Long-term coronary artery outcome after arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries

Objective: To analyse the long-term patency of coronary arteries after neonatal arterial switch operation (ASO). Methods: A retrospective study of the operative reports, follow-up and postoperative catheterisation data of 119 patients, who underwent the great arteries (TGA) repair since 1991, has been carried out. Patient population: Among the 133 survivors of the 137 ASOs performed between 1991 and 2007, 119 patients have been studied by routine control cardiac catheterisation and form the study population. Median time between repair and the coronary angiography was 2.9 ± 1.9 years. A comparison between the eight patients (6.7% out of the entire study population), known to have postoperative coronary obstructions (group I) and the rest of the cohort with angiographic normal coronary vessels (group II) was performed by univariate analysis of variance and logistic regression models. One patient had surgical plasty of the left coronary main stem with subsequent percutaneous angioplasty, three patients had primary coronary stent implantation and four patients had no further intervention at all. In group I, all but one patient denied symptoms of chest pain and echocardiography failed to show any difference between the two groups in terms of left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction group I 61 ± 2% vs 62 ± 6% of group II, p = 1.0). Results: The association of coronary obstruction with complex native coronary anatomy (Yacoub type B to E) was evident at both univariate (62% of group I vs 22% of group II, p = 0.04) and logistic regression (p = 0.007, odds ratio (OR) 8.1) models. The type of coronary reimplantation (i.e., coronary buttons on punch vs trap-door techniques) was similar between the two groups (punch reimplantation in 25% of patients of group I vs 31% of group II, p = 0.1) as was the relative position of the great vessels (aorta anterior in 100% of patients of group I vs 96% of group II; univariate, p = 0.1). Conclusions: The late outcome in terms of survival and functional status after ASO is excellent. Nevertheless, the risk of a clinically silent late coronary artery obstruction of the reimplanted coronary arteries warrants a prolonged follow-up protocol involving invasive angiographic assessment.     

Modification of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries with complex coronary artery patterns

The arterial switch operation has evolved into the treatment of choice for most forms of transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Recently reported operative mortality of the procedure has fallen to the range of 1.1%–6.0%, even for complex forms of TGA. Despite advancement in the technical aspects of the procedure, certain anatomical variations of the coronary arteries, such as a single coronary orifice and/or intramural coronary artery, are still considered surgical risks in many centers. Optimizing the surgical technique for relocating these challenging variations of the coronary anatomy is key to improving the surgical outcomes for the procedure. In this review, the surgical modifications of the arterial switch operation for TGA associated with complex patterns of the coronary arteries are examined. This review was submitted at the invitation of the editorial committee.     

Early and long term outcome of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries: predictors and functional evaluation

