Total repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals: an integrated approach

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Impact of Genetics in the Treatment of Conotruncal Heart Defects

Congenital heart diseases represent one of the hallmarks of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. In particular, conotruncal heart defects are the most frequent cardiac malformations and are often associated with other specific additional cardiovascular anomalies. These findings, together with extracardiac manifestations, may affect perioperative management and influence clinical and surgical outcome. Over the past decades, advances in genetic and clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment have led to increased survival of these patients and to progressive improvements in postoperative outcome. Several studies have investigated long-term follow-up and results of cardiac surgery in this syndrome. The aim of our review is to examine the current literature data regarding cardiac outcome and surgical prognosis of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. We thoroughly evaluate the most frequent conotruncal heart defects associated with this syndrome, such as tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, aortic arch interruption, and truncus arteriosus, highlighting the impact of genetic aspects, comorbidities, and anatomical features on cardiac surgical treatment.

Perioperative and Anesthetic Considerations in Tetralogy of Fallot With Pulmonary Atresia

Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia (ToF-PA) is a rare diagnosis that includes an extraordinarily heterogeneous group of complex anatomical findings with significant implications for physiology and prognosis. In addition to the classic findings of ToF, this particular diagnosis is characterized by complete failure of forward flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arterial system. As such, pulmonary blood flow is entirely dependent on shunting from the systemic circulation, most frequently via a patent ductus arteriosus, major aortopulmonary collaterals, or a combination of the two. The pathophysiology of ToF-PA is largely attributable to the abnormalities of the pulmonary vasculature. Ultimately, these patients require operative intervention to create a reliable, controlled source of pulmonary blood flow and ideally complete intracardiac repair. Even after operative correction, these patients remain at risk for pulmonary arterial stenoses and pulmonary hypertension. Although there have been significant advances in surgical and interventional management of ToF-PA leading to dramatic improvements in survival and long-term functional status, there is ongoing debate about the optimal management strategy given the risk of development of irreversible abnormalities of the pulmonary vasculature and the morbidity and mortality associated with sometimes multiple, complex operative interventions often occurring early in infancy. This review will discuss the findings in patients with ToF-PA with a focus on the perioperative and anesthetic management and will highlight challenges faced by the anesthesiologist in caring for these patients.

Surgical Management of Fallot's Tetralogy With Pulmonary Atresia and Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries: Multistage Versus One-Stage Repair

A strict and rational approach to Fallot's tetralogy with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries allows to achieve optimal results. Rehabilitative and unifocalization strategies do not constitute separate philosophies; instead the surgical strategy should be tailored to each individual patient. Based on our previous experience, the ability to achieve definitive intracardiac repair is the real determinant of both improved survival and adequate systolic right ventricular performance on mid-term follow-up.

Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Outcome of Fetuses with Pulmonary Atresia and Ventricular Septal Defect

PURPOSE

 To assess the intrauterine course, associated conditions and postnatal outcome of fetuses with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PAVSD).

METHODS

 All cases of PAVSD diagnosed prenatally over a period of 10 years with a minimum follow-up of 6.5 years were retrospectively collected in 3 tertiary referral centers.

RESULTS

 50 cases of PAVSD were diagnosed prenatally. 44.0 % of fetuses had isolated PAVSD, 4.0 % had associated cardiac anomalies, 10.0 % had extra-cardiac anomalies, 38.0 % had chromosomal anomalies, 4.0 % had non-chromosomal syndromes. Among the 32 liveborn children, 56.3 % had reverse flow in the patent arterial duct, 25.0 % had major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) with ductal agenesis and 18.7 % had a double supply. 17 pregnancies were terminated (34.0 %), there was 1 intrauterine fetal death (2.0 %), 1 neonatal death (2.0 %), and 6 deaths (12.0 %) in infancy. 25 of 30 (83.3 %) liveborn children with an intention to treat were alive at the latest follow-up. The mean follow-up among survivors was 10.0 years (range 6.5-15.1). 56.0 % of infants underwent staged repair, 44.0 % had one-stage complete repair. After exclusion of infants with additional chromosomal or syndromal anomalies, 88.9 % were healthy, and 11.1 % had mild limitations. The presence of MAPCAs did not differ significantly between survivors and non-survivors (p = 0.360), between one-stage or staged repair (p = 0.656) and healthy and impaired infants (p = 0.319).

CONCLUSION

 The prognosis in cases without chromosomal or syndromal anomalies is good. MAPCAs did not influence prognosis or postoperative health. The incidence of repeat interventions due to recurrent stenoses is significantly higher after staged compared with single-stage repair.

