Anatomically positioned aorta ascending-descending bypass grafting via left posterolateral thoracotomy for reoperation of aortic coarctation.

OBJECTIVE: Operation for aortic recoarctation and/or residual hypoplastic arch represents a surgical challenge because of surrounding scar tissue in the coarctation area, hazard of spinal cord ischemia due to aortic cross-clamping, laceration of the recurrent nerve, and the choice of the best approach. We demonstrate the first results of an anatomically guided technique via the prior left thoracotomy approach without establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Since 1989, five patients underwent anatomically positioned ascending-descending bypass grafting for treatment of recoarctation. Indication was a non-dilatable hypoplastic aortic arch segment; in two cases an additional isthmic restenosis was present. Inclusion criteria for our technique was an aorta ascending diameter large enough to allow partial clamping. Primary repair of aortic coarctation was end-to-end anastomosis in four patients and patch angioplasty in one. Mean age at primary repair was 5.5 years and at reoperation 16.1 years. Systolic pressure gradients at rest ranged from 35 to 70 mmHg; upper extremity hypertension was present in all patients. Operative technique consisted of performing a dacron or PTFE aorta ascending-descending bypass graft parallel to the aortic arch, size 18 or 20 mm in diameter, via the prior left thoracotomy. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications and all patients survived. Postoperative complications were left lung atelectasis with necessity of reintubation, pericardial effusion, and transient left diaphragm elevation, each in one patient. After 7-90 months all patients are free of symptoms, have normal blood pressure (with two patients being under anti-hypertensive medication), and have no echocardiographically measurable pressure gradients. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomically positioned aorta ascending-descending bypass grafting via the prior left posterolateral thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass is a safe and efficient method for operation of complex recoarctation in patients with an acceptable size of the aorta ascendens.     

Combined surgical and endovascular approach to treat a complex aortic coarctation without extracorporeal circulation

Various therapeutic approaches have been proposed to treat complex coarctation of the aorta (eg, recoarctation, which requires repetitive interventions, or coarctation with a hypoplastic aortic arch). Resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis or by graft interposition is technically demanding and exposes the patient to considerable perioperative risks. Cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest may be necessary to control the distal aortic arch. The role of stent technology in treating this type of lesion has not yet been defined. We present a 21-year-old woman with a recurrent coarctation of the aorta associated with a hypoplastic aortic arch and a pseudoaneurysm of the proximal descending aorta. She had undergone 4 previous interventions. Treatment consisted of a combined surgical and endovascular approach without cardiopulmonary bypass and included extraanatomic aortic bypass, partial debranching of the supraaortic vessels, and stent-graft insertion to exclude the aneurysm.     

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.     

Coarctation of the aorta with right aortic arch: surgical technique and new classification.

BACKGROUND: The combination of right aortic arch and coarctation of the aorta has seldom been reported. This rare abnormality occurs as an isolated lesion or in association with other congenital defects, such as mixed gonadal dysgenesis and Turner's syndrome. METHODS: The medical records of 2 patients who underwent operation for right aortic arch and aortic coarctation in our institution were reviewed together with case reports in the literature. Various surgical options have been reported: synthetic grafts, subclavian flap, and end-to-end anastomosis. End-to-end anastomosis is our method of choice for coarctation of the aorta and for right aortic arch with coarctation, even though an excessive amount of dissection is needed. RESULTS: Both patients from our institution are doing well, with no sign of recoarctation in either patient. Our experience and recent advances in the understanding of the anatomy of this lesion led us to develop an alternative simplified classification for right aortic arch, which is presented here. CONCLUSIONS: Right aortic arch and coarctation of the aorta is a rare morphologic combination. On the basis of our experience with repair of coarctation of the aorta and our review of the literature, we think that end-to-end anastomosis is the operative technique of choice with the best long-term results. Our simplified classification is easy to understand when dealing with right aortic arch.     

Subclavian Steal Syndrome in the Pediatric Age Group

Four pediatric patients with subclavian steal syndrome (SSS) are described. One patient with congenital SSS had persistence of the lesion following surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta due to a gradient across a hypoplastic aortic arch. In 3 patients SSS developed on an acquired basis as a sequel to corrective operation, for coarctation in 1 patient, and interrupted aortic arch in 2 patients. Contributory factors included hypoplasia of the aortic arch, anatomical variation of the origin of the vertebral artery, and discrete recoarctation involving the ostium of the subclavian artery. Treatment was by vertebral artery ligation in 3 patients and by prosthetic patch arterioplasty in the patient with recoarctation. The 4 patients remain asymptomatic on follow-up of 16 to 25 months.     

