Pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty for reconstruction of an interrupted aortic arch associated with an aortopulmonary window

We present here an infant with an aortopulmonary window associated with an interrupted aortic arch. Single-stage repair with a pulmonary autograft patch for augmentation of the interrupted aortic arch repair was performed. Transpulmonary patch closure was used to repair the aortopulmonary window. A computed tomography scan at the 1-month follow-up demonstrated a reconstructed aortic arch without obstruction, kinking, or any sign of bronchial or branch pulmonary artery compression.     

Mirror image Berry syndrome: a case report of complex aortopulmonary malformation in viscero-atrial situs inversus

We report a very rare case of an infant with viscero-atrial situs inversus presenting mirror image Berry syndrome (aortopulmonary window, interrupted aortic arch, anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery, and intact ventricular septum). Successful surgical treatment was accomplished 56 days following the initial rescue bilateral pulmonary artery banding.     

Repair of interrupted aortic arch and aortopulmonary window in an infant.

The diagnosis and repair in infancy of interrupted aortic arch and aortopulmonary window is described. Using deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest, aortic continuity was established with a prosthetic graft, which was anastomosed to the aortic orifice of the aortopulmonary window. The pulmonary artery side of the aortopulmonary window was closed directly. Postoperative cardiac catheterization demonstrated a good reconstruction. Previous experience with this rare variety of interrupted aortic arch complex is reviewed.     

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery in association with type III aortopulmonary window and interrupted aortic arch

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, also known as Garland-Bland-White syndrome, usually occurs as an isolated condition. We report an infant with caudal regression sequence diagnosed with interrupted aortic arch type B and type III aortopulmonary window, who was found to have anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery at surgical repair. Successful repair of the aortopulmonary window and interruption was performed with reimplantation of the left coronary artery into the ascending aorta. This report highlights the importance of closely assessing the coronary ostia in patients undergoing complex aortopulmonary window repair.     

一期纠治主肺动脉窗或右肺动脉起源于升主动脉

目的总结主肺动脉窗或右肺动脉起源于升主动脉的外科纠治经验。方法17例病儿中单纯主肺动脉窗5例,右肺动脉起源于升主动脉4例,主肺动脉窗伴主动脉弓中断、法洛四联症、房室间隔缺损、二尖瓣反流和气管狭窄等8例。1例无手术指征,16例行解剖纠治,平均手术年龄1．7岁;平均体重8．5 kg。结果手术无死亡。2例延迟关胸;1例再进胸止血。随访无死亡,无主动脉瓣上狭窄及肺动脉狭窄。结论主肺动脉窗及右肺动脉起源于升主动脉易早期产生肺动脉高压,一经诊断需立即手术。手术方式首选与伴发畸形一期纠治。主肺动脉窗及右肺动脉起源于升主动脉尽管多有伴发畸形,但早期手术纠治可获得较佳中、长期疗效。     

Aortopulmonary window

Aortopulmonary window is a rare defect caused by failure of fusion of the two opposing conotruncal ridges that are responsible for separating the truncus arteriosus into the aorta and pulmonary artery. Aortopulmonary window may occur as an isolated lesion or it can be associated with other cardiac abnormalities in one third to one half of cases. The most common associated lesions are arch abnormalities, specifically interrupted aortic arch and coarctation of the aorta. Antenatal diagnosis is rare. In the current era, early mortality following repair of simple aortopulmonary window approaches zero and depends on the presence of associated lesions, especially interrupted aortic arch. Long-term outcome should be excellent. Early morbidity includes pulmonary artery stenosis and residual aortopulmonary septal defects. Long-term follow-up is indicated to look for recurrent lesions such as the development of branch pulmonary artery stenosis and arch obstruction.     

Repair of interrupted aortic arch and associated malformations in infancy: indications for complete or partial repair

There is uncertainty regarding the best method of repair of interrupted aortic arch. The question is whether to perform primary definitive repair of this anomaly plus the associated defects versus arch repair only and palliation of the intracardiac defects, usually by pulmonary artery banding. Since 1976, 16 infants with interrupted aortic arch have been treated surgically. They were seen at 5.2 +/- 3 days of age and weighed 3.2 +/- 0.7 kg. The interruption occurred between the left carotid and left subclavian arteries (type B) in 9 and between the left subclavian artery and the descending aorta in 7 (type A). Isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) was the only associated anomaly in 7 and aortopulmonary window, in 4. Two patients had truncus arteriosus type 1. Three had transposition of the great arteries: 1 with VSD and 2 with single ventricle. Prior to 1980, our policy was to palliate all patients. Between 1976 and 1980, 4 infants underwent left thoracotomy with arch repair plus pulmonary artery banding (3, VSD; 7, transposition of the great vessels and single ventricle) with only 1 (25%) survivor. Because of this high mortality, 8 patients with interrupted aortic arch and VSD or aortopulmonary window, seen since 1980, received complete repair with median sternotomy, end-to-end arch anastomosis, and closure of the VSD or aortopulmonary window utilizing profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest. All 8 survived.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Total anatomic correction of interrupted aortic arch complex. Experience in 4 infants

In two cases of interrupted aortic arch (IAA) of type A, one associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and one with an aortopulmonary window, and two of type B, both associated with a VSD, total anatomic repair was performed at respective ages of 6 months and 24, 8 and 3 days. All four operations were performed through a median sternotomy, using profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest. The repair included resection of the patent ductus arteriosus, direct end-to-side anastomosis of the descending to the ascending aorta and closure of the VSD or, in one case, of the aortopulmonary window. The two oldest infants (with type A IAA) survived. Reexamination two years postoperatively demonstrated good width of the aortic anastomosis with no gradient. In the child who had had an aortopulmonary window there was a proximal tight stenosis of the right pulmonary artery, which was corrected at reoperation. Total anatomic correction of IAA through an anterior approach is technically feasible and the aortic anastomosis seems to grow satisfactorily. The management of very sick neonates with IAA remains a great challenge.     

Successful surgical repair of truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch in infancy by an anterior approach

A 98-day-old infant was successfully operated on for truncus arteriosus (type I) with interrupted aortic arch (type B) using a one-stage anterior approach. The interrupted aortic arch was reconstructed by direct anastomosis between the ascending and descending aorta. The ventricular septal defect was closed, and a 12-mm porcine valved conduit was placed on the right side of the ascending aorta to establish continuity between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. Surgical procedures for the repair of this malformation are the focus of discussion.     

Surgical treatment of interrupted aortic arch in infants under three months of age

From March, 1982, through March, 1988, 8 infants less than 3 months of age underwent surgical treatment of interrupted aortic arch. Five patients had IAA type A and 3 patients had type B. Seven patients with associated VSD underwent staged operations and 1 infant with aortopulmonary window underwent primary repair off cardiopulmonary bypass. Aortic arch reconstruction was by subclavian aortic anastomosis (6) or large tube graft (8 mm) interposition (2) combined with pulmonary artery banding (5). All seven patients with associated VSD survived the first-stage operation. One patient subsequently underwent pulmonary artery banding, two underwent patch aortoplasty and four patients underwent intracardiac repair and removal of a pulmonary artery band, with six survivors (86%). The operative death occurred in an infant in whom modified Damus-Kaye-Stansel operation was carried out for severe subaortic stenosis, which rerouting all left ventricular blood through VSD and the main pulmonary artery into the ascending aorta and reconstructing right ventricular-distal pulmonary artery connection by a valved external conduit. All six surviving patients are doing well at present (mean follow up of 3 years) without any significant pressure gradient between the ascending and thoracic aorta. Based on these data we conclude: (1) Aortic arch reconstruction and pulmonary artery banding can be reliably performed even in critically ill infants with IAA and isolated VSD. (2) The primary repair will provide better chance of survival in infants with IAA associated with significant LVOTO, truncus arteriosus or aortopulmonary window that do not readily lend themselves to pulmonary artery banding.     