Objectives: The aims of this report were to study the early and late outcome in terms of mortality, freedom from reoperation, predictors for late pulmonary stenosis (PAS) and insufficiency of the neo-aortic valve (AVI) in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) undergoing arterial switch operation (ASO). Materials and methods: Between January 1990 and December 2001, 134 patients with TGA underwent ASO. The patients were divided in Group I (n=88)-TGA with intact ventricular septum and Group II (n=46)-TGA with ventricular septal defect (VSD). The pulmonary artery was reconstructed employing the direct anastomosis technique (PT-I) in 21 (15.7%) patients, the double-patch technique (PT-II) in 41 (30.6%), single pantaloon patch (partial circumference) (PT-III) in 46 (34%) and single pantaloon patch (total circumference) (PT-IV) in 35 (26%) patients. The mean follow-up was 3.4±1.3 years. Results: The hospital mortality was 17 (12.7%) patients. The mortality in Group I was significantly lower than Group II (P=0.002). The overall actuarial survival at 1, 3 and 5 years follow-up resulted to be 98, 93, and 91.5%, resulting to be significantly higher in Group I (P=0.032). The multivariate analysis revealed the complex TGA (P=0.007), VSD (P=0.032), coronary anomalies (P=0.004), aortic coarctation or hypoplastic aortic arch (P=0.021), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) or moderate PAS (P=0.041) as strong predictors for poor free-reoperation cumulative survival. A strong inverse correlation was found between the mean trans-pulmonary gradient at follow-up and the age at the operation (r=−0.41, P<0.0001). The univariate analysis revealed the PT-I technique (P=0.002), prior moderate PAS (P=0.0001), and age <1 month (P=0.018) as strong predictors for moderate-to-severe PAS. The neo-AVI incidence was significantly higher in Group II (P=0.011). Predictors for neo-AVI were male sex (P=0.003), preoperative neo-AV Z-score >1 (P<0.001), prior or concomitant operation for aortic coarctation or hypoplastic aortic arch (P=0.001), LV retraining (P=0.003). Conclusion: ASO remains the procedure of choice for the treatment of various forms of TGA with acceptable early and later outcome in terms of overall survival and free reoperation. Strong predictors for poor overall free-reoperation survival are complex TGA, VSD, coronary anomalies, aortic coarctation and LVOTO or moderate PAS. The pulmonary artery reconstruction using a single ‘pantaloon patch’ seems to offer less residual stenosis. Patients with a VSD and a significant mismatch between the neo-aortic root and distal aorta are at a higher risk for developing postoperative neo-AVI.     

Results of a new technique of arterial switch operation for transposition of great arteries with single coronary artery

Background Transposition of great arteries (TGA) with Single Coronary artery is one of the high risk groups for Arterial Switch Operation (ASO). To eliminate this risk, we have innovated a new technique of ASO with insitu coronary re-allocation. We present our experience with this new technique. Methods From September 1998 to October 2005, ten consecutive cases of TGA with single coronary artery were operated employing this new technique. Their age ranged from 8 days to 9 months; their weight ranged from 2.6 to 5.8 Kgs. ASO was done by transecting the great arteries just above the commissures. For coronary re-allocation, hockey stick shaped incisions were made in the facing sinuses of the proximal aorta and the pulmonary artery. These flaps were sutured in such a way that the coronary ostium was committed to the neo-aorta. Results There was no in-hospital mortality. The follow-up ranged from 4 months to 7 years. All patients had follow-up echocardiogram at regular intervals, which showed no significant right or left ventricular outflow obstruction, no regional wall motion abnormalities and no, neo-aortic or neo-pulmonary regurgitation. Conclusion This new coronary re-allocation technique avoids problems related to coronary translocation such as traction and kinking. It spares the need for dissection of proximal coronary artery and its branches, and thereby eliminates the risk of development of fibrosis and stenosis. The same technique can be used regardless of the sinus of origin of the coronary artery. It is a reliable and reproducible technique. The early results were excellent.     

姑息性大动脉调转手术的麻醉管理

目的 总结姑息性大动脉调转手术(palliative arterial switch operation,PASO)的麻醉管理. 方法 回顾性总结分析28例于我院行PASO的完全性大动脉转位合并室间隔缺损(transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect,TGA/VSD)或Taussing-Bing综合征患者的临床资料.28例患者年龄中位数为4岁(1月～25岁),体重中位数为12.5 kg(3.6～43kg),术前均诊断为重度肺动脉高压,术前SpO2波动在44％～91％. 结果 所有患者麻醉过程平稳,平均CPB时间为(223±81) min,平均主动脉阻断时间为(153±32) min.平均室间隔补片留孔大小为(5.3±1.5) mm.术后机械辅助通气时间中位数为36 h(7～408 h),ICU停留时间中位数为5.5 d(2～27 d).术后平均SpO2为(96±2)％,与术前比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).住院死亡5例(18％),余好转出院.出院患者中5例在出院后的1～5年间行介入残余室缺分流堵闭术. 结论 充分的术前准备和评估,平顺的麻醉诱导和维持,围手术期肺动脉高压的处理,早期合理地应用血管活性药物以及出凝血功能的调整,有利于PASO的成功.     

Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging in neonatal arterial switch operation using warm perfusion

Neurological morbidity is a major concern in pediatric cardiac surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass is one of the few modifiable factors affecting neurodevelopmental outcome. This study aimed to measure the incidence of abnormalities apparent by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after neonatal arterial switch operation using warm surgery. Neonates admitted for transposition of the great arteries underwent pre- and postoperative brain MRI. They were operated on using a warm perfusion method. The data collected included antenatal diagnosis, place of birth, gestational age, total maturation score as described by Childs, weight, cyanosis as assessed by minimal SpO(2) sustained for at least 10 min, balloon atrial septostomy, prostaglandin E1 infusion, need for neonatal intensive care, bypass time, time to extubation, and length of stay in intensive care. All of the MRI results were interpreted by the same senior specialist in pediatric neuroimaging, and lesions were classified as white matter injury, infarct, or hemorrhage. On preoperative exam, nine patients (42%) had one or more lesions, with infarct in four patients, white matter injury in four patients, and hemorrhage in five. We were unable to find any correlation between the data collected and brain injury. On postoperative exam, there was one new infarct, two new cases of white matter injury, and three cases of hemorrhage but no worsening of the preoperative lesions. Based on this initial experience with brain imaging, there is no deleterious effect of warm perfusion and no rationale to postpone surgery in neonates with "subclinical" brain injury.     

动脉转位术治疗65例新生儿完全性大动脉错位

目的报告美国西雅图儿童医院１９８９年１０月～１９９２年１０月，为完全性大动脉错位新生儿作动脉转位术６５例，其中伴室间隔完整型４１例，伴室间隔缺损型２４例。方法３６例使用深低温停循环方法，２９例使用深低温低流量方法。结果手术死亡４例（６．１５％），死亡原因均与冠状动脉解剖变异有关。结论动脉转位术是矫正新生儿期室间隔完整型和伴室间隔缺损型完全性大动脉错位最好的手术方法。     

Midterm follow-up of arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum and left-ventricular outflow tract obstruction

Objective: We report the mid-term follow-up of patients, who underwent arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with intact ventricular septum and left-ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) over a 10-year period from 2000 to 2009. Methods: Thirteen TGA patients (3.9% of our ASO cohort) with intact ventricular septum and LVOTO underwent ASO. LVOTO was defined as pulmonary valve z-score ≤ −2.0 (n = 3) or peak LVOT gradient ≥40 mmHg with (n = 7) or without (n = 3) anatomic subvalvar stenosis on echocardiography. Median age and weight were 14 days (range, 7–130 days) and 3.2 kg (range, 2.1–4.6 kg). The LVOT abnormalities included fibromuscular narrowing (n = 5) and atrioventricular valve-related findings (n = 5). LVOT clearance was achieved by resection of accessory mitral tissue (n = 2) only. Results: Follow-up was 100% complete. There were no early or late deaths. Freedom from re-operation for neo-aortic valve regurgitation and/or LVOTO was 100% at a median follow-up of 38 months (range, 6–115 months). All patients had functional status appropriate for their age. Three patients had mild aortic regurgitation. The median Doppler estimated LVOT systolic gradient was 12 mmHg (range, 0–18 mmHg) for the entire cohort at the latest follow-up. Conclusions: Mid-term outcomes of ASO for a highly selected group of patients with pulmonary valve annulus z-score ≤ −2.0 ≥ −0.4, resectable organic LVOTO, and dynamic peak LVOT gradient ≥40 mmHg remain satisfactory, with a need for long-term follow-up.     

完全性大动脉转位一期动脉调转术后ICU延迟恢复的临床特征及影响因素分析

目的 总结完全性大动脉转位(TGA)一期大动脉调转(ASO)术后早期临床特点及围术期处理策略,评价年龄结构及畸形复杂程度对术后恢复进程的影响,并分析导致术后ICU延迟恢复的相关风险因素.方法 回顾性分析2015-2017年我院连续231例行一期ASO手术的TGA患儿临床资料,其中男165例、女66例,年龄3d至10岁....     