One-stage total repair of aortic arch anomaly using regional perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Primary repair of aortic arch obstructions and associated cardiac anomalies is a surgical challenge in neonates and infants. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest prolongs myocardial ischemia and might induce cerebral and myocardial dysfunction. METHODS: From March 2000 to December 2005, 69 neonates or infants with aortic arch anomaly underwent one-stage biventricular repair with continuous cerebral perfusion in the presence of a nonworking beating heart using the dual perfusion technique on the innominate artery and aortic root. Preoperative diagnoses of arch anomaly comprised aortic coarctation (n=54) or an interrupted aortic arch (n=15). Combined anomalies were ventricular septal defect (n=52), anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from ascending aorta (n=3), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n=2), truncus arteriosus (n=2), atrioventricular septal defect (n=2), double outlet right ventricle (n=1), total anomalous pulmonary venous return (n=1), partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (n=1), and aortic stenosis (n=1). RESULTS: The mean regional perfusion time was 27.8+/-9.8 min. There was no operative mortality. Postoperative low cardiac output was present in four patients (5.8%). A neurologic complication was noted in one patient (1.5%) who developed transient chorea, but recovered completely. During 32.8+/-17.5 months of follow-up, one late death (1.5%) occurred. There was neither reoperation associated with arch anomaly nor recoarctation except in one patient. One patient developed left main bronchial compression necessitating aortopexy. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage total arch repair using our regional perfusion technique is an excellent method that may minimize neurologic and myocardial complications without mortality. Our surgical strategy for arch anomaly has a low rate of residual and recurrent coarctation when performed in neonates and infants.     

Ascending-descending posterior pericardial bypass of complex coarctation of the aorta

Recurrent coarctation or complex aortic arch obstruction can present a surgical challenge. The ascending-descending posterior pericardial aortic bypass offers a safe, reproducible solution for the surgical treatment of complex or recurrent coarctation of the aorta and facilitates concomitant cardiac surgery.     

Hypoplastic circumflex retroesophageal right-sided cervical aortic arch with unusual vascular arrangement and severe coarctation

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with a hypoplastic retroesophageal circumflex right-sided cervical aortic arch and coarctation. After the incidental finding of a heart murmur when the boy was 9 years old, cardiac magnetic resonance showed a right-sided cervical aortic arch, hypoplastic transverse arch, and separate origin of the left common carotid, right common carotid, right vertebral, and right subclavian arteries. The left subclavian artery arose from the proximal descending aorta next to the coarctation. An extra-anatomical ascending to descending aorta tube graft was inserted through a right lateral thoracotomy with good results.     

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.     

Repair of aortic coarctation and aneurysm of ductus arteriosus in the presence of right-sided arch and descending aorta

Association of right aortic arch and coarctation of the aorta is rare. A patient with aortic coarctation was presented to our clinic. Detailed radiological work-up revealed aortic coarctation, aneurysm of ductus arteriosus, mirror image brachiocephalic vessels, right-sided arch, and right-sided descending aorta. The patient underwent successful operative repair through a right thoracotomy. She is normotensive and doing well two years postoperatively.     

Coarctation of aorta with right aortic arch and anomalous left subclavian artery]

The occurrence of coarctation in patients with right aortic arch is extremely rare. We have encountered a 21-year-old man with anomalous left subclavian artery. He was diagnosed when he was 13. On angiography he exhibited a right aortic arch. The left common carotid artery, right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery diverged from the proximal side of the coarctation. The left subclavian artery diverged from the distal side. The right brachial arterial pressures measured 158-72 mmHg, while the left brachial arterial pressures measured 98-80 mmHg. Clinical studies revealed no vascular ring and no other anomalies were found in this patient. An attempt at treatment was made with extra anatomical bypass grafting from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta. No pressure difference due to coarctation remained after operation.     

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 ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via right thoracotomy for complex re-coarctation of the aorta. An alternative surgical approach for complex re-coarctation

