Midterm results after restoration of the morphologically left ventricle to the systemic circulation in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

Long-Term Influence of Atrial Switch Operation on Hemodynamics After the Rastelli Procedure

The study aimed to investigate the long-term influence of atrial switch on post-Rastelli hemodynamic condition. Of 112 patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or TGA-type double outlet right ventricle, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and pulmonary stenosis (PS) who underwent intra-cardiac repair between 1979 and 2018, 50 patients with levo-TGA underwent atrial switch and Rastelli as an anatomic repair and 62 patients with dextro-TGA underwent Rastelli. Postoperative outcomes were retrospectively compared. The median follow-up durations were 20.1 years (interquartile range: 4.3, 32.4) in the Rastelli group and 15.3 years (7.1, 23.0) in the atrial switch plus Rastelli group (p = 0.19). Sex, age, and weight at operation were similar in both groups. Overall survival rates at 30 years were 69.8% in the Rastelli group and 80.1% in the atrial switch plus Rastelli group (p = 0.18). The atrial switch plus Rastelli group required more frequent catheter interventions (p < 0.001), mainly for caval obstruction (n = 8) and atrial arrhythmia (n = 6). Medication was more frequent in the atrial switch plus Rastelli group (p = 0.009). Exercise capacity was similarly reduced in two groups. Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) occurred in three long-term survivors in the atrial switch plus Rastelli group (p = 0.07). Concomitantly performed atrial switch operation did not affect long-term survival and exercise capacity after Rastelli procedure. However, the occurrence of PLE, a frequent need for medication, and catheter interventions after atrial switch plus Rastelli may result from atrial switch under the post-Rastelli condition.

Outcomes After Anatomic Versus Physiologic Repair of Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Surgical treatment for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is widely debated, with both physiologic repair and anatomic repair holding advantages and disadvantages. This meta-analysis, which includes 44 total studies consisting of 1857 patients, compares mortality at different time points (operative, in-hospital, and post-discharge), reoperation rates, and postoperative ventricular dysfunction between these two categories of procedures. Although anatomic and physiologic repair had similar operative and in-hospital mortality, anatomic repair patients had significantly less post-discharge mortality (6.1% vs 9.7%; P = .006), lower reoperation rates (17.9% vs 20.6%; P < .001), and less postoperative ventricular dysfunction (16% vs 43%; P < .001). When anatomic repair patients were subdivided into those who had atrial and arterial switch versus those who had atrial switch with Rastelli, the double switch group had significantly lower in-hospital mortality (4.3% vs 7.6%; P = .026) and reoperation rates (15.6% vs 25.9%; P < .001). The results of this meta-analysis suggest a protective benefit of favoring anatomic repair over physiologic repair.

Management Options for Congenitally Corrected Transposition: Which, When, and for Whom?

Management strategies for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) historically consisted of a physiologic repair, resulting in the morphologic right ventricle (mRV) supporting systemic circulation. This strategy persisted despite the development of heart failure by middle age because of the reasonable short-term outcomes, and the natural history of some patients with favorable anatomy (felt to demonstrate the mRV's ability to function in the long-term), and due to the less-than-optimal outcomes associated with anatomical repair. As outcomes with anatomical repair improved, and the long-term risk of systemic mRV dysfunction became apparent, more have begun to realize its advantages. In addition to the decision on whether or not to pursue anatomical repair, and the optimal timing, studies demonstrating the nuance to morphologic left ventricle retraining have demonstrated its feasibility. Further considerations in ccTGA have begun to be better understood, including: the management of a poorly functioning mRV, systemic tricuspid valve regurgitation, the utility of morphologic left ventricle outflow tract obstruction (native or surgically created) and pacing strategies. While some considerations are apparent: biventricular pacing is superior to univentricular, tricuspid regurgitation must be managed early with either progression towards anatomical repair (pulmonary artery banding if needed for retraining) or tricuspid replacement (not repair) based on the patient's age; others remain to be completely elucidated. Overall, the heterogeneity of ccTGA, as well as the unique presentation with each patient regarding ventricular and valvular function and center-to-center variability in management strategies has made the interpretation of published data difficult. That said, more recent long-term outcomes favor anatomical repair in most situations.

Contemporary outcomes of the double switch operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

OBJECTIVE

To determine the contemporary outcomes of the double switch operation (DSO) (ie, Mustard or Senning + arterial switch).

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective review of all patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries undergoing a DSO.

RESULTS

Between 1999 and 2019, 103 patients underwent DSO with a Mustard (n = 93) or Senning (n = 10) procedure. Segmental anatomy was (S, L, L) in 93 patients and (I, D, D) in 6 patients. Eight patients had heterotaxy and 71 patients had a ventricular septal defect. Median age was 2.1 years (range, 1.8 months-40 years), including 34 patients younger than age 1 year (33%). Median weight was 10.9 kg (range, 3.4-64 kg). Sixty-one patients had prior pulmonary artery bands for a median of 1.1 years (range, 14 days-12.9 years; interquartile range, 0.7-3.1 years). Median intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were 5 and 10 days, respectively. Median follow-up was 3.4 years (interquartile range, 1-9.8 years) and 5.2 years (interquartile range, 2.3-10.7 years) in 79 patients with >1 year follow-up. At latest follow-up, aortic, mitral, tricuspid valve regurgitation, and left ventricle dysfunction was less than moderate in 96%, 98%, 96%, and 93%, respectively. Seventeen patients underwent reoperation: neoaortic valve intervention (n = 10), baffle revision (n = 5), and ventricular septal defect closure (n = 4). At latest follow-up, 17 patients (17%) had a pacemaker and 27 (26%) had cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. There were 2 deaths and 2 transplants. Transplant-free survival was 94.6% at 5 years. Risk factors for death or transplant included longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and older age at DSO.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes of the DSO are promising. Earlier age at operation might favor better outcomes. Progressive neoaortic regurgitation and reinterventions on the neo-aortic valve are anticipated problems.

Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries: Mid-term Outcomes of Different Surgical Strategies

BACKGROUND

Optimal management for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is controversial. We applied different surgical strategies based on individual variations in our single-centered practice over 10 years, aming to describe the mid-term results.

METHODS

From January 2008 to June 2021, 90 patients with ccTGA were reviewed and grouped by three different surgical strategies: 41 cases with biventricular correction as biventricular group, 11 cases with 1.5 ventricular correction as 1.5 ventricular group, and 38 cases with Fontan palliation as univentricular group. The mean age at primary surgery was 41.4 ± 22.7 months. Patients were followed for mortality, complications, reoperation, cardiac function, and valve status.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 5.1 years (range, 1.5-12.5 years). The overall 10-year survival and freedom from reoperation rate was 86.7 and 82.4%, respectively. There were 3 early deaths and 3 mid-term deaths in the biventricular group, while 2 early deaths and 1 mid-term deaths were reported in the univentricular group. Although 1.5 ventricular group presented no death and the fewest complications, we still found similar mortality (p = 0.340) and morbidity (p = 0.670) among the three groups. The bypass time, aortic-clamp time, and ICU stay length were the longest in the biventricular group, followed by the 1.5 ventricular group (p < 0.001). However, in mid-term follow-up, biventricular and 1.5 ventricular groups both showed excellent cardiac function and obvious improvement of tricuspid regurgitation (p = 0.008 and p = 0.051, respectively). Fontan palliation provided acceptable mid-term outcomes as well, despite a lower ejection fraction.

CONCLUSION

Satisfactory mid-term outcomes could be achieved for highly selected ccTGA patients using the whole spectrum of surgical techniques. Moreover, 1.5 ventricular correction, as a new emerging technique in recent years, might hold great promise in future practice.

Serial changes of tricuspid regurgitation after anatomic repair for congenitally corrected transposition

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to reveal the serial changes in tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after anatomic repair for congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2018, 48 patients underwent anatomic repair (atrial/arterial switch in 14 patients, atrial switch and Rastelli in 34 patients). The mean age and weight of the patients during anatomic repair was 33 (interquartile range 21.8-62.1) months and 12 (10.3-16.3) kg. The preoperative TR was less than mild in 15 patients (31.3%), mild-to-moderate in 29 patients (60.4%) and more-than-moderate in 4 patients (8.3%). Ebsteinoid dysplasia of the tricuspid valve (TV) was observed in 7 patients (14.6%). During the study period, no patient underwent TV surgery or bidirectional Glenn anastomosis at the time of anatomic repair.

RESULTS

There was 1 in-hospital death and 1 late death. The follow-up was completed by other surviving patients, with a median follow-up period of 12.1 years (5.9-18.1). The overall survival, reoperation-free survival and freedom from permanent pacemaker implantation rate at 15 years were 94.3%, 74.3% and 81.5%, respectively. The mean TR grade was 2.0 (1.0-2.6) preoperatively, 2.0 (1.0-2.0) at 1 year, 2.0 (2.0-2.0) at 5 years and 2.0 (2.0-2.0) at 10 years after anatomic repair. A Cox proportional hazards model showed that association of Ebsteinoid dysplasia of the TV, type of anatomic repair and previous pulmonary artery banding did not affect freedom from death or the more-than-moderate TR rate. There were 2 patients who underwent TV surgery after the anatomic repair for severe TR; TV repair was successfully done for 1 patient, the other required semi-closure of TV and one and one-half ventricle conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

TR remained subclinical or improved in the majority of patients after anatomic repair without TV repair. However, there were a few patients whose TR progressed to severe or massive, then required TV surgery after anatomic repair. Although exposure was difficult, TR was sometimes repairable following atrial switch, otherwise, one and one-half ventricle repair conversion would be the choice of treatment.

Effectiveness of Bidirectional Glenn Shunt Placement for Palliation in Complex Congenitally Corrected Transposed Great Arteries

Surgery for complex congenitally corrected transposed great arteries is one of the greatest challenges in cardiovascular surgery. We report our experience with bidirectional Glenn shunt placement as a palliative procedure for complex congenitally corrected transposition. We retrospectively identified 50 consecutive patients who had been diagnosed with congenitally corrected transposition accompanied by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and ventricular septal defect and who had then undergone palliative bidirectional Glenn shunt placement at our institution from January 2005 through December 2014. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to subsequent surgeries: Fontan completion (total cavopulmonary connection, 13 patients) (group 1), anatomic repair (hemi-Mustard and Rastelli procedures without Glenn takedown, 11 patients) (group 2), and prolonged palliation (no further surgery, 26 patients) (group 3). After shunt placement, no patient died or had ventricular dysfunction. Overall, mean oxygen saturation increased significantly from 79.5% ± 13.5% preoperatively to 94.1% ± 7.3% (P <0.001). The median time from shunt placement to Fontan completion and anatomic repair, respectively, was 2.1 years (range, 1.6-5.2 yr) and 1.1 years (range, 0.6-2.4 yr). Only 2 late deaths occurred, both in group 1. In group 3, time from shunt placement to latest follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 2.3-8 yr). At latest follow-up, mean oxygen saturation was 91.6% ± 10.3%, and no patients had impaired ventricular function. Bidirectional Glenn shunt placement as an optional palliative procedure for complex congenitally corrected transposition has favorable outcomes. Later, patients can feasibly be treated by Fontan completion or anatomic repair. Use of a bidirectional Glenn shunt for open-ended palliation is also acceptable.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: Echocardiographic assessment of transposition of the great arteries and congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

Echocardiographic assessment of patients with transposition of the great arteries and congenitally corrected transposition requires awareness of the morphology and commonly associated lesions. The pre-operative echocardiography should include a full segmental and sequential analysis. Post-operative assessment is not possible without awareness of the type of surgical procedure performed and consists of assessing surgical connections and residual lesions.