Closure of ventricular septal defect of interrupted aortic arch with left ventricular outflow obstruction]

Leftward shift of the infundibular septum (IS) in interrupted aortic arch (IAA) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) often develops significant left ventricular outflow obstruction (LVOTO). Seven-day-old boy with 2.6 kg body weight underwent the two-stage operation for this anomaly. The aortic arch was interrupted between the left common carotid and the left subclavian artery. At the first stage, a 5 mm GORE-TEX graft was used to connect the interrupted arch, and pulmonary artery banding was performed. In closure of VSD at the second stage, IS was penetrated by stitches for the VSD patch to left ventricular outflow tract. IS with leftward shift could be pulled toward right ventricular side with patch fixation and LVOTO was prevented by this method.     

Berry syndrome—a rare congenital cardiac anomaly

Berry syndrome is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly, characterized by distal aortopulmonary window, hypoplasia or interruption of the aortic arch, intact ventricular septum, and aortic origin of the right pulmonary artery and patent ductus arteriosus. Anatomic depiction of each component is important for the diagnosis. Single-stage surgical repair is challenging but feasible with good survival outcomes. The available literature on this anomaly is limited. Hence, this paper aims at reviewing the literature on Berry syndrome.     

Truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch: successful repair using modified cardiopulmonary bypass and surgical techniques

A neonate with truncus arteriosus (type 1) and interrupted aortic arch (type A) associated with an excessively large gap between interrupted aortic segments underwent successful reconstruction of the aortic arch with a partial subclavian flap aortoplasty plus bovine jugular patch (Contegra 200, Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN) using continuous selective low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass without circulatory arrest. The ventricular septal defect was closed with a Dacron (IMPRA, Inc, Tempe, AZ) patch, and a Contegra prosthesis was used to re-establish right ventricle to pulmonary artery continuity. At an 18-month follow-up, the patient was free of symptoms with normal development. Echocardiography revealed a widely patent aortic arch and an unobstructed right ventricle to pulmonary artery connection.     

Anterior translocation of the right pulmonary artery for relief of airway compression in the repair of distal aortopulmonary window and interrupted aortic arch

Airway compression by dilated right pulmonary artery (RPA) in infants with congenital heart disease can cause severe respiratory insufficiency and increase postoperative morbidity. Anterior aortopexy can be a good solution. However, in a case in which aortic arch repair is required, anterior aortopexy might not be effective or can be dangerous. Anterior translocation of the RPA can be a good option to avoid postoperative airway obstruction. We adopted this technique in a one-stage complete repair of distal aortopulmonary window, aortic origin of the RPA, interrupted aortic arch, and ventricular septal defect in a neonate with compression of both main bronchi. After 37 months of follow-up, no problem was encountered with her airway or RPA. We describe the technique used and the results obtained.     

Successful complete repair of interrupted aortic arch and associated with DiGeorge syndrome in neonate]

We report a rare case of interrupted aortic arch and a right aortic arch associated with DiGeorge syndrome, in neonate. Through a median sternotomy bypass was established placing an arterial perfusion cannula both in the ascending aorta, and in the main pulmonary artery. The right and left pulmonary arteries were temporarily occluded, while this pulmonary cannula perfused the lower part of the body. The arch reconstruction was performed during profound hypothermic total circulatory arrest. The right descending aorta had an adequate length and direct anastomosis was carried out without any tension. The VSD was repaired through a right atrial approach. The patient had hypocalcemia and thymic abnormalities which was consistent with the DiGeorge syndrome. He was treated with calcium gluconate and alfacalcidol, but no serious infection due to immunodeficiency was seen after operation. Post operative catheterization revealed no pressure gradient at the site anastomosis of the aortic arch and satisfactory results.     

一期手术矫治主动脉弓中断及伴发畸形

目的总结主动脉弓中断(IAA)及伴发畸形的手术治疗经验。方法自2000年1月至2005年12月我科共收治48例IAA及伴发畸形患者(平均年龄1.1岁、平均体重7.0kg),合并畸形有室间隔缺损23例,完全性大动脉错位2例,主-肺动脉窗伴右肺动脉起源于主动脉3例,第5主动脉弓残存狭窄2例,右心室双出口2例,永存动脉干2例,迷走右锁骨下动脉伴降主动脉发育不良1例。48例中35例接受手术纠治,其中34例IAA及伴发畸形一期解剖纠治,1例伴右心室双出口患者行主动脉弓吻合及肺动脉环缩术纠治。结果手术死亡4例。术后26例随访3个月~4年,死亡2例。术后发生并发症7例,Ⅲ°房室传导阻滞和膈神经麻痹各1例,轻度吻合口梗阻5例,其余患者无残余解剖问题,心功能良好。结论在新生儿期施行IAA一期矫治手术成功率高,围术期合适的干预是治疗成功的关键;由于伴发畸形复杂,远期生存率不容乐观。     