Repair of Untreated Older Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot With Major Aortopulmonary Collaterals

BACKGROUND

Our programmatic approach to tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collaterals emphasizes single-stage unifocalization with complete intracardiac repair during infancy. Little is known about suitability for complete repair in patients beyond infancy. We sought to analyze outcomes of our approach in older patients with previously untreated tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collaterals.

METHODS

Any patient with this lesion not treated before 2 years of age referred to our center from 2002 to 2017 met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Of 33 patients, 32 were out-of-state (64% international) referrals, and 33% (n = 11) were older than 9 years, had polycythemia, or at least 1 high pressure collateral (>25 mm Hg). Complete repair was achieved in 94% (n = 31) of patients, 82% (n = 27) in one stage and 12% (n = 4) after unifocalization to a central shunt. The median right ventricular-to-aortic pressure ratio was 0.31 after the operation and 0.37 at follow-up. At a median of 4.8 years after repair, 9 patients (19%) underwent reintervention, including 5 conduit and 7 branch pulmonary artery interventions. Three patients also underwent aortic valve replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

In this selected cohort of older patients with previously unoperated tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collaterals, outcomes were comparable with infants undergoing treatment according to our approach. These findings support the notion that patients who are either born in low-resource settings or present to health care providers beyond infancy should be considered candidates and evaluated for complete repair.

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals: collateral vessel disease burden and unifocalisation strategies

IntroductionThe optimal approach to unifocalisation in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (pulmonary artery/ventricular septal defect/major aortopulmonary collaterals) remains controversial. Moreover, the impact of collateral vessel disease burden on surgical decision-making and late outcomes remains poorly defined. We investigated our centre's experience in the surgical management of pulmonary artery/ventricular septal defect/major aortopulmonary collaterals.Materials and methodsBetween 1996 and 2015, 84 consecutive patients with pulmonary artery/ventricular septal defect/major aortopulmonary collaterals underwent unifocalisation. In all, 41 patients received single-stage unifocalisation (Group 1) and 43 patients underwent multi-stage repair (Group 2). Preoperative collateral vessel anatomy, branch pulmonary artery reinterventions, ventricular septal defect status, and late right ventricle/left ventricle pressure ratio were evaluated.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 4.8 compared with 5.7 years for Groups 1 and 2, respectively, p = 0.65. Median number of major aortopulmonary collaterals/patient was 3, ranging from 1 to 8, in Group 1 compared with 4, ranging from 1 to 8, in Group 2, p = 0.09. Group 2 had a higher number of lobar/segmental stenoses within collateral vessels (p = 0.02). Group 1 had fewer catheter-based branch pulmonary artery reinterventions, with 5 (inter-quartile range from 1 to 7) per patient, compared with 9 (inter-quartile range from 4 to 14) in Group 2, p = 0.009. Among patients who achieved ventricular septal defect closure, median right ventricle/left ventricle pressure was 0.48 in Group 1 compared with 0.78 in Group 2, p = 0.03. Overall mortality was 6 (17%) in Group 1 compared with 9 (21%) in Group 2.DiscussionSingle-stage unifocalisation is a promising repair strategy in select patients, achieving low rates of reintervention for branch pulmonary artery restenosis and excellent mid-term haemodynamic outcomes. However, specific anatomic substrates of pulmonary artery/ventricular septal defect/major aortopulmonary collaterals may be better suited to multi-stage repair. Preoperative evaluation of collateral vessel calibre and function may help inform more patient-specific surgical management.

Midterm Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricular Function After Midline Unifocalization

BACKGROUND

Patients with an open ventricular septal defect (VSD) after repair of pulmonary atresia (PA), VSD, and major aortopulmonary collaterals (MAPCAs) are the most vulnerable subgroup. We analyzed the impact of concomitant versus delayed VSD closure on survival and intermediate-term right ventricular (RV) function.