Ascending-to-descending aortic bypass may be the best approach for complex re-coarctation of the aorta because of adhesions around the coarctation area, risk of spinal cord ischaemia due to aortic cross-clamping and laceration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. We report a patient with complex re-coarctation of the aorta successfully treated by extra-anatomic ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via right thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Risk factors for recoarctation and results of reoperation: a 40-year review.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed a single institution 40-year experience with children that had coarctation repair to define risk factors for recoarctation and to evaluate the results of reoperation for recoarctation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1957 and 1998, 271 patients had primary surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta. Techniques for primary repair included Gore-tex patch aortoplasty (PATCH; n = 118), resection with extended end-to-end anastomosis (RXEEA; n = 69), subclavian flap aortoplasty (SFA; n = 61), resection with simple end-to-end anastomosis (ETE; n = 18), resection and interposition graft (n = 4), and extra-anatomic graft (n = 1). Techniques for recoarctation repair included PATCH, interposition graft, and extra-anatomic graft. RESULTS: Median age at initial repair was 156 days. Major associated cardiac anomalies were present in 96 patients (35%). A hypoplastic aortic arch was present in 37 patients (14%). There were three early deaths (1%) and six late deaths (2%). One patient had paraplegia (0.4%). Recoarctation occurred in 29 patients (11%) and was most frequent with ETE and SFA repairs (33% and 20%, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed ETE repair (p = 0.0002), SFA repair (p = 0.049), and aortic arch hypoplasia (p = 0.0001) to be risk factors for recoarctation. Using PATCH as the covariate, the odds ratio to develop recoarctation was 3.5 for SFA, 17.2 for ETE, and 15.2 for hypoplastic aortic arch. There was no mortality or paraplegia after recoarctation repair (n = 23). Six patients had seven balloon angioplasties; two of these patients later required reoperation. Three patients required a second reoperation for persistent coarctation. CONCLUSIONS: In our 40-year review, simple end-to-end anastomosis and subclavian flap repair had the highest incidence of recoarctation, especially when associated with aortic arch hypoplasia. We recommend resection with extended end-to-end anastomosis for repair of neonates and infants and Gore-tex patch aortoplasty for children over the age of 1 year. Surgical repair of recurrent coarctation is safe, effective, and has a low incidence of persistent coarctation.     

Early repair of coarctation of the aorta.

BACKGROUND: Repair of coarctation of the aorta with hypoplasia and elongation of the proximal aortic arch is a technically demanding procedure with a substantial rate of recurrent stenosis at the coarctation repair site. In addition, a high incidence of hypertension has been reported in patients who underwent repair beyond infancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1991 and June 1997, 52 patients (34 neonates and 18 infants with a median age of 37 days; range 2 days to 8 months) with a mean peak systolic upper to lower extremity resting gradient of 33.5 +/- 18.9 mmHg underwent repair of aortic coarctation. The echocardiographically measured median diameter of the aortic arch immediately distal to the innominate artery was 5.4 mm (range 4.0 to 8.1 mm). Eight patients (15%) were considered hypertensive. In 41 patients, through a left thoracotomy, an end-to-side anastomosis was constructed between the descending aorta and the undersurface of the proximal aortic arch. In 12 of these patients (who all had a hypoplastic and elongated aortic arch) this procedure was preceded by the construction of an extended side-to-side left carotid-subclavian arterioplasty. The remaining 11 patients, all with hypoplasia of the aortic arch, had concomitant complete repair of intracardiac anomalies through a median sternotomy. In 8 of these patients, in addition to anastomosis of the descending aorta to the undersurface of the proximal aortic arch, the ascending aorta and aortic arch were augmented with a pulmonary homograft patch. RESULTS: One neonate with associated Shone's syndrome died (2%) on the first postoperative day. There was no late mortality. Early postoperative complications included recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in 1 patient and prolonged chest tube drainage in 4 patients. At a median follow-up of 55 months (range 15 to 92 months), only 3 patients (5. 7%) developed a recurrent stenosis at the coarctation repair site. The remaining 48 patients are free of recurrent stenosis by echocardiography and clinical examination. None of the patients had systemic hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Coarctation repair consisting of resection of all ductal tissue with end-to-side anastomosis of the descending aorta to the undersurface of the (proximal) aortic arch, if necessary combined with a side-to side left carotid-subclavian arterioplasty, may lead to excellent results. 2. This technique can be applied with low mortality and morbidity via a left thoracotomy if the proximal aortic arch is at least 5 mm in diameter. 3. In view of the low mortality, the low incidence of restenosis at the coarctation repair site, and the absence of substantial morbidity including the development of hypertension, we advocate repair of aortic coarctation at neonatal age or in early infancy to avoid the detrimental sequelae of delayed repair of coarctation, in particular hypertension.     

Right aortic arch with mirror-image branching and coarctation of the aorta--a case report]

The right aortic arch with coarctation of the aorta was reported. A 56-year-old woman admitted to the hospital because of headache and hypertension. Cardiac catheterization revealed the right aortic arch with coarctation of the aorta and 80 mmHg pressure gradient across the coarctation. The bypass operation with a 14 mm Dacron graft between the ascending to descending aorta was performed. There was no peak systolic pressure gradient between the ascending and descending aorta after bypass operation. This patient is the fourth case report with both mirror-image type right aortic arch and coarctation of the aorta.     