Antithrombin replacement during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Heparin remains the predominant anticoagulant during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Heparin acts by potentiating the anticoagulant effect of antithrombin (ATIII). Acquired ATIII deficiency, common in pediatric patients requiring ECMO, may result in ineffective anticoagulation with heparin. ATIII replacement may result in increased bleeding. Our objective is to determine ATIII's effect on anticoagulation and blood loss during ECMO. A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin who received ATIII while supported on ECMO in 2009. ATIII activity levels, heparin drip rate, and activated clotting times (ACT) were compared before, 4, 8, and 24 h after ATIII administration. Chest tube output and packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion volume were compared from 24 h before ATIII administration to 24 h after. Twenty-eight patients received ATIII as a bolus dose during the course of 31 separate times on ECMO support. The median age of these patients was 0.3 years (range 1 day-19.5 years). ATIII activity increased significantly at 8 and 24 h after administration. No significant difference was noted in heparin drip rate, ACT levels, chest tube output, or pRBC transfusion volume. ATIII administration resulted in higher ATIII activity levels for 24 h without a significant effect on heparin dose, ACT, or measures of bleeding.     

The impact of a bicuspid pulmonary valve in the aortic position after arterial switch for transposition of the great arteries on neoaortic root dimension and function: a propensity score matched analysis

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESThis study investigated the effect of a bicuspid pulmonary valve on neoaortic root morphology, function, and the clinical outcomes of early survivors after the arterial switch operation using propensity score matching.METHODSFrom 1997 to 2018, a total of 442 patients underwent the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. After exclusion of patients who underwent a staged repair, were repaired beyond 1 year of age, died before discharge and who lacked echocardiographic data at discharge, propensity score matching was used for analysis.RESULTSAmong 352 eligible patients, 18 patients (5.1%) had a bicuspid pulmonary valve. After propensity score matching (1:4), 15 patients with bicuspid valve (bicuspid group) and 60 patients with tricuspid valve (tricuspid group) were enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 9.9 years (4 months∼22.3 years). All-cause reoperation-free survival at 10 years was 93.3% in the bicuspid group and 87.0% in the tricuspid group (P = 0.839), and reoperation for neoaortic valve or root was required in 2 patients in the bicuspid group and 1 in the tricuspid group without intergroup difference. The z-score of the neoaortic annulus did not change in either group, although there was an increasing tendency in the z-score of the neoaortic sinus without intergroup difference (P = 0.690). Deterioration in neoaortic valve function was more prominent in the bicuspid group (p = 0.028).CONCLUSIONSThe neoaortic sinus might outgrow the norm regardless of the number of neoaortic valve cusps, whereas the neoaortic annulus remained unchanged. Deterioration of valve function was more prominent in the bicuspid group, which suggests that a bicuspid valve might play a significant role in deterioration of neoaortic valve function, without an additional effect on root pathology.     

快速与长期双期大动脉调转术在室间隔完整大动脉转位中应用的对比研究

目的通过比较快速和长期双期大动脉调转术(ASO)的组间特点,总结发生左室退化后室间隔完整大动脉转位(TGA-IVS)的手术治疗经验。方法纳入2007年1月至2019年1月主要诊断为TGA-IVS并行双期ASO的患儿41例,其中男25例、女16例,平均年龄17.9个月(7 d至7岁)。根据双期手术间隔时间,分为快速双期ASO组(19例)和长期双期ASO组(22例)。比较两组患儿临床效果。结果两组患儿的年龄、体重、ASO术前血氧饱和度、训练术前左室舒张期末内径、ASO术前左室后壁厚度差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。患儿年龄>1岁是进行长期双期ASO的独立危险因素。结论长期双期ASO对年龄>1岁和左心室退化严重的患儿具有良好的疗效。     

Proposed entry criteria for postoperative cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after pediatric open heart surgery

While extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is being used increasingly after pediatric cardiac surgery, criteria are lacking for initiating ECMO after bypass weaning. To develop clinically useful ECMO entry criteria based on parameters readily available, children were examined at postoperative pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. Using hospital mortality as the primary outcome, univariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed to estimate the predictive value of clinical (age, weight, and diagnosis) and laboratory (arterial blood pressure, pH, lactate, creatine kinase, and arterial and central venous oxygen saturation [ScvO2]) variables. Data from 218 children over a 2 year period were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate regression demonstrated that age, weight, diagnosis, blood pressure, venous and arterial saturation, and lactate were significantly associated with postoperative mortality (p < 0.05). In multiple regression, ScvO2 and lactate level were found to be independent predictors and were used in a predictive model (ScvO2 odds ratio: 2.03-828.6, p = 0.016) (lactate odds ratio: 1.58 -4.20, p = 0.0002) (R2 = 0.70). Applying an 80% risk of mortality to establish entry criteria as in neonatal ECMO, PICU admission values of lactate > 70 mg/dl if ScvO2 < 60% or lactate >163 mg/dl if ScvO2 > 60% are proposed to serve as postoperative ECMO entry criteria if bypass weaning has been possible but is followed by low cardiac output.     

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during high-risk airway interventions

 Open in a separate windowOBJECTIVESPractice patterns for the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during high-risk airway interventions vary, and data are limited. We aim to characterize our recent experience using ECMO for procedural support during whole-lung lavage (WLL) and high-risk bronchoscopy for central airway obstruction (CAO).METHODSWe performed a retrospective cohort study of adults who received ECMO during WLL and high-risk bronchoscopy from 1 July 2018 to 30 March 2020. Our primary end point was successful completion of the intervention. Secondary end points included ECMO-associated complications and hospital survival.RESULTSEight patients received venovenous ECMO for respiratory support during 9 interventions; 3 WLLs for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis were performed in 2 patients, and 6 patients underwent 6 bronchoscopic interventions for CAO. We initiated ECMO prior to the intervention in 8 cases and during the intervention in 1 case for respiratory decompensation. All 9 interventions were successfully completed. Median ECMO duration was 17.8 h (interquartile range, 15.9–26.6) for the pulmonary alveolar proteinosis group and 1.9 h (interquartile range, 1.4–8.1) for the CAO group. There was 1 cannula-associated deep vein thrombosis; there were no other ECMO complications. Seven patients (87.5%) and 4 (50.0%) patients survived to discharge and 1 year postintervention, respectively.CONCLUSIONSUse of venovenous ECMO to facilitate high-risk airway interventions is safe and feasible. Planned preprocedural ECMO initiation may prevent avoidable respiratory emergencies and extend therapeutic airway interventions to patients otherwise considered too high-risk to treat. Guidelines are needed to inform the utilization of ECMO during high-risk bronchoscopy and other airway interventions.     

Quantitative electroencephalography values of neonates during and after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and permanent ligation of right common carotid artery

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in neonates commonly needs neck vessel cannulation leading to ligation of right common carotid artery (RCCA) in some cases. Quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) measurements provide reproducible data of cerebral function. The aim of this case-control study was to test whether ligation of the RCCA results in EEG changes after ECMO weaning. Ten mechanically ventilated neonates not treated with ECMO were eligible as control patients. Seven ECMO patients receiving similar sedoanalgesia were investigated during and after ECMO and RCCA ligation. Dominant frequency, absolute alpha, theta, delta, and total powers of right and left frontocentral and temporooccipital derivations were calculated. Dominant frequency did not differ among groups. Power was found to be significantly decreased in all frequency bands during ECMO. After weaning from ECMO, EEG differences between the ECMO and control groups disappeared in spite of permanent RCCA ligation. It is concluded that ligation of the RCCA per se does not result in quantitative EEG changes.     