A case of tracheo-bronchial stenosis after extended end-to-end aortic arch anastomosis for interrupted aortic arch treated with suspension of the ascending artery and pulmonary artery

A 9-day-old boy had pulmonary artery banding and extended end-to-end aortic arch anastomosis for ventricular septal defect (VSD) and type A interrupted aortic arch. Severe dyspnea gradually developed. At 3 months of age, intracardiac repair of VSD was performed. Weaning from the ventilator was difficult. Endoscopic examination and chest CT revealed stenosis of the right and left main bronchi and compression of tracheal bifurcation and the right and left main bronchi by the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery. Suspension of the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery was performed 15 days after VSD closure. Nine days after this procedure, the patient was weaned from respirator. Postoperative course was uneventful. Bronchial stenosis may be caused from extended end-to-end aortic arch anastomosis.     

Repair of persistent truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to analyse experience with repair of truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch. METHODS: Between 1993 and 2004, eight consecutive patients underwent repair of truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch. The median age was 6.5 days (range 1-85 days) and median weight was 3.2 kg (range 2.6-4.8 kg). Five patients had type A and 3 patients had type B aortic arch interruption. The repair was performed in deep hypothermia with circulatory arrest in 4 patients and isolated selective low-flow perfusion of the head and the heart in the last 4 patients. The repair consisted in aortic arch reconstruction by direct anastomosis between descending and ascending aorta, closure of ventricular septal defect and reconstruction of the right ventricular to pulmonary artery continuity using a valved conduit. RESULTS: One (12.5%) patient died from sepsis and hepato-renal failure 18 days after surgery. Seven (87.5%) patients were followed up for 2.0-11.7 years (median 2.6 years). No patient died after the discharge from hospital. In 4 patients 1-3 reinterventions were required 0.6-10.0 years after repair. Reoperations were performed for conduit obstruction in 2 patients, aortic regurgitation in 2 patients, right pulmonary artery stenosis in 2 patients and airway obstruction in 1 patient. In 2 patients concommitant aortic valve and conduit replacement was required. Balloon angioplasty for aortic arch obstruction was necessary in 1 patient, and for bilateral pulmonary branch stenosis in 1 patient. Five (28.6%) surviving patients are in NYHA class I and 2 (71.4%) patients are in NYHA class II. CONCLUSIONS: Primary repair of persistent truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch can be done with low mortality and good mid-term results. Aortic arch reconstruction in isolated low-flow perfusion of the head and the heart influences favourably the postoperative recovery. The main postoperative problems are associated with conduit obstruction and aortic insufficiency.     

Aortic arch aneurysm with aortopulmonary fistula; report of a case

A 77-year-old female was admitted to our hospital due to congestive heart failure. Computed tomography and angiography showed a saccular aneurysm with aortopulmonary fistula in the aortic arch. The patient underwent total arch replacement and patch closure of the pulmonary artery in an urgent operation. She was discharged after uneventful postoperative course, although staged sternal closure and 5 days of respiratory management were needed. A few cases of aortic arch aneurysm with perforation to the pulmonary artery are operated with success, which depends on severity of congestive heart failure and urgency. Therefore, it should be diagnosed exactly and rapidly. In the operation, special care should be taken to avoid right heart failure and postoperative respiratory distress.     

Truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch: successful correction in a neonate

Truncus arteriosus (type II) with interrupted aortic arch (type B) was successfully repaired at 11 days of age using anterior translocation of the pulmonary arteries, resection of the ductus arteriosus, and direct anastomosis between the descending aorta and truncus. This technique permitted wide reconstruction of the aortic arch and minimized the number of suture lines. It also positioned the right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit anteriorly, which may simplify its subsequent replacement.