Repair of Truncus Arteriosus and Interrupted Aortic Arch

A total of seven patients with truncus arteriosus and interrupted aortic arch (IAA) comprises our surgical experience in this condition. All underwent primary complete repair via median sternotomy between June 1985 and December 1989. Median age at repair was 8 days and median weight, 3.2 kg. Anatomy of these seven patients was truncus arteriosus type "1 1/2" in five patients and type II in two patients, IAA type B in six patients and type A in one patient. Aortic arch was reconstructed by direct anastomosis of ascending aorta and descending aorta. Right ventricle to pulmonary artery continuity was established with a porcine valved conduit in four patients, aortic homograft in two, and aortic homograft monocusp patch in one. Three patients have required five reoperations (three in one patient). One reoperation was due to compression of the left main bronchus from the reconstructed aorta, one was due to obstruction of the aorta at the site of IAA repair, and one was due to compression of the left main bronchus, right pulmonary artery, and residual stenosis across the hypoplastic ascending aorta. There were no early or late deaths and all seven survivors are currently well with a mean follow-up of 29 months from initial repair.     

Neonatal repair of truncus arteriosus: continuing improvement in outcomes

BACKGROUND: Repair of truncus arteriosus in the neonatal and early infant periods has become standard practice at many centers. We reviewed our recent experience with repair of truncus arteriosus in neonates, with a focus on early and intermediate outcomes. METHODS: From July 1992 to December 1999, 65 patients 1 month of age or less underwent primary complete repair of truncus arteriosus. Median age was 10 days, and median weight was 3.2 kg. Major associated anomalies included moderate or severe truncal valve regurgitation in 15 patients (23%), interrupted aortic arch in 8 (12%), coronary artery abnormalities in 12 (18%), and nonconfluence of the pulmonary arteries in 3 (5%). Median durations of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest were 172 minutes and 90 minutes, respectively. Circulatory arrest was employed only in 7 patients undergoing concomitant repair of interrupted arch. Reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract was achieved with an aortic (n = 39) or pulmonary (n = 26) allograft valved conduit (median diameter, 12 mm). Replacement (n = 6) or repair (n = 5) of a regurgitant truncal valve was performed in 11 patients, and interrupted arch was repaired in 8. RESULTS: There were three early deaths (5%). Early reoperations included reexploration for bleeding in 3 patients, emergent replacement of a pulmonary outflow conduit that failed acutely in 1 patient, and placement of a permanent pacemaker in 1. Mechanical circulatory support was required in 1 patient. During the median follow-up of 32 months, there were two deaths. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival was 92% at 1 year and beyond. The only demographic, diagnostic, or operative factors significantly associated with poorer survival over time were operative weight of 2.5 kg or less (p = 0.01) and truncal valve replacement (p = 0.009). Actuarial freedom from conduit replacement among early survivors was 57% at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of truncus arteriosus in the neonatal period can be performed routinely with excellent survival, even in patients with major associated abnormalities.     

Repair of truncus arteriosus in infancy

Improvements in myocardial protection, surgical technique, and postoperative care have decreased operative mortality for neonatal repair of truncus arteriosus. Primary repair of truncus arteriosus in infancy without prior pulmonary artery banding is currently the preferred approach. During the period from 1982 to December 1990, 32 patients under the age of 12 months underwent surgical correction of truncus arteriosus at UCLA. The average age was 3.5 months (range, 12 days to 12 months). Three patients had interrupted aortic arch. Early mortality for the entire group was 15.6% (5/32); for those older than 1 month early mortality was 7% (2/28). In the past 4 years, early mortality has decreased to 8.3% (2/24); both of these patients had interrupted aortic arch. Excluding patients with interrupted aortic arch, there were no early deaths in the last 22 patients (1986 to 1990). Late mortality overall was 7.4% (2/27). In a mean follow-up of 73 months (range, 40 to 110 months), 71% (5/7) of the survivors with Dacron porcine-valved conduits required conduit replacement secondary to obstruction. In a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 1 to 89 months), only 14% (3/21) of the patients with homografts required replacement secondary to obstruction.     

