Aortic arch and proximal supraaortic arterial repair under continuous antegrade cerebral perfusion and moderate hypothermia.

PURPOSE: In this prospective study the clinical and neurological outcome of continuous antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) and moderate hypothermia was evaluated in patients undergoing ascending and aortic arch repair including reconstruction of the proximal supraaortic arteries. METHODS: In 50 consecutive patients (mean age 47 yr, range 22-70) aortic arch and supraaortic arterial repair was performed: ascending aorta and aortic arch (n=34) and aortic arch and Bentall procedure (n = 16). In 12 patients the distal anastomosis was performed using the elephant trunk technique. Test-clamping of the innominate artery for 3 min was performed under EEG-monitoring followed by the same procedure for the left carotid artery. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted and the innominate artery replaced by a polyester graft before antegrade perfusion was carried out through the graft. While cooling to 28-30 degrees C, the left carotid artery was similarly treated with subsequent antegrade cerebral perfusion. The distal anastomosis was made at or beyond the left subclavian artery under circulatory arrest. During rewarming the innominate and carotid polyester grafts as well as the subclavian artery were anastomosed to the main graft, while antegrade cerebral perfusion was continued. RESULTS: In 46 patients antegrade cerebral perfusion was achieved with a mean volume flow of 12 ml/kg/min and a mean arterial pressure of 54 mmHg. EEG-monitoring delineated stable and symmetrical recordings. In four patients antegrade flow (mean 15 ml/kg/min) and pressure (mean 65 mmHg) had to be increased to establish baseline EEG-recordings. The mean time of circulatory arrest was 18 min.The overall hospital mortality was 6%: two patients died from cerebral infarction and one patient suffered from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Three patients (6%) developed a temporary neurological deficit which resolved spontaneously. Two patients (4%) developed renal failure requiring temporary hemodialysis. Pulmonary complications occurred in 12 patients (25%). CONCLUSION: Continuous antegrade cerebral perfusion via selective grafts to the innominate and carotid arteries offers adequate protection in patients undergoing replacement of the ascending aorta or aortic arch and great vessels. This technique allows radical repair and optimal vascular reconstruction without time restrains and avoids the necessity for profound hypothermia     

Single-stage repair of aortic coarctation with ventricular septal defect using isolated cerebral and myocardial perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To avoid hypothermic circulatory arrest, we have repaired aortic coarctation with ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a one-stage procedure using an isolated cerebral and myocardial perfusion technique, and retrospectively compared this novel approach to the conventional two-stage approach. METHODS: Between October 1991 and February 1999, 24 infants, aged 4-137 days (median, 27 days) and weighing 1.7-4.3 kg (median, 3.0 kg), underwent the repair of aortic coarctation with VSD either in one (group I, n=11) or two stages (group II, n=13). In Group I, an arterial cannula for cardiopulmonary bypass was inserted into the ascending aorta in six patients with coarctation only, or into a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft which was anastomosed to the innominate artery in the remaining five who had hypoplastic arches. A cross-clamp was placed between the innominate and left carotid arteries. The bypass flow was reduced to 30-50% of full flow at 28 degrees C, thereby maintaining a radial artery pressure of 30-45 mmHg. At this point, the aortic coarctation was repaired by an end-to-end arch anastomosis, while maintaining brain perfusion and with the heart still beating. In five patients with hypoplastic aortic arches, the innominate artery proximal to the graft was then secured down and the arch anastomosis was extended to the distal ascending aorta, while providing isolated cerebral perfusion and cardioplegic arrest. After arch reconstruction was performed, the clamp was moved onto the ascending aorta, and the VSD was closed with systemic perfusion. In contrast, for group II patients, coarctation repairs were performed through a posterolateral approach, and existing VSDs were closed as secondary procedures. RESULTS: The mean isolated cerebral and myocardial perfusion time for group I was 13 min (range, 7-20 min). The myocardial ischemic time did not differ between groups I and II (43+/-4 vs. 42+/-5 min, not significant). There were no hospital mortalities or neurological complications in either group, but one late death in each group. CONCLUSION: Single-stage repair of aortic coarctation with VSD does not increase myocardial ischemic time compared to the traditional two-stage approach. The isolated cerebral and myocardial perfusion technique may offer substantial brain and myocardial protection during aortic arch reconstruction.     