动脉转位术的临床应用

目的 总结动脉转位术(arterial switch operation，ASO)治疗完全型大动脉转位(transposition of the great arteries，TGA)和右心室双出口伴肺动脉瓣下室间隔缺损(VSD)的临床经验。方法 采用ASO治疗小儿先天性心脏病32例，其中TGA22例，伴室间隔完整型(intact ventricular septum，IVS)9例，伴VSDl3例；右心室双出口伴肺动脉瓣下VSD(Taussig—Bing)10例。结果TGA／IVS9例中死亡1例，TGA／VSD13例中死亡4例，Taussig-Bing10例死亡3例，总手术死亡率25％(8／32)。术后随访3个月～2年，所有患者紫绀消失，活动能力明显增强。1例Taussig—Bing术前二尖瓣轻-中度反流，术后仍为中度反流；2例TGA主动脉和肺动脉瓣上狭窄，压差40mmHg(1kPa=7．5mmHg)，1例肺动脉瓣下狭窄和残余VSD，3个月后再次手术治愈。结论 ASO已广泛应用于TGA的纠治，手术效果满意；应用于右心室双出口肺动脉瓣下VSD的早期纠治，不但可防止发生肺血管阻塞性病变，而且避免了心内修补左心室流出道梗阻的远期并发症。     

快速二期动脉转位术纠治新生儿完全型大动脉转位

目的总结快速二期动脉转位术的临床应用效果.方法 2002年9月至2003年5月,5例完全型大动脉转位患者行快速二期动脉转位术.手术平均年龄83.0±72.2 天,平均体重4.7±0.9 kg.由于求诊时已经超过最佳手术年龄,左心室退化,不能承受体循环压力,则先行肺动脉环缩和体肺动脉分流术,术后6～9天行第二期动脉转位术.结果一期手术中,1例术后32小时发生室上性心动过速,少尿,经腹膜透析和药物处理无效死亡;其余4例分别在术后6～9天行二期动脉转位术,无死亡.术后随访2～10个月,生长发育良好,超声心动图检查显示心内无残余分流,主动脉和肺动脉干吻合口通畅,左心室射血分数(EF)0.68～0.77,短轴缩短率(FS)0.24～0.37,1例主动脉瓣轻度反流.结论对失去最佳手术时间的新生儿完全型大动脉转位,行快速二期动脉转位术是最佳的选择.     

Transient upper limb ischaemia during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a child

Neck cannulation is the most common cannulation strategy performed to provide veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in paediatric patients, especially in small children. Upper limb ischaemia is a rare complication of neck cannulation and is likely caused by arterial cannula malposition. We describe a case of right arm ischaemia caused by extrinsic compression of the right subclavian artery by the venous drainage cannula inserted through the right internal jugular vein. Upper limb hypoperfusion was resolved immediately after changing the venous drainage cannula from the right jugular vein to the right femoral vein.     

体外膜肺氧合在心脏死亡器官捐献中的应用

心脏死亡器官捐献(DCD)中供者器官不可避免地要经历热缺血损伤,移植术后原发性移植物无功能、移植物丢失以及缺血性胆管疾病等并发症的发生率较高.因此,如何避免、减少或修复DCD器官热缺血损伤进而保护移植受者的安全是当前DCD研究的一个热点.广州军区广州总医院肝脏移植中心于2009年2月开始使用体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)对DCD器官进行保护,目前共完成了52例ECMO辅助下DCD器官获取,均获得满意疗效.ECMO对DCD器官热缺血损伤的保护和修复机制不仅在国际DCD器官移植领域显示出良好的应用前景,更是解决我国DCD热缺血损伤的有效方法.笔者认为:这些机制对进一步扩大ECMO在我国DCD的应用范围,建立适合我国国情的人体器官捐献和获取标准流程和技术规范具有十分重要的意义.