Repair of the truncal valve and associated interrupted arch in neonates with truncus arteriosus

OBJECTIVE: Truncal valve regurgitation and interrupted aortic arch have frequently been identified as risk factors in the repair of truncus arteriosus. We wished to examine these factors in the current era including the impact of truncal valve repair. METHODS: Between January 1992 and August 1998, 50 patients underwent surgical repair of truncus arteriosus. Their ages ranged from 2 days to 6 months (median, 2 weeks). Nine patients had associated interrupted aortic arch. Of the 14 patients (28%) in whom truncal valve regurgitation was diagnosed preoperatively, 5 had mild regurgitation, 5 had moderate regurgitation, and 4 had severe regurgitation. Five underwent truncal valve repair and 1 underwent homograft replacement of the truncal valve with coronary reimplantation. RESULTS: The actuarial survival was 96% at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years. There were no deaths in patients with associated interrupted aortic arch. The 2 deaths in the series occurred in patients with truncal valve regurgitation, neither of whom underwent repair. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography in patients who underwent valve repair showed minimal residual valvular regurgitation. None of the patients has required reoperation because of truncal valve problems or aortic arch stenosis at a median follow-up of 23 months (range, 1-60 months). Conduit replacement has been done in 17 patients (34%) after a mean duration of 2 years. The freedom from reoperation for those who had an aortic homograft was 4 years and for those who had a pulmonary homograft was 3 years. CONCLUSION: Despite the magnitude of the operation, excellent results can be achieved in complex forms of truncus arteriosus. In the current era interrupted aortic arch is no longer a risk factor for repair of truncus. Aggressive application of truncal valvuloplasty methods should neutralize the traditional risk factor of truncal valve regurgitation.     

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.     

儿童永存动脉干的外科治疗

目的　总结儿童永存动脉干外科治疗经验。　方法　近９ 年来共收治永存动脉干５例,年龄３～１２ 岁,平均６－３ 岁。Ⅰ型２ 例（肺动脉均起于动脉干远侧）,Ⅱ型２ 例, Ⅳ型１ 例。肺循环时间和肺动脉排空时间均无明显延长。手术在体外循环心内直视下进行,室间隔缺损（ＶＳＤ） 补片缝合于动脉干瓣环并使其环缩。右心外管道采用缝制自体新鲜心包瓣涤纶人工血管４ 例,同种异体主动脉１ 例。　结果　术毕肺动脉压均明显下降,跨外管道压差７～３５ ｍｍ Ｈｇ。２ 例术后早期死亡与肺动脉病变无关。存活３ 例中１ 例并发低心排出量和呼吸功能不全,２ 例术后恢复顺利。分别随访１１４、９６ 和３４ 个月,心功能均为Ⅰ级,１ 例术后８ 年死于外管道梗阻。　结论　儿童永存动脉干仍可有手术指征; 带自体心包瓣人工血管远期效果良好; 纠正动脉干瓣关闭不全,防止ＶＳＤ 残余漏,避免过大的跨外管道压差和缩短手术时间,可提高手术成功率和远期效果     

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.     

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.     

Improving early and intermediate results of truncus arteriosus repair: a new technique of truncal valve repair.

BACKGROUND: Despite improved surgical results for truncus arteriosus, overall mortality rates, remain higher than those reported for other complex congenital heart diseases, especially with truncal valve regurgitation or an interrupted aortic arch. METHODS: Seventeen patients had complete repair of the truncus arteriosus at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation between August 1993 and June 1997. The age at operation ranged from 2 days to 4.5 years. Associated abnormalities included interrupted aortic arch in 3 patients and abnormal coronary artery anatomy in 3. Four patients had more than moderate truncal valve insufficiency requiring concomitant truncal valve repair. RESULTS: There were no early deaths and only one late death at a mean follow-up of 24 months. The death occurred 3 months postoperatively and resulted from refractory pulmonary vascular obstructive disease in a patient who was referred at 1 year of age. Reoperation was required in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the presence of associated anomalies complete repair was performed with a low mortality rate. Truncal valve repair can be performed safely in the neonate with good results.     

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)     

Truncus arteriosus with coarctation of persistent fifth aortic arch

Truncus arteriosus is a rare form of congenital heart defect. Among cases, 10% to 20% are associated with arch anomalies, such as interruption, coarctation, or patent ductus arteriosus. We treated a rare case of combined truncus with complex arch anomaly. The patient was a 2-month-old girl weighing 3.8 kg. Echocardiogram and computed tomogram showed interrupted aortic arch, truncus arteriosus, persistent fifth aortic arch, and its coarctation. One-stage total correction was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass without circulatory arrest. The operation consisted of a Rastelli procedure with a 12-mm valved conduit, coarctoplasty, and intraventricular baffling. The patient recovered well without complications.     