METHODS

Between October 1996 and February 2017, 96 patients underwent a pulmonary flow study-aided repair of PA/VSD/MAPCAs. For patients who underwent either concomitant or delayed intracardiac repair, echocardiographic RV systolic function was retrospectively calculated to assess (1) RV fractional area change (RVFAC) and (2) two-dimensional RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) of the free wall of the right ventricle. QLAB cardiac analysis software version 10.3 (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA) was used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients underwent concomitant VSD closure at the time of unifocalization, and 16 patients underwent delayed VSD closure at a median of 2.3 years (range: 3 days to 7.4 years). At a median follow-up of 8.1 years (range: 0.1 to 19.5 years) for the concomitant repair group versus 7.4 years (range: 0.01 to 15.3 years) for the delayed repair group, no differences in RVFAC and RVLS were observed (RVFAC: 41.0% ± 6.2% versus 41.2% ± 7.6%, p = 0.91; RVLS: -18.7 ± 4.3 versus -18.9 ± 4.0, p = 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients (83%) with PA/VSD/MAPCAs underwent complete repair at intermediate-term follow-up with preserved RV function. Delayed VSD closure was accomplished in 50% of the patients initially deemed unsuitable for repair. Delayed VSD closure did not affect survival and did not portend impaired RV systolic function.

Programmatic Approach to Management of Tetralogy of Fallot With Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries

Background—

Tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries is a complex and heterogeneous condition. Our institutional approach to this lesion emphasizes early complete repair with the incorporation of all lung segments and extensive lobar and segmental pulmonary artery reconstruction.

Methods and Results—

We reviewed all patients who underwent surgical intervention for tetralogy of Fallot and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford (LPCHS) since November 2001. A total of 458 patients underwent surgery, 291 (64%) of whom underwent their initial procedure at LPCHS. Patients were followed for a median of 2.7 years (mean 4.3 years) after the first LPCHS surgery, with an estimated survival of 85% at 5 years after first surgical intervention. Factors associated with worse survival included first LPCHS surgery type other than complete repair and Alagille syndrome. Of the overall cohort, 402 patients achieved complete unifocalization and repair, either as a single-stage procedure (n=186), after initial palliation at our center (n=74), or after surgery elsewhere followed by repair/revision at LPCHS (n=142). The median right ventricle:aortic pressure ratio after repair was 0.35. Estimated survival after repair was 92.5% at 10 years and was shorter in patients with chromosomal anomalies, older age, a greater number of collaterals unifocalized, and higher postrepair right ventricle pressure.

Conclusions—

Using an approach that emphasizes early complete unifocalization and repair with incorporation of all pulmonary vascular supply, we have achieved excellent results in patients with both native and previously operated tetralogy of Fallot and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries.

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries: primary repair

Primary repair of pulmonary atresia (PA) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and major aortopulmonary collaterals based on single-stage unifocalization was first reported in 1995. From a midline approach, all collaterals are extensively dissected, translocated in front of the oesophagus and/or the trachea, when required, and directly anastomosed to each other or to the native pulmonary arteries, whenever present, without interposition of prosthetic material. The need for concomitant VSD closure is assessed intraoperatively with a pulmonary flow study according to a standardized protocol. Pulmonary blood supply is established by valved conduit interposition in all patients, regardless of the suitability for VSD closure. Palliation with systemic-pulmonary shunt is reserved for selected cases. Between 1994 and 2015, 94 patients with a median age of 1.09 years (range 0.03-19) underwent single-stage unifocalization at our institution. In 78 (82.1%) of them, an intraoperative pulmonary flow study was utilized to assess acceptability for concomitant VSD closure, which was accomplished in 69 cases (73%). Intraoperatively, following VSD closure, the mean right ventricle-to-aortic pressure ratio was 0.49 ± 0.14. The overall mortality rate was 11.2% (n = 10), with an 82% survival at 12.5 years. At a median follow-up interval of 5.8 years, the right ventricle-to-aortic pressure ratio did not differ significantly from the early postoperative phase. The surgical results of primary repair of PA with VSD and major aortopulmonary collaterals based on single-stage unifocalization and an intraoperative pulmonary flow study are satisfactory and durable, despite the need for repeated percutaneous or surgical reinterventions.

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals: single-stage complete unifocalization

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals (MAPCAs) is a complex lesion. Since the concept of primary one-stage unifocalization evolved in the 1990s, the results of surgical treatment have improved significantly. From the midline approach, most of MAPCAs are dissected in the posterior mediastinal space between the ascending aorta and the superior vena cava. Extensive dissection maximizes the length of each MAPCA, which makes direct anastomosis of native tissue feasible without use of prosthetic materials. Pulmonary blood supply is established by a systemic-pulmonary shunt. The procedure was performed in 13 patients with 7.7% of hospital mortality. There was 1 late death because of infection in a patient with deletion of chromosome 22q11.2. Nine patients underwent intracardiac repair without mortality. The ratio of right ventricular systolic pressure to the systemic pressure after intracardiac repair did not exceed 0.5, except for 1 patient. Although further follow-up is necessary, midline one-stage unifocalization is considered as the standard procedure for this lesion.