Surgical Outcomes of Anatomical Repair for Congenitally Corrected Transposed Great Arteries

BACKGROUND

The outcomes of anatomical repair for patients with congenitally corrected transposed great arteries remain unclear and the indications for different procedures are poorly understood.

METHODS

From January 2005 to February 2016, consecutive corrected transposition patients who underwent anatomical repair at the current institution were enrolled in this retrospective study. Varied types of anatomical repair were individually customised.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients were included. Fifty-one (51) and 35 patients presented with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and cardiac malposition, respectively. Thirty-nine (39) patients presented with moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation. Thirty-four (34), 19, and 32 patients underwent Senning arterial switch operations, Senning-Rastelli, and hemi-Mustard-Rastelli-bidirectional Glenn, respectively. Early after repair, there were five in-hospital deaths and nine re-operations. During 4.6 years (range, 0.5-10.3) of follow-up, seven late deaths were documented. Estimated overall survival rate after anatomical repair was 89.3%, 85.0%, and 85.0% at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, respectively. Instead of Senning-Rastelli, most (75.0%) early left ventricular dysfunctions were noted in patients who underwent Senning arterial switch procedures. However, all the late left ventricular dysfunctions were found in patients who underwent previous left ventricular retraining. In patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, the hemi-Mustard-Rastelli-bidirectional Glenn shunt provided a lower early mortality (0% vs 15.8%, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Favourable outcomes can be achieved for anatomical repair of corrected transposition. Left ventricular dysfunction was a significant postoperative issue. Hemi-Mustard-bidirectional Glenn-Rastelli procedure may provide benefits for patients with associated left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and cardiac malposition. Each procedure has its own advantages in varied anatomy.

Congenitally Corrected Transposition Presenting in the First Year of Life: Survival and Fate of the Systemic Right Ventricle

Introduction:

Knowledge gaps exist in the life expectancy and functional outcome of patients with congenitally corrected transposition (ccTGA) presenting early in life, which is relevant in the evaluation of early anatomic repair.

Methods:

In a single-center analysis, 91 patients with ccTGA were identified over 25 years, of which 31 presented with biventricular anatomy in the first year of life and formed the study cohort. End points for analysis included survival, moderate or worse tricuspid valve regurgitation, and systemic right ventricle (RV) dysfunction. Median follow-up was 4.9 years (range: 7 days to 20 years).

Results:

Among 31 patients presenting in the first year of life, 9 (29%) never received cardiac surgery, while 22 (71%) underwent 36 cardiac operations. Overall freedom from moderate or severe systemic RV dysfunction was 75% at 10 years. Overall survival was 82% at 10 years. Surgical mortality was 5.6% (2/36). Among survivors with a systemic RV, 23 (100%) of 23 were Ross or NYHA class I or II at last follow-up.

Conclusions:

Congenitally corrected transposition presenting in the first year of life and maintaining a systemic RV can expect (1) long-term survival of more than 80% at 10 years, (2) low expected surgical mortality (overall 6%), and (3) 75% late freedom from major RV dysfunction at 10 years. Pending multi-institutional analyses, this experience with a systemic RV in ccTGA provides an initial benchmark for comparison when considering early elective anatomic correction.

Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries: Anatomic, Physiologic Repair, and Palliation

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a lesion that rarely occurs in isolation. The presenting physiology of ccTGA is predominantly secondary to the concurrent cardiac lesions; however, as the child ages, unrepaired ccTGA results in progressive failure of the morphologic right ventricle under the strain of maintaining a systemic pressure. Repair of ccTGA was initially focused on rectification of the underlying physiologic aberrations, but in recent years, the focus of repair has shifted toward anatomic correction to avoid failure of the morphologic right ventricle. This anatomic repair is commonly associated with improved long-term mortality at the cost of increased short-term mortality. Key preoperative considerations such as morphologic left ventricular pressure, tricuspid valve competency, and out flow tract obstructions can assist in determining the optimal repair for individual patients. An alternative, single ventricle, pathway has been proposed for any patient without optimal preoperative anatomy to improve long-term survival. Adjunctive repair options including pulmonary artery banding and one-and-a-half ventricle repairs have also been proposed to augment the survival curves.

Contemporary management and outcomes in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) can occur in isolation, or in combination with other structural cardiac anomalies, most commonly ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis and tricuspid valve disease. Clinical recognition can be challenging, so echocardiography is often the means by which definitive diagnosis is made. The tricuspid valve and right ventricle are on the systemic arterial side of the ccTGA circulation, and are therefore subject to progressive functional deterioration. The natural history of ccTGA is also greatly influenced by the nature and severity of accompanying lesions, some of which require surgical repair. Some management strategies leave the right ventricle as the systemic arterial pump, but carry the risk of worsening heart failure. More complex 'double switch' repairs establish the left ventricle as the systemic pump, and include an atrial baffle to redirect venous return in combination with either arterial switch or Rastelli operation (if a suitable ventricular septal defect permits). Occasionally, the anatomic peculiarities of ccTGA do not allow straightforward biventricular repair, and Fontan palliation is a reasonable option. Regardless of the approach selected, late cardiovascular complications are relatively common, so ongoing outpatient surveillance should be established in an age-appropriate facility with expertise in congenital heart disease care.

Anatomic Repair of Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries: Single-Center Intermediate-Term Experience

We present our experience for patients who have undergone an anatomic repair (AR) for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent AR for CCTGA from 2001 to 2015 was performed. The cohort consisted of 15 patients (74% male). Median age of anatomic repair was 15 months (range 4.5-45.6 months). Four patients had a bidirectional Glenn (BDG) prior to AR. At the time of AR,-9 (60%) underwent Senning/Rastelli procedure, 4 (26.6%) had double switch operation, and 2 (13.3%) underwent only Senning with VSD closure. Median duration of follow-up was 5.5 years (0.05-14 years). Reoperations prior to discharge included BDG, revision of pulmonary venous baffle, closure of residual VSD, and pacemaker placement. Late reoperations included left ventricular outflow tract obstruction repair, conduit replacement, melody valve placement, and pacemaker implantation. At their most recent follow-up, no patient had heart failure symptoms and only 1 had severely diminished function that improved with cardiac resynchronization therapy. Moderate mitral regurgitation was noted in 15% (2/13), and severe in 7% (1/13). Moderate tricuspid regurgitation was noted in 15% (2/13). One patient, 7% (1/13), developed moderate aortic insufficiency. There was a 100% survival at the time of the most recent follow-up. Patients with CCTGA who have undergone AR have excellent functional status and mid-term survival but reinterventions are common. Longer term studies are needed to determine both the extent and spectrum of reinterventions as well as long term survival.