Aortic coarctation in the adult: management of complications and coexisting arterial abnormalities with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest

OBJECTIVES: Adult patients with aortic coarctation may have complications after childhood repair. Other adult patients have coarctation and aneurysms of the aorta and the left subclavian artery. The optimal management of such cases is not clearly established. We evaluated the role of hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. METHODS: Thirteen adult patients (mean age 38 years) with coarctation and coexisting abnormalities of the aorta and left subclavian artery were treated. Five patients had pseudoaneurysms develop after bypass grafting (n = 3) or patch angioplasty (n = 2). These were detected a mean of 21 years (range 13-44 years) after the initial operation. Four pseudoaneurysms were asymptomatic, and 1 had ruptured. One patient had recurrent coarctation from fibrous obliteration of a 10-mm bypass graft inserted 15 years previously. The remaining 7 patients had aneurysms of the left subclavian artery (n = 5), aneurysms of the ascending aorta and arch (n = 1), or stenosis of the left subclavian artery (n = 1) in combination with moderate or severe coarctation. Resection and interposition graft replacement of the aneurysmal or stenotic aortic segments were performed in all cases with an interval of hypothermic circulatory arrest that averaged 44 +/- 5 minutes (range 33-54 minutes). Seven patients had interposition graft replacement of aneurysmal or stenotic left subclavian arteries. RESULTS: There were no in-hospital or late deaths (maximal follow-up 7 years). No patient had brain injury, paralysis, myocardial, respiratory, or renal failure. No patient has evidence of recurrent coarctation or aneurysm formation. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermic circulatory arrest can safely be used in the treatment of complex adult coarctation. It permits accurate delineation of the anatomy with minimal dissection, avoidance of aortic clamping and sacrifice of intercostal arteries, precise interposition graft repair, and adequate protection of vital organs.     

Neonatal aortic arch reconstruction avoiding circulatory arrest and direct arch vessel cannulation.

BACKGROUND: Aortic arch reconstruction in neonates routinely requires deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. We reviewed our experience with techniques of continuous low-flow cerebral perfusion (LFCP) avoiding direct arch vessel cannulation. METHODS: Eighteen patients, with a median age of 11 days (range 1 to 85 days) and a mean weight of 3.2 +/- 0.8 kg, underwent aortic arch reconstruction with LFCP. Seven had biventricular repairs with arch reconstruction, 9 underwent the Norwood operation and 2 had isolated arch repairs. In 1 Norwood and 7 biventricular repair patients, LFCP was maintained by advancing the cannula from the distal ascending aorta into the innominate artery. In 8 of 9 Norwood patients, LFCP was maintained by directing the arterial cannula into the pulmonary artery confluence and perfusing the innominate artery through the right modified Blalock-Taussig shunt fully constructed before cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. In 2 patients requiring isolated arch reconstruction, the ascending aorta was cannulated and the cross-clamp was applied just distal to the innominate artery. RESULTS: LFCP was maintained at 0.6 +/- 0.2 L x min(-1) x m(-2) for 41.0 +/- 13.9 minutes at 18.5 degrees C +/- 1.1 degrees C. In 10 of the 18 patients, blood pressure during LFCP was 15 +/- 8 mm Hg remote from the innominate artery (left radial, umbilical or femoral arteries). In 8 of the 18 patients, right radial pressure during LFCP was 24 +/- 10 mm Hg. The mean mixed-venous saturation was 79.8% +/- 10% during LFCP. Two patients had preoperative seizures, whereas none had seizures postoperatively. One patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal aortic arch reconstruction is possible without circulatory arrest or direct arch vessel cannulation. These techniques maintained adequate mixed-venous oxygen saturations with no associated adverse neurologic outcomes.     

