGROUND

Classic techniques for repairing coarctation of the aorta, especially in neonates, have a significant incidence of recurrent obstruction. By connecting the descending aorta to the proximal aortic arch, the end-to-side aortic anastomosis isolates hypoplastic distal arch and encroaching ductal tissue from the anastomotic site.

METHODS

Follow-up data were available for 88 patients (54 male) who underwent an end-to-side aortic anastomosis from November 1992 until November 1999. The median postoperative follow-up was 1.9 years (range, 0.1 to 6.3 years). Fifty-four patients were corrected as neonates. Thirty-four patients were operated on out of the neonatal period (> 1 month of age). A systolic blood pressure gradient > or = 20 mm Hg and a Doppler flow velocity > or = 2.5 ms across the area of repair were considered a recurrent obstruction.

RESULTS

No patients in the pediatric group had a recurrent obstruction. In the neonatal group, 3 patients (5.5%) had recurrent obstruction. Of those, 2 patients had a reintervention performed; one reintervention was a balloon angioplasty and the other one was a reoperation. Kaplan-Meier analysis of the neonatal group revealed a 95.8% freedom from reintervention at 1 and 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The end-to-side aortic anastomosis is an effective repair for coarctation of the aorta. Even when performed in the neonatal period, recurrence of coarctation is rare.

Reverse subclavian flap repair of hypoplastic transverse aorta in infancy

BACKGROUND

Management of hypoplastic aortic arch associated with coarctation in infancy can be challenging. Reverse subclavian flap aortoplasty plus coarctation resection offers simplicity without needing foreign material or cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Since 1988, 46 of 162 infants less than 3 months undergoing coarctation repair had hypoplastic arch enlargement with reverse subclavian flap aortoplasty. Median age was 11 days; mean weight was 3.2 kg. Thirty-seven patients (80%) had associated cardiac defects including single or multiple ventricular septal defects (14 infants), transposition of the great arteries (7), aortic or mitral stenosis (5), and complete atrioventricular septal defect (5 infants). Twenty-eight patients had pulmonary artery banding; 2 had an arterial switch operation through a separate median sternotomy.

RESULTS

There were two hospital deaths: one 4 months postoperatively in a patient requiring a Norwood procedure the next day for underestimated left ventricular hypoplasia; the other of sepsis more than 1 month postoperatively. On follow-up from 1 to 129 months (mean, 38 months), there were five recurrent obstructions: three at the coarctation site treated with balloon dilatation and two at the arch site. Twenty-six children had their heart defects corrected with 29 subsequent operations including an arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries/ ventricular septal defect (3 infants), relief of aortic or mitral stenosis +/- ventricular septal defect closure (5), multiple ventricular septal defect closure (3), a bidirectional Glenn (2), complete atrioventricular septal defect (2), and anomalous left coronary with ventricular septal defect repair (1 infant). Four children await debanding and ventricular septal defect closure or Glenn anastomosis. There have been two late deaths (overall survival, 91%).

CONCLUSIONS

Reverse subclavian flap aortoplasty is excellent for relief of arch hypoplasia and coarctation in infants with low recurrence rates and acceptable operative and intermediate survival.

Congenital Heart Surgery Nomenclature and Database Project: patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, interrupted aortic arch

The extant nomenclature for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), coarctation of the aorta (CoAo), and interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is reviewed for the purpose of establishing a unified reporting system. The subject was debated and reviewed by members of the STS-Congenital Heart Surgery Database Committee and representatives from the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery. All efforts were made to include all relevant nomenclature categories using synonyms where appropriate. PDA is subclassified by origin, insertion, and patient weight. CoAo is subclassified into isolated CoAo, CoAo with ventricular septal defect, and CoAo with complex intracardiac anomalies. IAA is subclassified into anatomic types A, B, and C based on the location of the interruption. A comprehensive database set is presented which is based on a hierarchical scheme. Data are entered at various levels of complexity and detail which can be determined by the clinician. These data can lay the foundation for comprehensive risk stratification analyses. A minimum database set is also presented which will allow for data sharing and would lend itself to basic interpretation of trends. Outcome tables relating diagnoses, procedures, and various risk factors are presented.