Congenitally corrected transposition: complex anatomic repair or Fontan pathway?

Background Successful anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries achieves excellent outcomes. Several centers report excellent long-term survival with the Fontan pathway as well. We have selectively applied both approaches depending on individual patient morphology, with anatomic repair preferred but utilizing the Fontan pathway when high technical complexity or operative risk is anticipated. Methods Hospital records over an 18-year period (1998-2016) were reviewed to identify patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries who underwent surgical management. Physiological repairs and hypoplastic ventricles were excluded. Patient- and procedure-related variables were reviewed. Results We identified 19 patients. Group 1 consisted of 12 anatomic repairs, of which 10 (83.3%) required prior interim staging procedures. Mean age at anatomic repair was 2.6 ± 1.3 years, mean follow-up was 8.7 ± 5.3 years. Nine (75%) patients experienced important complications and 4 (33.3%) required reintervention during follow-up. There were no deaths; one patient required heart transplantation. Group 2 (7 patients) underwent Fontan palliation. Mean age at Fontan completion was 7.2 ± 3.8 years, mean follow-up was 6.3 ± 4 years. There was no reintervention, death, or transplant. Conclusion Patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and two adequate-sized ventricles do well with both anatomic repair and the Fontan pathway in the medium term. Excellent outcomes with reduced early complication and reintervention rates can be achieved for this cohort of patients when a strategy of avoiding complex anatomic repair in favor of the Fontan pathway is used.

Echocardiography-Derived Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Gradient and Left Ventricular Posterior Wall Thickening Are Associated with Outcomes for Anatomic Repair in Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries

BACKGROUND

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is a rare form of congenital heart disease. Management is controversial; options include observation, physiologic repair, and anatomic repair. Assessment of morphologic left ventricle preparedness is key in timing anatomic repair. This study's purpose was to review the modalities used to assess the morphologic left ventricle preoperatively and to determine if any echocardiographic variables are associated with outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries eligible for anatomic repair at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital from 2000 to 2016 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were (1) presurgical echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiac catheterization and (2) clinical follow-up information. Echocardiographic measurements included left ventricular (LV) single-plane Simpson's ejection fraction, LV eccentricity index, LV posterior wall thickening, pulmonary artery band (PAB)/LV outflow tract (LVOT) pressure gradient, and LV and right ventricular strain. Magnetic resonance imaging measurements included LV mass, ejection fraction, eccentricity index, and LV thickening. LV pressure, PAB/LVOT gradient, right ventricular pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and Qp/Qs constituted catheterization data. Outcomes included achieving anatomic repair within 1 year of assessment in patients with LVOT obstruction or within 1 year of pulmonary artery banding and freedom from death, transplantation, or heart failure at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. PAB/LVOT gradients of 85.2 ± 23.4 versus 64.0 ± 32.1 mm Hg (P = .0282) by echocardiography and 60.1 ± 19.4 versus 35.9 ± 18.9 mm Hg (P = .0030) by catheterization were associated with achieving anatomic repair and freedom from death, transplantation, and heart failure. Echocardiographic LV posterior wall thickening of 35.4 ± 19.8% versus 20.6 ± 15.0% (P = .0017) and MRI LV septal wall thickening of 37.1 ± 18.8% versus 19.3 ± 18.8% (P = .0306) were associated with achieving anatomic repair. Inter- and intraobserver variability for echocardiographic measurements was very good.

CONCLUSIONS

PAB/LVOT gradient and LV posterior wall thickening are highly reproducible echocardiographic measurements that reflect morphologic LV performance and can be used in assessing patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries undergoing anatomic repair.

Long-term results of anatomic correction for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: A 19-year experience

OBJECTIVE

The surgical indication, timing, strategy, and surgical technique for anatomic correction of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries are challenging. We evaluated the long-term results at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.

METHODS

Review of 32 successive anatomic corrections between 1996 and 2015.

RESULTS

Twenty-one double-switch (66%), 6 Senning/Bex-Nikaidoh (19%), and 5 Senning/Rastelli (16%) procedures were performed (median age, 1.9 years). Median follow-up was 5.4 years with 4 deaths and 1 heart transplant. Cumulative incidence of late reoperation was 8%, 29%, and 59% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Twenty-six patients had full follow-up with native hearts. Nineteen had normal left ventricle (LV) function. Late LV dysfunction, mostly mild, was not related to needing a pacemaker (P = .4) or a pulmonary artery band (PAB) (P = .08). Previous PAB was linked to the need for aortic valve surgery or neoaortic regurgitation moderate or greater (P = .03). Six required Senning revision. The introduction of the Shumacker modification of the Senning has generated stable pulmonary venous pathways. Six patients developed postoperative iatrogenic atrioventricular block dependent on a permanent pacemaker.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomic correction is a surgical challenge. It provides excellent functional outcomes in survivors with a significant need for reoperation and a definite risk of death or transplantation. Normal LV function should be expected in most patients. LV dysfunction was not linked to PAB or pacemaker requirement but surgery without LV training had better long-term LV function. The Shumacker modification provided stable venous pathways. Iatrogenic atrioventricular block remains a challenge.