人工四分支血管在主动脉外科的应用

目的总结应用人工四分支血管行不同部位主动脉替换术的经验。方法自2003年8月至2005年5月,我中心采用人工四分支血管行不同部位的主动脉替换术142例。男118例、女24例,年龄(44±12)岁(22~78岁),体重(72±20)kg(49~130kg)。其中:StanfordA型主动脉夹层94例(18例为马凡综合征);StanfordB型主动脉夹层34例(6例为马凡综合征),真性动脉瘤11例,假性动脉瘤3例。在深低温停循环选择性脑灌注下,行升主动脉及全弓替换85例(83例远端加带膜支架);分段停循环下,行全胸腹主动脉替换术38例;深低温选择性脑灌注分段停循环下,行全或次全主动脉替换8例;常温非体外循环下,行全主动脉弓替换11例(3例远端加带膜支架)。结果术后早期死亡6例,病死率4·2%。术后神经并发症,较严重,严重脑功能障碍(昏迷超过3d)16例(11·3%);永久性脊髓损伤2例(1·4%);一过性脊髓损伤4例(2·8%)。结论人工四分支血管可应用于主动脉外科,能达到尽可能的缩短主动脉阻断时间和快速重建血管的目的。     

升主动脉-腹主动脉转流术治疗成人主动脉缩窄

目的 探讨升主动脉-腹主动脉人工血管转流术治疗成人主动脉缩窄的手术效果、随访结果并总结其临床经验.方法 2008年5月至2009年7月,应用升主动脉-腹主动脉人工血管转流术治疗成人主动脉缩窄9例,其中男4例,女5例;平均年龄42.6岁.所有病人均经桡动脉、足背动脉穿刺测压,根据术前、术后,桡动脉、足背动脉平均压差变化评价手术效果.结果 术后均治愈出院.术前桡动脉足背动脉平均压差36～63 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa);术后24 h桡动脉足背动脉平均压差0～13 mm Hg,较术前明显缩小.随访1～13个月,术后上、下肢动脉平均压差均小于20 mm Hg,转流人工血管通畅,2例主动脉缩窄远端自体动脉部分闭塞.结论 升主动脉-腹主动脉人工血管转流术是治疗成人主动脉缩窄的有效手段.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the surgical effects and follow-up results in treating adult aortic coarctation patients using ascending aorta-abdominal aorta vascular prosthesis bypass and summarize the clinical experiences. Methods From May 2008 to July 2009, ascending aorta-abdominal aorta vascular prosthesis bypass surgery was performed in nine patients with adult aortic coarctation, among which, four were male, and five were female, with the average age of 42.6 years old. All patients had upper extremity hypertension, the systolic blood pressure difference between their upper extremities and lower extremities was 55 - 100 mm Hg, mean (70.2 ± 15. 6) mm Hg. Among which, seven cases showed descending aorta aneurysmal dilatation at coarctation segment distal end, with the wall thinning; two cases showed long segment stenosis; three cases showed aortic wall near coarctation segment was calcified. All cases belonged to complex aortic coarctation. All patients underwent radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery puncture manometry, the surgical effects were evaluated according to mean pressure difference changes between radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery before and after operations. Results All patients were cured and dispertension has been significantly improved, before operation, the mean pressure difference between radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery was 36 - 63 mm Hg, mean [(48.2 ± 5.6 ) mm Hg]; 24 hours after operation, the mean pressure difference between radial artery and dorsalis pedis artery was 0 - 13 mm Hg, mean [(6.2 ± 1.6) mm Hg], significantly reduced ( P ＜per extremity hypertension disappeared, no need for oral antihypertensive drugs, the mean pressure differences between upper extremities and lower extremities after operations were all less than 20 mm Hg, thoracoabodominal aorta main vessels multi-slice CT examination three months after operation showed that bypass vascular prosthesis was unobetructed, two cases showed that autologous artery at aortic coarctation distal end were partly occluded. Conclusion Ascending aorta-abdominal aorta vascular prosthesis bypass would be an effective means for the treatment of adult aortic coarctation patients.     