Ascending aorta-to-descending aorta bypass via right thoracotomy for the re-coarctation of the aorta: an alternative surgical approach for re-coarctation

Surgical treatment of aortic coarctation is performed with low postoperative complication rates. However, some patients may require additional surgical interventions due to stenosis or re-coarctation of the aorta, and ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via right thoracotomy is a valid alternative approach in the adult population group. Risk of massive intraoperative bleeding due to adhesions at the previous left thoracotomy site and the risk of spinal cord ischemia due to aortic cross-clamping or injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve may be avoided with right thoracotomy in such cases. In this report, we present an adult patient with re-coarctation of the aorta who was successfully treated by extra-anatomic ascending-to-descending aortic bypass via right thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Development of neo-coarctation in patients with transposed great arteries and hypoplastic aortic arch after Lecompte modification of anatomical correction

We report on three patients with kinking in the proximal aortic arch that developed after Lecompte modification of the arterial switch operation. Two patients had a previous subclavian patch repair of coarctation of the aorta and had an associated hypoplasia of the transverse aortic arch, and one patient had hemodynamically mild coarctation at the anatomical repair. A severe pressure gradient across the kinked area ("neo-coarctation") necessitating reoperation developed in one patient. The acute arch angulation appears to be due to an excessive posterior displacement of the ascending aorta by the anterior relocation of either the right or left main pulmonary artery branch from underneath the aortic arch. A foreshortened and frequently hypoplastic transverse aortic arch, a common association with coarctation of the aorta, appears to be especially vulnerable to the development of "neo-coarctation" after the Lecompte modification of the anatomical repair of transposed great arteries.     

自体肺动脉补片主动脉弓成形治疗婴儿主动脉缩窄合并弓发育不良

目的 探讨缩窄段切除加自体肺动脉补片主动脉弓成形治疗婴儿主动脉缩窄合并主动脉弓发育不良的方法和效果.方法 2007年5月至2009年12月,14例主动脉缩窄合并主动脉弓发育不良病婴行主动脉缩窄段切除加自体肺动脉补片主动脉弓成形手术,其中男9例,女5例;年龄23天至17个月,中位值4.33月龄;平均体重(6.14±2.36)kg.所有病婴均诊断为合并室间隔缺损的主动脉缩窄,同时存在主动脉弓发育不良.手术在深低温体外循环下完成,其中8例采用选择性脑灌注技术,6例停循环.主动脉成形采用新鲜的自体肺动脉补片.同期修补合并的室间隔缺损.结果 围术期死于循环衰竭1例.13例生存,其中1例合并低心排血量综合征,经相应治疗恢复.术后超声心动图检查主动脉弓无残余梗阻.随访4个月至3年.超声心动图示主动脉弓压力阶差均<16 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),随访期间主动脉弓降部血流速度与出院时无明显变化.CT扫描显示主动脉弓几何构形正常;术后半年原左主支气管受压者症状明显改善或完全消失.无主动脉夹层动脉瘤发生.结论 缩窄段切除加自体肺动脉补片主动脉弓成形是治疗婴儿主动脉缩窄合并主动脉弓发育不良理想的手术方法.

Abstract：

Objective To discuss the operative techniques and results of coarctation resection plus aortoplasty with pulmonary autograft patch for coarctation of the aorta combined with hypoplastic aortic arch in infant.Methods Between May 2007 and Dec 2009,14 cases including 9 males and 5 females with caorctation of the aorta and hypoplastic aortic arch underwent coarctation resection plus aortoplasty with pulmonary autograft patch in our hospital.The age ranged from 23 days to 17 months,with a median of 4.33 months.The mean body weight was (6.14 ±2.36) kg.All patients were diagnosed as aortic coarctation combined with VSD and hypoplastic aortic arch.The surgery was performed under deep hypothermia cardiopulmonary bypass with selective cerebral perfusion in 8 cases and circulation arrest in 6 cases.Fresh pulmonary autograft patch harvested from the main pulmonary artery was used for aortoplasty.The associated VSD was repaired in the same stage.Results All patients survived except one died from circulatory failure during the perioperative period.Low cardiac output syndrome occurred in another case who was cured afterwards by correspondent treatments.No residual obstruction was detected by echocar-diography after the operation.Follow-up was carried out in 13 cases from 4 months to 3 years.Echocardiographic examination showed that the pressure gradient across the aortic arch was less than 16 mm Hg in all cases.The blood velocity at the descending aortic arch was not significantly changed during the follow-up period as compared with that of the immediate after operation.Computed tomography showed that the morphology of aortic arch was normal.The left bronchus compression was relieved obviously or totally disappeared in patients who suffered from left bronchus stenosis before operation,and no aortic aneurysm were detected in these patients.Conclusion Conclusion Coarctation resection plus aortoplasty with pulmonary autograft patch is the optimal surgical method for treating coarctation of the aorta combined with hypoplastic aortic arch in infant.     

Aortic coarctation,vascular ring,and right aortic arch with aberrant subclavian artery

Right aortic arch, in all situations, is relatively rare. In association with coarctation and vascular compression, it is extremely rare. We present a patient with a right aortic arch and an aberrant left subclavian artery, in addition to coarctation. This was dealt with through a left thoracotomy by dividing the ligamentum arteriosum and placing a Dacron graft from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta.