Left arm structure and function late after subclavian flap repair of aortic coarctation in childhood

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Neonates and Infants With Coarctation

BACKGROUND

Although coarctation of the aorta without concomitant intracardiac pathology is relatively common, there is lack of guidance regarding aspects of its management in neonates and infants.

METHODS

A panel of experienced congenital cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and intensivists was created, and key questions related to the management of isolated coarctation in neonates and infants were formed using the PICO (Patients/Population, Intervention, Comparison/Control, Outcome) Framework. A literature search was then performed for each question. Practice guidelines were developed with classification of recommendation and level of evidence using a modified Delphi method.

RESULTS

For neonates and infants with isolated coarctation, surgery is indicated in the absence of obvious surgical contraindications. For patients with risk factors for surgery, medical management before intervention is reasonable. For those stable off prostaglandin E1, the threshold for intervention remains unclear. Thoracotomy is indicated when arch hypoplasia is not present. Sternotomy is preferable when arch hypoplasia is present that cannot be adequately addressed through a thoracotomy. Sternotomy may also be considered in the presence of a bovine aortic arch. Antegrade cerebral perfusion may be reasonable when the repair is performed through a sternotomy. Extended end-to-end, arch advancement, and patch augmentation are all reasonable techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery remains the standard of care for the management of isolated coarctation in neonates and infants. Depending on degree and location, arch hypoplasia may require a sternotomy approach as opposed to a thoracotomy approach. Significant opportunities remain to better delineate management in these patients.

Post-operative musculoskeletal outcomes in patients with coarctation of the aorta following different surgical approaches

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine range of motion and muscle function in the upper extremity and spine in patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) comparing different surgical approaches.

METHODS

From October 2017 to February 2019, 150 patients were assessed for inclusion. A total of 99 patients (n = 75 CoA, n = 24 control), were included and assessed regarding muscle function, arm length and circumference, and spinal and thoracic mobility.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the right and left arm in patients with CoA, operated with the subclavian flap technique compared to controls in regards to shoulder flexion (p < 0.001), elbow flexion (p = 0.001), shoulder abduction (p = 0.02), handgrip strength (p = 0.01), length of upper arm (p < 0.001), lower arm (p < 0.001), and of whole arm (p < 0.001), circumference regarding upper arm (p = 0.001), lower arm (p < 0.001), and wrist (p < 0.001). Structural scoliosis was more frequent in patients who had undergone thoracotomy (25.4%) than patients who had not undergone a thoracotomy (5.9%, p = 0.04), and were often located in the thoracic part of the spine.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CoA operated on using the subclavian flap technique have impaired muscle function as well as reduced arm length and circumference. An increased rate of structural scoliosis was found in patients who underwent thoracotomy, in comparison with patients who had not undergone a thoracotomy. Further research is needed to determine whether muscle function impaired by surgical procedures can be improved with exercise.