Repair of aortic coarctation in patients more than 50 years of age.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with uncorrected coarctation of the aorta die before reaching age 50 years. In those who survive, the beneficial effect of surgical repair on systolic hypertension has been questioned. METHODS: Surgical repair of aortic coarctation was performed in 8 patients aged 51 to 73 years (mean, 58+/-9 years). Preoperative mean systolic pressure was 185+/-34 mm Hg and systolic gradient, 70+/-11 mm Hg. In addition, 3 patients had significant coronary artery disease. Severe calcification of the aortic arch and left subclavian artery was found in 3 patients. The surgical technique involved bypass of the coarctation with a Dacron tube graft (16 or 18 mm) in all patients. One patient underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. RESULTS: There were no operative or late deaths during a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the postoperative period to 128+/-16 mm Hg (p < 0.001). At the last visit, systolic blood pressure was a mean of 127+/-9 mm Hg. Five patients were not taking antihypertensive medication. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair of aortic coarctation in patients more than 50 years of age with a Dacron tube bypass graft reduces systolic hypertension and the need of antihypertensive medication.     

Posterior pericardial approach for ascending aorta-to-descending aorta bypass through a median sternotomy

BACKGROUND: Bypass grafting for repeat operation or complex forms of descending aortic disease is an alternative approach to decrease potential complications of anatomic repair. METHODS: Between December 1985 and February 1998, 17 patients (13 men, 4 women; mean age, 47.6 +/- 18.5 years) underwent ascending aorta-to-descending aorta bypass through a median sternotomy and posterior pericardial approach. Indications for operation were coarctation or recoarctation of aorta in 8 patients, Takayasu's aortitis in 2, prosthetic aortic valve stenosis associated with coarctation of aorta, complex descending aortic arch aneurysm, reoperation for chronic descending aortic dissection, long-segment stenosis of descending aorta, acquired coarctation after repair of traumatic transection of descending aorta, severe aortic atherosclerosis, and false aneurysm of descending aorta after repair of coarctation in 1 patient each. Concomitant procedures were performed in 12 patients. RESULTS: No early or late mortality has occurred. Follow-up was 100% complete and extended to 12 years (mean, 2.7 +/- 3.3 years). No late graft-related complications have occurred; 1 patient had successful repair of perivalvular leak after mitral valve replacement, and 1 patient had replacement of lower descending and abdominal aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of the descending aorta through the posterior pericardium for ascending aorta-descending aorta bypass is a safe alternative and particularly useful when simultaneous intracardiac repair is necessary.     

Thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair under deep hypothermia using subclavian arterial perfusion

BACKGROUND: Hypothermic circulatory arrest is a valuable adjunct for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Retrograde aortic perfusion through the femoral artery, however, carries a risk of cerebral embolism or malperfusion. To avoid these complications we adopted antegrade aortic perfusion through a prosthetic graft attached to the left subclavian artery through a left thoracotomy. METHODS: Ten patients had repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm under deep hypothermia with antegrade aortic perfusion through the left subclavian artery. Hypothermic circulatory arrest was used because proximal aortic control was hazardous due to rupture or intraluminal disease, or for spinal cord protection. RESULTS: There was no brain injury and one hospital death. The cause of death was massive bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract not related to deep hypothermia or the perfusion method. All 9 survivors were alive and well after a mean follow-up period of 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Using the left subclavian artery as a site of aortic perfusion can avoid retrograde aortic perfusion, hence reducing the potential for brain injury due to embolic stroke or malperfusion through a dissected thoracoabdominal aorta.     

Aortic arch reconstruction using regional perfusion without circulatory arrest.