Tetralogy of Fallot: aorto-pulmonary collaterals and pulmonary arteries have distinctly different transcriptomes

BACKGROUND

Tetralogy of Fallot patients with pulmonary atresia (TOF/PA) present a pulmonary blood supply directly from aortic collateral arteries. Major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) present substantial clinical and surgical management challenges. Surgical operations to reestablish and promote further development of a pulmonary arterial connection preferentially utilize MAPCAs for reconstruction of central pulmonary arteries. However, the propensity of some MAPCAs to develop stenosis rather than growth may impair the response to reconstructions.

METHODS

Probe sets prepared from MAPCAs, PA, and aorta mRNA were used to interrogate human genome microarrays. We compared expression differences between pairs of the three vessels to determine whether MAPCAs display distinct expression patterns.

RESULTS

Functional clustering analysis identified differences in gene expression, which were further analyzed by gene ontology classification. A subset of highly regulated genes was validated using quantitative PCR. Expression differences among vessel types were observed for multiple gene classes. Of note, we observed that MAPCAs differentially express several genes at much higher levels than either PA or aorta.

CONCLUSION

MAPCAs differ from PA or aorta by significantly altered levels in gene expression, suggesting a transcriptional basis for their physiology that will guide a further understanding of the pathobiology of MAPCAs and TOF.

An institutional approach to, and results for, patient with tetralogy with pulmonary atresia and major systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries

BACKGROUND

Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and diminutive or absent intrapericardial pulmonary arteries is a rare congenital abnormality, with high morbidity and mortality. Despite great advances in surgical- and catheter-based therapies, management remains challenging and controversial. We describe the surgical methods and the results from our institution.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of the medical records of patients included in our institutional database with tetralogy and pulmonary atresia, concentrating on those predominantly managed by our programme over their lifetime. We obtained demographics and records of all catheterisations and operations, and established mortality. We assessed the current state of those surviving in terms of clinical function at their most recent clinical evaluation and right ventricular function by echocardiography.

RESULTS

We assessed 38 patients, with 89% follow-up. The mean number of catheterisations for each patients was 5, with a range from 1 to 15. The mean number of operations was 2.2, with a range from 1 to 6. Unifocalisation had been performed in 26 patients, with 12 undergoing procedures to recruit the native pulmonary vasculature. Of the overall cohort, eight patients died. The ventricular septal defect had been closed in all but two patients. Most patients have no or mild exercise intolerance. Right ventricle dysfunction has been a continuing hazard for 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS

An individualised approach, using unifocalisation as well as aggressive attempts to recruit the available native pulmonary vasculature, achieves outcomes in the intermediate term superior to the natural history of the lesions, and comparable with those of other studies.

Impact of DEL22q11, trisomy 21, and other genetic syndromes on surgical outcome of conotruncal heart defects

OBJECTIVE

Genetic syndromes occur in more than 20% of patients with conotruncal heart defects. We investigated the impact of genetic syndromes on the surgical outcome of conotruncal anomalies in infancy.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviews the outcome of 787 patients (median age 6.3 months) who underwent primary (598) or staged (189) repair of a conotruncal defect between 1992 and 2007.

RESULTS

Proven genetic syndrome was diagnosed in 211 patients (26.8%), including del22q11 (91 patients), trisomy 21 (29 patients), VACTERL (18 patients), and other syndromes (73 patients). Primary repair was accomplished in 80.9% of nonsyndromic patients and 74.4% of syndromic patients (P = .18) Fifteen-year cumulative survival was 84.3% +/- 2.3% in nonsyndromic patients and 73.2% +/- 4.2% in syndromic patients (P < .001). Primary and staged repair allowed similar 15-year survival (81.4% +/- 4.5% vs 79.1% +/- 5.1%, P = .8). Freedom from noncardiac cause of death was significantly lower in syndromic patients (P = .0056). Fifteen-year Kaplan-Meier survival was 87.6% +/- 3.9% for del22q11, 95.8% +/- 4.1% for trisomy 21, 56.8% +/- 6.3% for VACTERL, and 62.3% +/- 12.7% for patients with other syndromes (P = .022). Total intensive care unit stay was 10.8 +/- 4.9 days in syndromic patients and 5.1 +/- 1.7 days in nonsyndromic patients (P < .001). Freedom from reintervention 15 years after repair was 79.6% +/- 4.9% in nonsyndromic patients and 62.4% +/- 7.4% in syndromic patients (P = .007).

CONCLUSION

Del22q11 and trisomy 21 do not represent risk factors for mortality after repair of conotruncal anomalies, whereas other syndromes adversely affect the surgical outcome for predominant noncardiac attrition. Higher morbidity and lower mid-term freedom from reintervention can be predicted in syndromic patients.

Cardiac defects and results of cardiac surgery in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Specific types and subtypes of cardiac defects have been described in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome as well as in other genetic syndromes. The conotruncal heart defects occurring in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome include tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, truncus arteriosus, interrupted aortic arch, isolated anomalies of the aortic arch, and ventricular septal defect. These conotruncal heart defects are frequently associated in this syndrome with additional cardiovascular anomalies of the aortic arch, pulmonary arteries, infundibular septum, and semilunar valves complicating cardiac anatomy and surgical treatment. In this review we describe the surgical anatomy, the operative treatment, and the prognostic results of the cardiac defects associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. According to the current literature, in patients with tetralogy of Fallot with/without pulmonary atresia and truncus arteriosus, in spite of the complex cardiac anatomy, the presence of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome does not worsen the surgical prognosis. On the contrary in children with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and probably in those with interrupted aortic arch the association with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is probably a risk factor for the operative treatment. The complex cardiovascular anatomy in association with depressed immunological status, pulmonary vascular reactivity, neonatal hypocalcemia, bronchomalacia and broncospasm, laryngeal web, and tendency to airway bleeding must be considered at the time of diagnosis and surgical procedure. Specific diagnostic, surgical, and perioperative protocols should be applied in order to provide appropriate treatment and to reduce surgical mortality and morbidity.

Radiofrequency perforation of the right ventricular outflow tract as a palliative strategy for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency perforation (RF) of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), while an effective management strategy in children with an intact ventricular septum, has not been fully detailed in those presenting with a ventricular septal defect.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether transcatheter perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve is an acceptable management strategy prior to surgical repair.

RESULTS

Valve perforation was attempted in eight children seen between May 2000 and March 2006, five being infants between 1 and 9 days of age. In five children, this was the first of two procedures, the second a planned surgical correction. The RF was successful in six children with one child requiring additional stenting of the RVOT. Of these children, three attained a biventricular repair within the next year without additional palliative surgical procedures. Of the remaining three patients, one is awaiting surgical correction, one did not require further surgery, and one had this procedure as the only planned palliation. The two children in whom RF was not possible were referred for surgical augmentation of pulmonary blood flow.

CONCLUSION

A treatment strategy that includes pulmonary valve perforation as initial palliation to increase pulmonary blood flow may be effective. Additional experience to better define those children who would benefit from this treatment algorithm is required.

Prenatally diagnosed pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect: echocardiography, genetics, associated anomalies and outcome

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, the association with genetic and extracardiac anomalies, and outcome in fetuses with isolated pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective study in a tertiary centre for fetal cardiology.

PATIENTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

Echocardiographic video recordings of 27 consecutive fetuses with PA-VSD were reviewed for: (1) intracardiac anatomy; (2) presence of confluence and size of the branch pulmonary arteries; (3) source of pulmonary blood supply; and (4) side of the aortic arch. Postmortem and postnatal data were added. Karyotyping was performed in 25 patients and, in 23 of these, fluorescent in situ hybridisation to identify 22q11.2 deletion.

RESULTS

PA-VSD was correctly diagnosed in 19 of 21 patients (90%) with postnatal or autopsy confirmation of diagnosis. Central pulmonary arteries were correctly identified in 79% (15/19), the source of pulmonary blood supply in 62% (13/21) and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries in 44% (4/9). Aneuploidy was detected in 4 of 25 patients (16%) and 22q11.2 deletion in 6 of 23 patients (26%). Five of 27 patients (19%) had extracardiac anomalies. Eleven pregnancies were interrupted. Eleven of 16 liveborn babies survived. Neonatal survival was 15 of 16 (94%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 70 to 100), one-year survival was 9 of 12 (75%, 95% CI 43 to 95) and two-year survival was 5 of 9 (56%, 95% CI 21 to 86).

CONCLUSION

PA-VSD can be diagnosed by fetal echocardiography with a high degree of accuracy. However, it can be difficult to determine the morphology of the central pulmonary arteries and to locate the source of pulmonary blood supply. In most liveborn infants, complete surgical repair can be achieved.

One-Stage Unifocalization and Palliative Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction

We report a successful case of one-stage unifocalization concomitant with palliative right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction for pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries and central pulmonary arterial absence. Through a median sternotomy, one-stage unifocalization was accomplished using autologous pericardial conduit and no prosthetic material. To achieve an adequate pulmonary blood flow, the right ventricular outflow tract was reconstructed so that it would be 70% of the normal pulmonary annular diameter, while the ventricular septal defect was left open. One-stage unifocalization concomitant with palliative right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction is considered to be a good surgical option for selected patients with these diseases.

The influence of pulmonary artery morphology on the results of operations for major aortopulmonary collateral arteries and complex congenital heart defects

OBJECTIVE

Congenital heart defects with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries show marked variability in the size and distribution of native pulmonary arteries. We sought to classify the size and distribution of native pulmonary arteries and to determine their influence on surgical outcome.

METHODS

Between 1989 and 2002, 164 patients underwent surgical intervention for congenital heart defects with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (median age, 10 months). Three patterns of native pulmonary arteries were identified: intrapericardial native pulmonary arteries present (group I); confluent intrapulmonary native pulmonary arteries without intrapericardial native pulmonary arteries (group II); and nonconfluent intrapulmonary native pulmonary arteries (group III). Thirty-seven (23%) patients had single-stage and 76 (47%) patients had multistage complete repair. Thirty (18%) patients await septation, and 8 (5.0%) patients are not septatable. Follow-up is 98% complete (median follow-up, 5.8 years).

RESULTS

In the 164 patients there were 15 (9.1%) early and 12 (7.3%) late deaths. Early mortality after complete repair was 4.4% (n = 5). Actuarial survival was 90% +/- 3% and 85% +/- 4% at 1 and 10 years, respectively. Actuarial freedom from surgical or catheter reintervention in septated patients was 77% +/- 4% and 45% +/- 8% at 1 and 10 years, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the morphology of the native pulmonary arteries was the only factor that influenced actuarial survival after complete repair (P =.04). Group III had the highest risk of death after septation (P =.008). Group II fared better than group III after the initial operation (P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Current classifications of congenital heart defects with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries are based on the presence or absence of intrapericardial pulmonary arteries. We have identified a subgroup without intrapericardial native pulmonary arteries but with confluent intrapulmonary native pulmonary arteries. This group has a better outcome than those with nonconfluent intrapulmonary native pulmonary arteries.

Primary repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals: a useful approach

BACKGROUND

The ultimate goal of surgical therapy for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries is to create unobstructed and separate in series pulmonary and systemic circuits. Our preference has been a 1-stage complete unifocalization technique, avoiding collateral anastomosis with either the native pulmonary arteries or other aortopulmonary collateral vessels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Since 1998, 5 patients (median age 29.6 months) with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries have undergone surgical correction, consisting of (1) exclusion of a descending thoracic aortic segment from which all major aortopulmonary collateral arteries originate, and (2) connection of this aortic segment to the native pulmonary artery using an interposition polytetrafluoroethylene conduit. The ventricular septal defect was closed in all patients, and the right ventricle was connected to the unifocalized pulmonary artery with a valved conduit. All patients survived the operation. Two patients required reexploration for postoperative bleeding. One patient remained on mechanical ventilation for 17 days due to a pulmonary infection. During follow-up (12-21 months), no patient required additional interventions. The postoperative right ventricular/left ventricular pressure ratio was 0.55 median. No significant stenosis within the reconstructed pulmonary circuit was identified. All patients remain free of symptoms, requiring no medications.

CONCLUSION

Intracardiac repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries can be accomplished by a midline 1-stage repair including complete unifocalization of all pulmonary blood supply without individual collateral anastomosis in selected patients. This approach offers a convenient and satisfactory surgical option.

Staged repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries: Experience with 104 patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the early and intermediate-term outcome of the staged repair used to treat children with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries.

METHODS

We reviewed a retrospective case series of 104 patients with this complex lesion. Information was obtained from medical records and referring physicians.

RESULTS

Of the 104 patients treated with the staged repair, 58 achieved completion of anatomic repair. The 10-year mortality was 16.5%. In the patients with complete repair, the median right-to-left ventricle pressure ratio was 0.5. The overall surgical reoperation rate was 17%, and 15.5% of patients required postoperative interventional cardiac catheterization. In the multivariate analysis, the number of collateral vessels incorporated in the repair was found to be an independent risk factor for postoperative mortality and an elevated right-to-left ventricle pressure ratio after complete repair.

CONCLUSION

The staged repair can be successfully used to treat patients with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. This method yields a relatively low mortality with good functional results.