Management of Systemic Right Ventricular Failure in Patients With Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries

In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and management of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA). Nevertheless, gradual dysfunction and failure of the right ventricle (RV) in the systemic circulation remain the main contributors to mortality and disability for patients with ccTGA, especially after adolescence. Anatomic repair of ccTGA effectively resolves the problem of failure of the systemic RV and has good early and midterm results. However, this strategy is applicable primarily in infants and children up to their teens and has associated risks and limitations, and new challenges can arise in the late postoperative period. Patients with ccTGA manifesting progressive systemic RV dysfunction beyond adolescence represent the major challenge. Several palliative options such as cardiac resynchronization therapy, tricuspid valve repair or replacement, pulmonary artery banding, and implantation of an assist device into the systemic RV can be used to improve functional status and to delay the progression of ventricular dysfunction in patients who are not suitable for anatomic correction of ccTGA. For adult patients with severe systemic RV failure, heart transplantation currently remains the only long-term lifesaving procedure, although donor organ availability remains one of the most limiting factors in this type of therapy. This review focuses on current surgical and medical strategies and interventional options for the prevention and management of systemic RV failure in adults and children with ccTGA.

Early Results of Anatomic Repair in a Subgroup of Corrected Transposition

The atrial switch operation with the Rastelli procedure is becoming popular for treatment of the subgroup of corrected transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary obstruction. This technique eliminates the problem of short- and long-term right ventricular failure, and decreases the incidence of iatrogenic atrioventricular heart block. Between April 2001 and November 2002, this technique was used in 3 patients aged 5 to 7 years. Two had a Senning operation and one had a Mustard operation. There was no operative death. The first patient needed re-operation to close the sternum. The last patient was re-explored for bleeding. All patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I at their last follow-up. The atrial switch plus Rastelli procedure is feasible in this subgroup of corrected transposition, but longer follow-up is necessary to determine whether this approach is indeed warranted.

Surgical technique of double switch procedure: Senning with arterial switch operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect

We present a case of 12-month-old boy with congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries with L-looped ventricles and L-transposition of great arteries and ventricular septal defect. When admitted to the hospital, the patient had the appearance of congestive heart failure due to moderate to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation and right ventricle dysfunction. The pulmonary artery (PA) banding was required first because of low systolic pressure in the morphological left ventricle less than 70% confirmed by catheterization. Three months later, the patient appeared to be a good candidate for anatomical repair and a double switch procedure-Senning with arterial switch-was performed. The early postoperative period was relatively smooth and uneventful. Tricuspid valve insufficiency was resolved immediately after surgery. Mild systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle with mild mitral insufficiency was confirmed by the 2D strain method of echocardiography on the second day of the postoperative period and it improved over the next 21 days. Thirty days later after the procedure, the patient underwent catheterization of his superior vena cava tunnel because of the slightly increased blood flow velocity diagnosed by echocardiography. In 3 months after the surgery, the boy was asymptomatic and was doing well. The patient's functional status was I according to the NYHA classification.

Midterm results of anatomic repair in a subgroup of corrected transposition

BACKGROUND

Anatomic repair has become the preferred option in the subgroup of patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary obstruction. We report our 14-year experience with this approach.

METHODS

From April 2001 to February 2014, 22 patients with congenitally corrected transposition with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary obstruction underwent anatomic repair. Nineteen patients had a modified Senning-Rastelli procedure, 2 had a Mustard-Rastelli procedure, and one had a hemi-Mustard-Glenn-Rastelli procedure. The mean age was 10.9 years, and 8 (36.4%) patients were male.

RESULTS

There were 2 early deaths from sepsis and ventricular failure at 18 and 81 days postoperatively, and 3 late deaths from ventricular failure at 4, 33, and 113 months postoperatively. Left ventricular failure with mitral valve regurgitation was present in 3 of the 5 patients who died. Among the survivors, 3 underwent 4 transcatheter interventions for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and 3 underwent 4 reoperations for atrial pathway obstruction, left and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, or residual shunt. At a median follow-up of 64 months (range 14-167 months), 15 of 17 survivors were in functional class I. One patient had severe mitral valve regurgitation and was awaiting valve replacement. Another patient had right ventricular outflow conduit obstruction and was scheduled for reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of atrial switch-Rastelli procedures in this subgroup of patients with corrected transposition are satisfactory but still imperfect. Mitral regurgitation might predict a poor outcome. Long-term follow-up is necessary.

Left ventricular retraining: theory and practice

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries or l-transposition of the great arteries is characterized by discordance of both the atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial connections. Physiologic repair of associated conditions, whereby the morphologic right ventricle remains the systemic ventricle, has resulted in unsatisfactory long-term outcomes due to the development of right ventricular failure and tricuspid valve regurgitation. While intuitively attractive, anatomic repair also has inherent challenges and risks, particularly for those patients who present late and require left ventricular retraining. Although early and intermediate-term outcomes for anatomic repair have been encouraging, longer-term follow-up has demonstrated concern for late left ventricular dysfunction in this subgroup of patients. Continued monitoring of this challenging patient population will clarify late outcomes and inform clinical management in the future.

Late left ventricular dysfunction after anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

OBJECTIVE

Early results for anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) are excellent. However, the development of left ventricular dysfunction late after repair remains a concern. In this study we sought to determine factors leading to late left ventricular dysfunction and the impact of cardiac resynchronization as a primary and secondary (upgrade) mode of pacing.

METHODS

From 1992 to 2012, 106 patients (median age at surgery, 1.2 years; range, 2 months to 43 years) with ccTGA had anatomic repair. A retrospective review of preoperative variables, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes was performed.

RESULTS

In-hospital deaths occurred in 5.7% (n = 6), and there were 3 postdischarge deaths during a mean follow-up period of 5.2 years (range, 7 days to 18.2 years). Twelve patients (12%) developed moderate or severe left ventricular dysfunction. Thirty-eight patients (38%) were being paced at latest follow-up evaluation. Seventeen patients had resynchronization therapy, 9 as an upgrade from a prior dual-chamber system (8.5%) and 8 as a primary pacemaker (7.5%). Factors associated with left ventricular dysfunction were age at repair older than 10 years, weight greater than 20 kg, pacemaker implantation, and severe neo-aortic regurgitation. Eight of 9 patients undergoing secondary cardiac resynchronization therapy (upgrade) improved left ventricular function. None of the 8 patients undergoing primary resynchronization developed left ventricular dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Late left ventricular dysfunction after anatomic repair of ccTGA is not uncommon, occurring most often in older patients and in those requiring pacing. Early anatomic repair and cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients requiring a pacemaker could preclude the development of left ventricular dysfunction.

One hundred useful references in pediatric cardiac intensive care: the 2012 update

OBJECTIVE

The specialty of pediatric cardiac critical care has undergone rapid scientific and clinical growth in the last 25 years. The Board of Directors of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society assembled an updated list of sentinel references focused on the critical care of children with congenital and acquired heart disease. We encouraged board members to select articles that have influenced and informed their current practice or helped to establish the standard of care. The objective of this article is to provide clinicians with a compilation and brief summary of these updated 100 useful references.

DATA SOURCES

The list of 'One Hundred Useful References for Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care' (2004) and relevant literature to the practice of cardiac intensive care.

DATA SELECTION

A subset of Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society board members compiled the initial list of useful references in 2004, which served as the basis of the new updated list. Suggestions for relevant articles were submitted by the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society board members and selected pediatric cardiac intensivists with an interest in this project following the Society's meeting in 2010. Articles were considered for inclusion if they were named in the original list from 2004 or were suggested by Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society board members and published before December 31, 2011.

DATA EXTRACTION

Following submission of the complete list by the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society board and contributing Society members, articles were complied by the two co-first authors (D.A., D.K.). The authors also performed Medline searches to ensure comprehensive inclusion of all relevant articles. The final list was then submitted to the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society board members, who ranked each publication.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Rankings were compiled and the top 100 articles with the highest scores were selected for inclusion in this publication. The two co-first authors (D.A., D.K.) reviewed all existing summaries and developed summaries of the newly submitted articles.

CONCLUSIONS

An updated compilation of 100 useful references for the critical care of children with congenital and acquired heart disease has been compiled and summarized here. Clinicians and trainees may wish to use this document as a reference for education in this complex and challenging subspecialty.

Pulmonary venous obstruction in the atrial switch operation: a forgotten complication

The reported case involved a 7-year-old girl with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) and situs inversus who after surgical management experienced symptoms of dyspnea and left-sided obstructive heart disease. Her symptoms, chest X-ray, and cardiac catheterization demonstrated pulmonary venous obstruction, a known but rare complication associated with intra-atrial baffle obstruction. The incidence of the reported disorder, the follow-up assessment, and the current literature regarding complications of Senning/Mustard surgery are discussed in the context of patients with ccTGA.

Right ventricular performance in congenital heart disease: a physiologic and pathophysiologic perspective

Underappreciated is the fact that the right ventricle is often the primary determinant of long-term morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease. Right ventricular performance in these patients depends on a unique set of physiologic and pathophysiologic factors that are rarely considered in acquired heart disease. This article explores this unique physiology and pathophysiology in the hope that it will enhance understanding of a wide variety of congenital cardiac anomalies.

Anatomic repair for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: a single-institution 19-year experience

OBJECTIVE(S)

Anatomic repair for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) has been shown to improve patient survival. We sought to examine long-term outcomes in patients after anatomic repair with focus on results in high-risk patients, the fate of the neo-aortic valve, and occurrence of morphologically left ventricular dysfunction.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, single-institution study of patients undergoing anatomic repair for ccTGA. A total of 113 patients from 1991 to March 2011 were included. Double-switch (DS) repair was performed in 68 patients, with Rastelli-Senning (RS)-type repair in 45. Pulmonary artery banding for retraining was performed in 23 cases. Patients were followed up for survival status, morbidity, and reinterventions. A subgroup of 17 high-risk patients in severe heart failure, ventilated, and on inotropes before repair, were included.

RESULTS

Median age at repair was 3.2 years (range, 25 days to 40 years) and weight was 14.3 kg (3.2-61.4). There were 5 (of 68; 7.4%) early deaths in the DS group and 0 (of 45) in the RS group. Actuarial survivals in the DS group were 87.6%, 83.9%, 83.9% at 1, 5, and 10 years versus 91.6%, 91.6%, 77.3% in the RS group (log-rank: P = .98). Freedom from death, transplantation, or heart failure was significantly better in the RS group at 10 years (P = .03). There was no difference in reintervention at 10 years (DS, 50.3%; RS, 49.1%; P = .44). In the DS group, the Lecompte maneuver was associated with late reinterventions on the pulmonary arteries. Overall survival in the high-risk group was 70.6%. During follow-up, 14.2% patients had poor function of the morphologically left ventricle, all in the DS group, but this was not related to preoperative status or previous banding. The majority of patients after DS had mild aortic incompetence, which appeared well tolerated. Annuloplasty of the aortic root at time of DS reduced the risk of late aortic valve replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant morbidity after anatomic repair of ccTGA, which is higher in the DS than the RS group. Nevertheless, the majority of patients are free of heart failure at 10 years, including high-risk patients in severe heart failure before repair. Aortic annuloplasty may reduce risk of late aortic insufficiency.

Congenitally corrected transposition

Congenitally corrected transposition is a rare cardiac malformation characterized by the combination of discordant atrioventricular and ventriculo-arterial connections, usually accompanied by other cardiovascular malformations. Incidence has been reported to be around 1/33,000 live births, accounting for approximately 0.05% of congenital heart malformations. Associated malformations may include interventricular communications, obstructions of the outlet from the morphologically left ventricle, and anomalies of the tricuspid valve. The clinical picture and age of onset depend on the associated malformations, with bradycardia, a single loud second heart sound and a heart murmur being the most common manifestations. In the rare cases where there are no associated malformations, congenitally corrected transposition can lead to progressive atrioventricular valvar regurgitation and failure of the systemic ventricle. The diagnosis can also be made late in life when the patient presents with complete heart block or cardiac failure. The etiology of congenitally corrected transposition is currently unknown, and with an increase in incidence among families with previous cases of congenitally corrected transposition reported. Diagnosis can be made by fetal echocardiography, but is more commonly made postnatally with a combination of clinical signs and echocardiography. The anatomical delineation can be further assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and catheterization. The differential diagnosis is centred on the assessing if the patient is presenting with isolated malformations, or as part of a spectrum. Surgical management consists of repair of the associated malformations, or redirection of the systemic and pulmonary venous return associated with an arterial switch procedure, the so-called double switch approach. Prognosis is defined by the associated malformations, and on the timing and approach to palliative surgical care.

The Senning procedure as part of the double-switch operations for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

Anatomic correction of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) has brought about the renaissance of the atrial switch. The Senning procedure has become the most widely used variant because of the lower incidence of pathway obstruction, baffle leak, and significant late arrhythmias. It is for this reason the Senning is discussed in detail here. The technical steps of the Senning are both ingenious and unique amongst cardiac surgical procedures. They must be made as safe and reproducible as possible because the procedure is no longer commonly performed and trainee surgeons may have only very limited exposure to these types of operation. In addition to its infrequency, there are additional technical issues regarding the atrial switch in the setting of ccTGA, particularly in relation to associated malposition of the heart and the conduction system. Outcomes for the Senning procedure in ccTGA have been very good, with early complications being extremely rare. Obstruction to the superior vena cava pathway has been recorded in less than 3% of cases and can usually be managed by interventional catheterization. Late problems with atrial arrhythmias have not been widely reported, but this may reflect the relatively short follow-up for these patient cohorts compared with older series in d-TGA.

The modified Senning procedure as an integral part of an anatomical correction of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

In the current era of anatomical correction of complete transposition of the great arteries, the Senning operation is reserved only for the atrial switch part of anatomical corrections of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. These rare operations are performed in only a few centers all over the world; the majority of practicing cardiac surgeons therefore have limited experience with the Senning operation. The proposed modified Senning procedure might simplify the original concept. Once the technical aspect of the procedure is accomplished, the risk of systemic and pulmonary baffle obstructions is minimal, even in situs solitus with dextrocardia or situs inversus with levocardia. Furthermore, this technique has the potential to provide adequate capacity of the pulmonary venous atrium, to preserve optimal geometry of the mitral valve, to minimize damage of sinus node and to make the coronary sinus accessible for electrophysiological studies or intervention by keeping the coronary sinus in the systemic venous baffle. The modified technique is simple, highly reproducible and applicable, regardless of the situs and position of the apex of the heart.

Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries

In patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, the main concern has been the long-term performance of the morphologic right ventricle in association with tricuspid valve regurgitation when it remains as the systemic ventricle. Deterioration in ventricular function can occur slowly over many years, even without associated cardiac anomalies or previous surgical interventions. This review summarizes the authors' experience and provides a thorough review of the literature addressing the management of the failing systemic right ventricle as well as the tricuspid valve regurgitation with congenitally corrected transposition. This includes different surgical options, the authors' preferred management algorithm, and the late outcome.

The hemi-Mustard/bidirectional Glenn atrial switch procedure in the double-switch operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: rationale and midterm results

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to assess the risks and benefits of the double-switch operation using a hemi-Mustard atrial switch procedure and the bidirectional Glenn operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. To avoid complications associated with the complete Senning and Mustard procedures and to assist right-heart hemodynamics, we favor a modified atrial switch procedure, consisting of a hemi-Mustard procedure to baffle inferior vena caval return to the tricuspid valve in conjunction with a bidirectional Glenn operation.

METHODS

Between January 1994 and September 2009, anatomic repair was achieved in 48 patients. The Rastelli-atrial switch procedure was performed in 25 patients with pulmonary atresia and the arterial-atrial switch procedure was performed in 23 patients. A hemi-Mustard procedure was the atrial switch procedure for 70% (33/48) of anatomic repairs.

RESULTS

There was 1 in-hospital death after anatomic repair. There were no late deaths or transplantation. At a median follow-up of 59.2 months, 43 of 47 survivors are in New York Heart Association class I. Bidirectional Glenn operation complications were uncommon (2/33), limited to the perioperative period, and seen in patients less than 4 months of age. Atrial baffle-related reoperations or sinus node dysfunction have not been observed. Tricuspid regurgitation decreased from a mean grade of 2.3 to 1.2 after repair (P = .00002). Right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit longevity is significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a 15-year experience with the double-switch operation using a modified atrial switch procedure with favorable midterm results. The risks of the hemi-mustard and bidirectional Glenn operation are minimal and are limited to a well-defined patient subset. The benefits include prolonged conduit life, reduced baffle- and sinus node-related complications, and technical simplicity.

Long term follow up after surgery in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with a right ventricle in the systemic circulation

Aim of the study

To investigate the long-term outcome of surgical treatment for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA), in patients with biventricular repair with the right ventricle as systemic ventricle.

Methods

A total of 32 patients with CCTGA were operated between January 1972 and October 2008. These operations comprised 18 patients with a repair with a normal left ventricular outflow tract, 11 patients with a Rastelli repair of the left ventricle to the pulmonary artery and 3 patients with a cardiac transplantation.

Results

Excluding the cardiac transplantation patients, mean age at operation was 16 years (sd 15 years, range 1 week - 49 years). Median follow-up was 12 years (sd 10 years, range 7 days - 32 years). Survival obtained from Kaplan-Meier analysis at 20 years after surgery was 63% (CI 53-73%). For the non-Rastelli group these data at 20 years were 62% (CI 48-76%) and for the Rastelli group 67% (CI 51-83%). Freedom of reoperation at 20 years was 32% (CI 19-45%) in the overall group. In the non-Rastelli group the data at 20 years were 47% (CI 11-83%) and for the Rastelli group 21% (CI 0-54%) after almost 19 years.

Conclusions

Long term follow up confirms that surgery in CCTGA with the right ventricle as systemic ventricle has a suboptimal survival and limited freedom of reoperation. Death occurred mostly as a result of cardiac failure.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society 2009 Consensus Conference on the management of adults with congenital heart disease: complex congenital cardiac lesions

With advances in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery, the population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased. In the current era, there are more adults with CHD than children. This population has many unique issues and needs. They have distinctive forms of heart failure and their cardiac disease can be associated with pulmonary hypertension, thromboemboli, complex arrhythmias and sudden death. Medical aspects that need to be considered relate to the long-term and multisystemic effects of single ventricle physiology, cyanosis, systemic right ventricles, complex intracardiac baffles and failing subpulmonary right ventricles. Since the 2001 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Consensus Conference report on the management of adults with CHD, there have been significant advances in the field of adult CHD. Therefore, new clinical guidelines have been written by Canadian adult CHD physicians in collaboration with an international panel of experts in the field. Part III of the guidelines includes recommendations for the care of patients with complete transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, Fontan operations and single ventricles, Eisenmenger's syndrome, and cyanotic heart disease. Topics addressed include genetics, clinical outcomes, recommended diagnostic workup, surgical and interventional options, treatment of arrhythmias, assessment of pregnancy risk and follow-up requirements. The complete document consists of four manuscripts, which are published online in the present issue of The Canadian Journal of Cardiology. The complete document and references can also be found at www.ccs.ca or www.cachnet.org.

Outcomes of biventricular repair for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to evaluate long-term results of biventricular repairs for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, and to analyze the risk factors that affect mortality and morbidity.

METHODS

Between 1983 and 2009, 167 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries underwent biventricular repairs. The physiologic repairs were performed in 123 patients, and anatomic repairs in 44. Average follow-up was 9.3 +/- 6.6 years.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier estimated survival was 83.3% +/- 0.5% at 25 years in biventricular repair. In anatomic repair, left ventricular training and right ventricular dysfunction had negative impact on survival, but bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt had positive impact on survival. The reoperation-free ratio was 10.1% +/- 7.8% at 22 years after physiologic repair, and 46.2% +/- 12.4% at 15 years after anatomic repair (p = 0.885). Freedom from any arrhythmia was 49.6% +/- 7.5% at 22 years after physiologic repair, and 60.8% +/- 14.8% at 18 years after anatomic repair (p = 0.458). Freedom from systemic atrioventricular valve and ventricular dysfunction as well as tricuspid valve and right ventricular dysfunction was significantly higher in anatomic repair than in physiologic repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term results of biventricular repair were satisfactory. Patients presenting with right ventricular dysfunction or need for left ventricular training represent a high-risk group of anatomic repair for which selection criteria are particularly important. Late functional outcomes of anatomic repair were excellent compared with physiologic repair. Anatomic repair is the procedure of choice for those patients if both ventricles are adequate or if surgical technique is modified with the help of additional a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt.

Early and intermediate outcome after anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND

Anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries has become a useful surgical strategy with potential advantages over conventional surgical repair. We describe early and intermediate outcomes after anatomic repair and analyze potential risk factors influencing these outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on all patients undergoing anatomic repair between January 1993 and January 2009. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Variables potentially associated with outcome were identified a priori. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between these variables and all outcome measures.

RESULTS

In 65 patients who underwent anatomic repair, 35 had Senning/arterial switch and 30 had Senning/Rastelli. Early and intermediate survival rates for Senning/arterial switch operations were 94% and 91%, respectively. Repairs were successful in patients with tricuspid regurgitation, left ventricular outflow obstruction, and left ventricular dysfunction. Predictors of outcome were not identified in this subset. Early and intermediate survival rates for Senning/Rastelli operations were 77% and 60%, respectively. Longer aortic cross-clamp (p = 0.03) and cardiopulmonary bypass times (p = 0.01) were associated with mortality. Ventricular septal defect enlargement was associated with surgical heart block (p < 0.01). Age, prior procedures, atrial-apical discordance, and tricuspid regurgitation were not associated with outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Senning/arterial switch operations can be performed with excellent intermediate-term outcomes in patients with lesions previously thought to confer higher risk. Candidates for Senning/Rastelli procedures may be at increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. More data are necessary to determine factors influencing outcome after anatomic repair.

Anatomic repair for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

OBJECTIVE

Anatomic repair is being actively evaluated as the preferred option for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. We present our 13-year experience with this approach.

METHODS

Between May 1994 and September 2007, 68 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries underwent anatomic repair. Thirty-one patients (group 1, mean age of 94.8 +/- 42.3 months) underwent a combined Rastelli and atrial switch operation. Thirty-seven patients (group 2, mean age of 36.1 +/- 46.9 months) underwent an arterial switch operation and atrial rerouting. Eight patients in group 2 had an intact ventricular septum.

RESULTS

Group 1 had 5 early deaths (17%) but no late deaths. Three patients underwent conduit revision at a mean follow-up of 62 months. Group 2 had 5 early deaths (13.5%). There were 4 late reoperations (2 pulmonary baffle revisions, 1 mitral valve replacement, and 1 permanent pacemaker implantation) and 4 late deaths (1 secondary to progressive left ventricular dysfunction, 2 secondary to uncontrolled atrial tachyarrhythmia, and 1 secondary to pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure). In group 2, 4 patients have a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%, 5 patients have moderate aortic incompetence, 5 patients have symptomatic tricuspid incompetence, 1 patient has tricuspid stenosis, 1 patient has superior cava obstruction, and 3 patients are receiving antiarrhythmic therapy.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of left ventricular dysfunction indicate that anatomic repair in the arterial switch group is still fraught with imperfections. The Rastelli group required conduit revisions but has otherwise performed well.