OBJECTIVES: Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during repair of aortic arch anomalies may induce neurological complications or myocardial injury. Regional cerebral and myocardial perfusion may eliminate those potential side effects. METHODS: From March 2000 to March 2002, 48 neonates or infants with complex arch anomaly were operated on using the regional perfusion technique. Thirty-three patients were male and the median age was 24 days (range 5-301 days). Preoperative diagnosis consisted of coarctation or interruption of the aorta associated with ventricular septal defect (group I, n = 26) and arch anomaly with complex intracardiac defects such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome or its variants (group II, n = 22). Arterial cannula was inserted through the innominate artery and the flow rate was regulated to about 50-100 ml/kg per min during regional perfusion. Simultaneous myocardial perfusion was maintained using a Y-connected infusion line. Cardioplegia was applied during intracardiac repair. RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 154 +/- 49 and 39 +/- 34 min, respectively. Temporary circulatory arrest for intracardiac procedures was performed in eight patients. However, the mean arrest time was minimized (range 1-18 min). The descending aorta clamping time was 33 +/- 16 min. Operative mortality rates in each group were 0 and 18.2% (0/26 and 4/22). Late mortality rates were 0 and 11.1% (0/26 and 2/18) during 9.1 months of follow-up. Complications consisted of low cardiac output in eight cases, transient neurological problems in two cases, and transient renal insufficiency in two cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Regional perfusion is feasible and can be used with acceptable results. It may reduce potential complications following aortic arch reconstruction using circulatory arrest. However, repair of aortic arch in the patients with complex intracardiac defects still imposes a significant rate of mortality and morbidity.     

Extraanatomic aortic bypass for repair of aortic arch coarctation via sternotomy: midterm clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results

BACKGROUND: We analyzed our 22 years of experience with extraanatomic bypass grafting for repair of aortic arch coarctation in adults. Results from early and midterm follow-up with clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance angiography are reported. METHODS: Between November 1979 and December 2001, 18 consecutive patients aged 18 to 61 years (mean, 31.8 +/- 13.3 years) underwent extraanatomic bypass grafting to repair coarctation of the aortic arch. Six patients (33.3%) had recoarctation after previous repair through a left thoracotomy, and 3 (16.7%) had associated cardiac diseases. The operative technique used in all patients was ascending aorta-to-descending thoracic aorta bypass with a polyethylene terephthalate fiber (Dacron) graft through a median sternotomy and posterior pericardial approach. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in all patients, with a mean duration of 5.6 +/- 5.7 years (range, 12 months to 22 years). The follow-up interval exceeded 10 years in 5 patients. No neurologic complications, early or late mortality, late reoperations, or graft complications occurred. Six patients (33.3%) had mild hypertension. All patients were asymptomatic with patent Dacron grafts confirmed by echocardiography. Magnetic resonance angiography, performed in 15 (83.3%) patients, revealed that the Dacron grafts were still patent at a mean interval of 4.0 +/- 6.2 years (range, 5 days to 22 years) after repair. CONCLUSIONS: Extraanatomic ascending aorta-to-descending thoracic aorta bypass grafting for repair of aortic arch coarctation in adults is safe, with low morbidity and no mortality. The favorable midterm results indicate this technique is a safe and less invasive means of repairing aortic arch coarctation or recoarctation in adults.     

Repair of Coarctation of the Aorta in Neonates and Young Infants

Abstract In repair of coarctation in neonates or young infants, inadequate removal of ductal tissue, failure to address hypoplasia of the aortic arch, and suture line tension have been reported to be important factors of residual or early recurrent stenosis at the coarctation repair site. In a consecutive series of neonates and young infants with coarctation, who were all operated without delay with extended resection, the clinical outcome regarding the development of restenosis and hypertension was studied. In addition, the resected specimens were investigated regarding the completeness of resection of ductal tissue. Twenty-five consecutive neonates and young infants (median age 22 days, range 5 to 39 days) who underwent surgical correction of coarctation were reviewed; the resected specimens were examined histologically to document the extent of ductal tissue in the aortic wall. Fifteen patients had a preductal coarctation with associated cardiovascular anomalies including a hypoplastic aortic arch (n = 11). The remaining 10 patients had a paraductal coarctation without associated intracardiac anomalies. In all patients, the isthmus was bypassed and an end-to-side anastomosis was constructed between the descending aorta and the undersurface of the proximal aortic arch (n = 13) or the distal ascending aorta (n = 12). In 13 patients without marked hypoplasia of tbe aortic arch, the coarctation repair was performed through a left thoracotomy. In the remaining 12 patients, the coarctation was repaired through a median sternotomy with CPB and hypothermic circulatory arrest, on the basis of an associated hypoplastic aortic arch (n = 4), hypoplastic aortic arch with intracardiac anomalies (n = 7), or a “bovine” innominate artery (n = 1). There was no perioperative or late mortality. At a median follow-up of 15 months, 1 patient (4%) developed a recurrent stenosis at the coarctation repair site; in the remaining 24 patients, echocardiograpby showed a widely patent anastomosis with no evidence of a hemodynamically significant gradient. None of the patients had hypertension. Histologic examination of the resected specimens demonstrated the presence of ductal tissue in the descending aorta with maximal extension into its lateral wall (mean 5.2 mm). In all specimens of the paraductal subtype, there was also extension of ductal tissue into the lateral wall of tbe isthmus (mean 3.9 mm). We conclude that: (1) in the absence of marked hypoplasia of the proximal aortic arch, coarctation can be repaired with low mortality and morbidity via a left thoracotomy; (2) in the presence of marked hypoplasia of the proximal aortic arch and/or if associated intracardiac defects also need to be repaired, we advocate repair of the coarctation and associated defects through a median sternotomy with circulatory arrest; (3) in view of the absence of postoperative hypertension in this series, early repair of aortic coarctation is recommended; and (4) because ductal tissue may extend not only into the descending aorta but also into the isthmus, complete excision of the coarctation and bypass of the isthmus are valuable techniques to avoid secondary constriction of the aorta by ductal tissue.     

Extra-anatomic aortic bypass via sternotomy for complex aortic arch stenosis in children

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent aortic narrowing after repair of aortic coarctation or interrupted aortic arch, as well as diffuse, long-segment aortic hypoplasia, can be difficult to manage. Extra-anatomic ascending aorta-descending aorta bypass grafting through a sternotomy is an alternative approach for this problem. METHODS: Since 1985, 19 patients aged 2 months to 18 years (mean 10.7 years) underwent extra-anatomic bypass with 10- to 30-mm Dacron grafts. The initial diagnosis was coarctation with hypoplastic arch in 15, interrupted aortic arch in 3, and diffuse long-segment aortic hypoplasia in 1. Seventeen of the children had a total of 22 previous operations: transthoracic interposition or bypass graft (n = 7), end-to-end anastomosis (n = 7), subclavian arterioplasty (n = 6), and synthetic patch (n = 2). The mean time from initial repair was 8.0 years (range 0.6-18 years). Three children had previous sternotomies. Cardiopulmonary bypass was avoided in all but 6 patients (5 with simultaneous intracardiac repairs). RESULTS: No hospital or late deaths occurred. On follow-up from 4 months to 14.7 years (mean 7.9 years), no reoperations for recurrent stenosis were performed. Two patients have arm-to-leg pressure gradients: 20 mm Hg at rest in 1 patient and a 60-mm Hg systolic exercise gradient with no resting gradient in the other. One patient required exclusion of an aortic aneurysm at the old coarctation repair site 13 years after extra-anatomic bypass. Three children had subsequent successful cardiac operations. CONCLUSIONS: Extra-anatomic bypass is an effective and relatively easy approach for selected cases of complex or reoperative aortic arch obstruction. It should be considered as an alternative operative technique for complex aortic arch reconstruction.     

Acute type A aortic dissection and coarctation of aortic isthmus

Acute type A aortic dissection and coarctation of the aorta is a rare associated disease. A case of two-stage repair is presented. Firstly the ascending aorta and the right hemi-arch was replaced using deep hypo-thermic circulatory arrest. Cardiopulmonary bypass was proximally instituted, in a patient with total aortic isthmus occlusion, using right axillary artery cannulation. Distally arterial perfusion was obtained cannulating the bilateral hypoplasic femoral arteries. Ten months later a left subclavian artery-descending thoracic aorta bypass was performed.     

Off pump repair of aortic arch anomalies with concomitant intracardiac defects via anterior approach

BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated the surgical treatment of aortic arch anomalies associated with intracardiac pathologies, through median sternotomy on beating heart without using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: A consecutive series of 10 patients with aortic coarctation were operated upon. Median age at repair was 3.5 months (range, 5 days to 72 months), median weight was 4 kg (range, 2.2 to 30 kg). All aortic obstruction repairs were done via midsternotomy without using CPB and it is used only for repair of intracardiac defects. The aortic reconstruction included resection and end-to-side anastomosis in six patients and pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty in four patients. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. Mean follow-up value was 17.6 +/- 8.07 months. There was no restenosis. CONCLUSION: Most of the aortic coarctation and interrupted aorta type A can be well-treated surgically through median sternotomy without using CPB. Thus, the need for profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest and its potential neurological and other side effects are removed and CPB is reserved only for associated intracardiac defects, if present.     

Management of infants with coarctation and ventricular septal defect

The management of patients with aortic coarctation and ventricular septal defect (VSD) remains controversial. A 2-stage repair uses staged coarctation repair +/- pulmonary artery banding followed by VSD closure with 2 separate operations. This has the advantage of a straightforward coarctation repair (except in the case of proximal arch hypoplasia) and a simpler VSD closure at a later date. A subset of patients will have spontaneous VSD closure that obviates the need for subsequent operation. Disadvantages include a period of palliation between operations and the complications of a pulmonary band. A single-stage approach involves simultaneous coarctation repair and VSD closure on cardiopulmonary bypass with circulatory arrest or regional perfusion during coarctation repair. This has the advantages of complete repair in infancy without palliation and the ability to deal with proximal arch hypoplasia. Disadvantages include a technically more challenging operation and the need for circulatory arrest or regional cerebral perfusion. Some series have suggested a higher risk for recoarctation. An alternative method involves coarctation repair without cardiopulmonary bypass through a thoracotomy followed by VSD closure during the same operation (1 stage, 2 incisions). This affords excellent clinical results with complete repair in infancy. One can avoid prolonged periods of aortic cross clamping, cardiopulmonary bypass, and circulatory arrest/regional perfusion. Compared with the other strategies, there are decreased total intensive care unit and hospital stays.     

Left heart hypoplasia and neonatal aortic arch obstruction: is the Rhodes left ventricular adequacy score applicable?

OBJECTIVE: Although the influence of small left heart structures on outcome of a biventricular repair in neonatal critical aortic stenosis is well documented, little is known about its effect in neonates with aortic arch obstruction and coarctation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of small left heart structures on early and late results of repair and the ability to achieve a biventricular repair in neonates with coarctation and aortic arch obstruction. PATIENTS: Neonates included in this study had a left ventricular adequacy score (as proposed by Rhodes and associates for critical aortic stenosis) that would have predicted a need for a univentricular (Norwood) repair. All were ductus dependent but had antegrade ascending aortic flow and a small but nonstenotic aortic valve (<30 mm Hg gradient). Twenty neonates aged 10 +/- 9 days were identified for the study with weights averaging 3. 1 +/- 0.6 kg. Selected left heart measurements obtained by preoperative echocardiography included the following: aortic anulus 5.3 +/- 0.3 mm, mitral anulus 8.4 +/- 1.0 mm, transverse aortic arch 3.4 +/- 0.6 mm, and left ventricular volume 25 +/- 4 mL/m2. All patients underwent coarctation repair by resection and extended end-to-end anastomosis to enlarge the transverse arch as needed. Three patients underwent simultaneous pulmonary artery banding because of a hemodynamically significant ventricular septal defect. These 3 patients have subsequently had their defects successfully closed without mortality. RESULTS: There were no early or late deaths at a follow-up of 38 +/- 16 months after the operation. Three patients (3/20, 15%) have had to undergo reintervention with balloon aortoplasty because of recurrent coarctation (gradient > 20 mm Hg) in 2 and resection of subaortic stenosis in 1. Late follow-up in the remaining patients reveals 1 with moderate subaortic stenosis (gradient = 43 mm Hg), 2 with mild aortic stenosis (gradient < 30 mm Hg), and 2 with mild to moderate mitral stenosis. At late follow-up, 16 patients (16/20, 80%) are completely free of symptoms and 4 (4/20, 20%) have mild residual symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Biventricular physiology can be successfully achieved in neonates with small left heart structures and aortic arch obstruction with minimal mortality and excellent late functional results. Standard echocardiographic measurements used to predict the need for a univentricular repair in critical aortic stenosis are not valid for the neonate with aortic arch obstruction.     

Isolated myocardial perfusion during arch repair

Repair of coarctation of the aorta with severe hypoplasia of the aortic arch or interrupted aortic arch was performed in 5 patients using a modification of the usual technique that consisted of isolated myocardial perfusion during arch repair. The aortic cross-clamp was placed on the ascending aorta distal to the aortic cannula. Cardiopulmonary bypass flow was reduced to about 10% of full flow, achieving a line pressure of 35 to 45 mm Hg to keep the heart perfused and beating during arch repair. Once the aortic arch was repaired, total body perfusion was continued as usual and intracardiac repair was performed. Isolated myocardial perfusion for aortic arch reconstruction reduces myocardial ischemic time.     

Successful treatment for intraoperatively evolving acute aortic dissection in a neonate

Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition. We report the case of a neonatal one-stage correction of coarctation and hypoplastic aortic arch repair plus ventricular septal defect closure. While dissecting the head vessels after cannulation of the ascending aorta and commencing cardiopulmonary bypass, type A aortic dissection evolved. This required immediate ascending aorta and aortic arch reconstruction with coarctation of the aorta resection under hypothermic circulatory arrest. The surgical management of this rather unique situation is discussed here.     

Continuous systemic perfusion improves outcome in one stage repair of obstructed aortic arch and associated cardiac malformation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether continuous systemic perfusion is of effective use when establishing primary repair of the aortic obstruction and associated cardiac malformations. METHODS: Since 1991, 56 infants have undergone reconstruction of interrupted (in 28) or coarctated (in 28) aorta, concomitantly with closure of ventricular septal defects in 37, and repair of other malformations in the remaining 19. Of these, total circulatory arrest (30+/-11 min) was employed in 23. In another 21 patients, perfusion was maintained for the carotid arteries with the descending aorta cross-clamped (31+/-15 min). The bodily organs were perfused throughout the operative procedures by placing dual aortic cannulae in the remaining 12 patients. RESULTS: The postoperative courses were less eventful in the non-circulatory arrest group than other groups of patients undergoing total or partial circulatory arrest, although these groups were operated in different time periods, and consequently, a general progress might be one reason for improvements in the surgical outcomes. All patients undergoing no circulatory arrest survived the primary repair, could have the sternum primarily closed, and had no episodes of cerebral bleeding. Prolonged tracheal intubation was needed just in one patient of this group. The amount of urine output during cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly greater in the non-circulatory arrest group than in the others. The maximal concentrations of urinary beta-microglobulin, serous creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase were lower in this setting. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous systemic perfusion was considered less invasive when concomitantly repairing the obstructed aorta and intracardiac malformations.