Management of Pulmonary Atresia with Ventricular Septal Defect

It has been nearly 40 years since Kirklin, at the Mayo Clinic in 1964, performed the first surgical repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect using a nonvalved extracardiac conduit, which he created out of the patient's pericardium, and this patient continues to do well. In the subsequent four decades, great advances have been made in the diagnosis, with regard to the often very complex anatomy of pulmonary blood supply that this extremely heterogeneous group of patients manifest, and their subsequent surgical management. Unifocalization procedures have permitted eventual complete correction in patients with nonconfluent pulmonary artery segments, and advances in infant surgery have enabled most patients to achieve correction in the early childhood years. Although the ideal extracardiac conduit has yet to be developed, necessitating periodic conduit replacement in corrected patients, the late results in this group of patients are generally excellent, with many now achieving survival well into the adulthood years with good quality of life. Continued advances in surgery and interventional catheterization techniques hold great promise for ever-improving outcomes in children being born with this complex congenital cardiovascular malformation.

Staged repair of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries

OBJECTIVE

To assess the results of a staged surgical approach for tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, hypoplastic or absent pulmonary arteries, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of these patients from a single institution.

RESULTS

From July 1993 to April 2001, 46 consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries were treated with staged surgical repair. The operative sequence usually began with a central aortopulmonary shunt followed by unifocalization of aortopulmonary collateral arteries depending on the source and distribution of pulmonary blood flow. Twenty-eight patients (61%) subsequently underwent complete repair with ventricular septal defect closure and right ventricle to pulmonary artery connection. Those patients who underwent complete repair had a median of 3 total operations (range 1-6). The ratio of the mean pulmonary artery pressure to the mean systemic blood pressure at the time of complete repair was 0.36 (range 0.19-0.58). Two of the 28 repaired patients (7.1%) required subsequent fenestration of the ventricular septal defect closure due to later development of supersystemic right ventricular pressure and right ventricular failure. Eighteen patients (39%) have undergone 1 or more staging operations and are considered good candidates for eventual complete repair. There were no hospital deaths. There was 1 late death (2.2%; 95% CI 0.4-11.3%) in a patient born prematurely who developed severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia precluding complete repair.

CONCLUSIONS

For tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, a staged surgical approach yields low overall mortality and acceptable hemodynamics after complete repair.

Deletion of chromosome 22q11.2 and outcome in patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND

The 22q11.2 deletion (del22q) is present in many patients with conotruncal abnormalities including pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). We sought to determine the impact of the del22q on outcome in subjects with PA/VSD.

METHODS

We reviewed the experience for all patients with PA/VSD who were born between January 1993 and April 2002 and presented to our institution. Patients with conotruncal defects were routinely evaluated for genetic disorders including del22q. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to test for del22q.

RESULTS

There were 67 subjects with PA/VSD who presented during that time period; testing for del22q was performed in 58 of 67 (87%) and these 58 patients comprised the study population. The 22q11.2 deletion was present in 20 of 58 (34%) patients tested. Major aortopulmonary collaterals were defined by angiography and were present in 27 (47%). These collaterals were significantly more common among subjects with del22q (13 of 20, 65%; p = 0.04). The median cross sectional area of the pulmonary arteries, the Nakata index, was significantly less for patients with del22q (41 versus 142 mm(2)/m(2); p = 0.006). There were 3 subjects, all of whom had del22q, who did not undergo surgery owing to markedly hypoplastic pulmonary arteries. Of the remaining 55 patients, 53 had arteriopulmonary shunt with or without unifocalization as the initial procedure and 35 patients have undergone complete repair. There were 8 operative deaths and 1 nonoperative death. The 5-year survival was 36% for patients with del22q versus 90% for patients without del22q. The 22q11.2 deletion was a significant risk factor for death, even after adjusting for the presence of major aortopulmonary collaterals (p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the incidence of serious viral, bacterial, or fungal infections in the perioperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with del22q and PA/VSD are at increased risk for death owing to a variety of factors including less favorable pulmonary artery anatomy. A better understanding of del22q, pulmonary artery anatomy, and outcome is required.

Early and long-term results of the surgical treatment of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, with or without major aortopulmonary collateral arteries

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the results of surgical treatment of patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia with or without major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, to clarify variables affecting early and late mortality, and to expose late, nonfatal events affecting surgical patients.

METHODS

The records of 495 patients operated on from 1977 to 1999 were reviewed. Patients were separated into those who did not undergo complete repair (group A) and those who did (group B).

RESULTS

Group A consisted of 160 patients. Eighty-one (51%) had palliative procedures, 45 (28%) had preliminary surgical stages (unifocalization and right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction) as initial operations, and 34 (21%) had all surgical stages but were rejected for complete repair. Early and late mortality were 16.3% (n = 26) and 23.1% (n = 31), respectively. Mean follow-up was 72.3 months. The presence of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries was a risk factor for late mortality (P =.0182). Group B consisted of 335 patients. Mean age at complete repair was 11.3 years (SD, 9.2). One hundred three (30%) patients had single-stage complete repair, whereas 232 (69%) had staged reconstruction. Twenty-two (6.6%) patients underwent reopening of the ventricular septal defect for high right ventricular pressure. Early and late mortality were 4.5% (n = 15). Risk factors were a peak right ventricular/left ventricular pressure ratio of greater than 0.7 and reopening of the ventricular septal defect (P < or = .05). Late mortality was 16% (n = 51). Mean follow-up was 11.4 years (SD, 7.5). Risk factors included male sex, nonconfluent central pulmonary arteries, reopening of the ventricular septal defect, and postrepair conduit exchange (n = 137). Ten- and 20-year results were an actuarial survival of 86% and 75% and freedom from reoperation of 55% and 29%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical repair of patients with simple or complex forms of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia can be achieved with low early mortality. Late mortality and need for reoperation, especially conduit replacement, continue to affect the long-term well-being of these patients.

Systemic-to-pulmonary blood supply in Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia

Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia is one of the most challenging congenital cardiac malformations, for the morphologist, cardiologist and surgeon alike. Much of the difficulty in this lesion concerns the nature and development of pulmonary arterial supply, and the manner in which complete segmental supply to the lungs can be successfully restored or maintained. In this review, we discuss the anatomy and nomenclature of the lesion, emphasising the variability that can occur in pulmonary arterial anatomy, particularly in the presence of systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries. We speculate on the likely embryologic origins of these connections. Then by means of anatomic-clinical correlations, we emphasise the diagnostic approach to delineating the origin and extent of the pulmonary vasculature.

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, extremely hypoplastic pulmonary arteries, major aorto-pulmonary collaterals

OBJECTIVE

Among 63 patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (VSD), 10 patients with extreme hypoplasia of the pulmonary arteries (PA) (mean Nakata index 20.6 mm(2)/m(2)), but with confluent arteries and a diminutive main PA, and major aorto-pulmonary collaterals (MAPCAS), have been submitted to a 'rehabilitation' of the PA with several stages: (i) connection between RV and PAs, (ii) interventional catheterizations, (iii) complete correction with or without unifocalisation. We report here the results of this approach.

METHODS

The RV-PA connection was direct (nine cases) or with an homograft conduit (one case), done under normothermic cardiopulmonary by-pass in patients aged 4.9 months (range 0.1-18 months). Subsequently, six underwent interventional catheterizations (dilations and stents in the PA, MAPCAS occlusion by coils). Complete correction was done in seven patients (mean age 30 months, range 8-49). One patient is awaiting correction.

RESULTS

One patient died after the first stage. All patients having had the third stage had a satisfactory development of the PA, had a complete closure of the VSD and a satisfactory reconstruction of the PA bifurcation. There was one death of severe pulmonary infection 6 months after repair. All other patients have been followed by catheterization and/or echocardiograms. With a follow-up of 83+/-65 months, all patients are improved, 50% have no cardiac medications, none has residual shunt, RV/LV pressure ratio is 0.6 (range 0.3-1).

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of 'rehabilitation' of PA allowing: (i) antegrade flow in the PA, (ii) interventional catheterizations, (iii) growth of the PA with possible angiogenesis, (iv) complete correction, is a logical approach to be undertaken in the young patient and is a valid alternative to strategies relying more on MAPCAS for pulmonary vascular supply. The therapeutic sequences depend upon the individual anatomy.

Congenital Heart Surgery Nomenclature and Database Project: pulmonary atresia--ventricular septal defect

Pulmonary atresia (PA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a complex and extremely heterogeneous cardiopulmonary malformation that has not been accurately defined, as evidenced by the synonymous use of the term with tetralogy of Fallot with PA. The anatomy and morphology of the pulmonary circulation to a large extent determines the surgical approach and overall outcome, with the intracardiac anatomy playing a secondary role. Based on the characterization of the pulmonary circulation a new classification of PA-VSD is proposed. In type A, there are only native pulmonary arteries (NPA). In type B, pulmonary blood flow is provided by both NPA and by major aortopulmonary collateral arteries [MAPCA(s)]. In type C, there are only MAPCA(s) and no NPA. This new classification is proposed 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. 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.