Aortic arch reconstruction with pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty

OBJECTIVE: The optimal technique for aortic arch reconstruction through median sternotomy is still under debate. We have introduced the technique of pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty as a reliable alternative. METHODS: The outcomes of 51 infants who underwent neonatal repair of interrupted aortic arch (n = 28) or coarctation associated with ventricular septal defect (n = 23) since 1992 were analyzed. The patients were reviewed in three groups according to the aortic arch reconstruction technique: group I underwent direct anastomosis (n = 23), group II underwent homograft or pericardial patch aortoplasty (n = 8), and group III underwent pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty (n = 20). The pulmonary autograft patch consisted in the anterior wall of the main pulmonary artery, between the supracommissural level and the divided ductus arteriosus. The created defect was replaced with fresh autologous pericardium. RESULTS: All patients except 1 were discharged without significant residual gradient at the level of the aortic arch. At a median delay of 7 months (range 2-51 months), 11 patients (22%) had recurrence of arch obstruction and underwent balloon angioplasty (n = 8) or surgical correction (n = 3). One patient who had undergone direct anastomosis required reoperation for bronchial compression. At a median follow-up of 29 months, the actuarial freedoms from recurrent arch obstruction were 81% for direct anastomosis, 28% for homograft or pericardial patch aortoplasty, and 100% for pulmonary autograft aortoplasty (P =.03 for group III vs group I and P <.0001 for group III vs group II). CONCLUSIONS: The aortic arch repair associated with pulmonary autograft patch augmentation resulted in superior midterm outcomes and therefore constitutes a reliable alternative to the direct anastomosis technique. It allowed complete relief of anatomic afterload and diminished the anastomotic tension, thus reducing the risk of restenosis and tracheobronchial compression. We observed a significantly higher rate of recurrence after patch aortoplasty with other materials.     

Repair of truncus arteriosus in the neonate and young infant

Infants with truncus arteriosus present a difficult management issue. Because of the high operative mortality, repair is often delayed beyond the first 3 to 6 months of age. We reviewed our experience with 11 neonates and young infants with truncus arteriosus undergoing repair (median age, 21 days). Five patients also had major truncal valve insufficiency, and 2 required valve replacement. Right ventricle-pulmonary artery continuity was established with a porcine valved conduit in 3 patients and an aortic or pulmonary homograft in 8. There was 1 operative death (9%; 70% confidence limits, 3%-22%) and 1 late death over a mean follow-up of 21 months (range, 4 to 32 months). Eight of the 9 late survivors are growing normally. Echocardiographic examination revealed normal ventricular function in all patients (mean shortening fraction, 39%). Doppler assessment demonstrated trivial prosthetic or homograft valve regurgitation in 7 patients and mild to moderate obstruction in 5 patients. This recent experience with repair of truncus arteriosus indicates that the operative risk is low even in the neonate. Repair in the first month of life should be recommended before the development of critical congestive heart failure or irreversible pulmonary vascular disease.     

主动脉弓中断的外科治疗

目的 总结主动脉弓中断及合并心脏畸形的外科治疗经验.方法 1997年1月至2008年1月,36例主动脉弓中断患者进行了外科手术治疗,其中男性22例,女性14例.儿童患者36例,年龄2个月～7岁,平均年龄2.8岁.成人患者1例,年龄31岁.33例合并心内畸形,其中31例正中开胸同时矫治主动脉弓中断和心内畸形;1例左侧切口矫治主动脉弓中断,正中开胸修补心内畸形;1例采用姑息手术.3例无心内畸形的患者2例采用左后外侧切口,1例采用正中胸部加上腹部切口.术式包括16例管道连接,9例直接吻合,9例直接吻合并补片成形,1例应用左锁骨下动脉翻转.在31例正中切口一期手术中,17例应用选择性脑灌注加下半身停循环,8例采用深低温低流量灌注,6例采用全身停循环.结果 住院死亡5例,3例死于肺部感染,1例死于肺动脉高压危象,1例死于术后低心排血量.术后早期有其他重要并发症7例.31例存活患者随访3个月～5年,无远期死亡,无需要再次手术的病例.结论 合并心内畸形的主动脉弓中断患者可采取选择性脑灌注加下半身停循环或深低温全身低流量下正中一期手术同时矫治.     

Truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch: report of a successful surgical repair

The association of truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch represents a formidable surgical challenge. Two successful repairs have been reported, but none for the past ten years. This report presents a third successful repair using a technique that allows the widely patent ductus arteriosus to maintain continuity between the truncus (with pulmonary arteries detached) and the descending aorta. Right ventricle-pulmonary artery continuity is established in the usual way with a porcine-valved conduit. While long-term potential difficulties with this approach are recognized, it appears to give satisfactory initial palliation and to be an acceptable method of treatment for this combination of defects. The embryology and the anatomy of the lesion are briefly discussed.     

Reverse subclavian flap and aorto-pulmonary window technique for repair of interrupted aortic arch and truncus arteriosus

We report a surgical strategy for repairing an interrupted aortic arch (IAA) with truncus arteriosus (TA) by using a reverse subclavian flap and an aorto-pulmonary (A-P) window technique for preserving the pulmonary artery architecture. A 10-day-old neonate with type B IAA and type I TA with echocardiographic evidence of a significant distance between the ascending and descending aorta underwent surgical repair at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. The superior part of the arch was reconstructed using a reverse subclavian flap and the undersurface with a pulmonary homograft patch. The ascending aorta was separated from the pulmonary arteries using a Gore-Tex patch (A-P window type of repair) without disconnecting the branch pulmonary arteries, in order to preserve their architecture. The continuity between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery bifurcation was established using a 12 mm Contegra conduit. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the neonate was discharged after 12 days. At follow-up, the patient remains well, gaining weight, with no echocardiographic evidences of obstruction. Reverse subclavian flap with homograft patch combined with and 'A-P window' technique for preservation of the pulmonary artery architecture is a useful and effective surgical strategy for neonates presenting with IAA associated with TA.     

永存动脉干纠治术中右心室流出道重建方式的选择

目的比较采用自体肺动脉和外管道连接右心室的两种不同手术方法，以选择更佳的手术方案。方法2000年2月至2006年9月，我院共收治23例永存动脉干患者，手术年龄为1．5～63．3月龄。根据右心室切口与肺动脉连接的方法不同分为两组，组Ⅰ：18例，采用自体肺动脉连接右心室；组Ⅱ：5例，采用外管道连接右心室至肺动脉。3例合并主动脉弓中断。采用Kaplan—Meier法分析两组患者的早期生存情况、术后生存时间、再手术情况，采用配对t检验或团体t检验分析患者远期肺动脉生长情况以及心功能的变化。结果术后早期死亡2例。术后随访17例，随访时间2．14±1．97年（32．00d～6．95年），随访中无死亡。总生存率为91．30％（21／Z3），生存时间的95％可信区间为5．55～7．15年。1例因术后右室流出道梗阻（RVOTO）再次手术。组Ⅰ生存率为94．44％（17／18），组Ⅱ为80．00％（4／5）。术后组Ⅰ主肺动脉与右心室吻合口直径早期为1．01±0．26cm，远期为1．32±0．45cm（P=0．019）；组Ⅱ术后主肺动脉与右心室吻合口直径早期为1．46±0．77cm，远期1．26±0．21cm（P=0．581）；两组吻合口、左右肺动脉开口处血流速度变化差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。组Ⅱ近远期左、右肺动脉开口直径均大于组Ⅰ。组Ⅰ早期左心室射血分数（LVEF）为62.82％，远期为69．87％（P=0．026）；组Ⅱ早期LVEF为58．17％，远期为64．00％（P=0．029），两组患者术后远期心功能均较术后近期明显改善。无因动脉干瓣膜反流而再手术者。结论永存动脉干手术成功率高，术后生存率及随访结果满意。采用自体肺动脉重建右心室流出道，使吻合口具有生长性，术后肺动脉及分叉处梗阻率低，术后心功能良好。术后早期死亡与合并主动脉弓中断及动脉干瓣膜反流有关。     

Staged repair of interrupted aortic arch and ventricular septal defect in infancy

Staged repair of interrupted aortic arch and ventricular septal defect was carried out in 20 infants from 1979 through 1990. Among the important associated cardiac defects were transposition of the great arteries, truncus arteriosus, and anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery. The first stage, usually consisting of the placement of an 8- or 10-mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft, pulmonary artery banding, and ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus, resulted in 20 survivors (100%) There were two interim deaths (10%) before the second stage of ventricular septal defect closure and pulmonary artery band removal, which had 15 survivors (83%, 15/18). Because the major morbidity and mortality early in this experience could be traced to leaving the pulmonary artery band on too long, early removal (within 2 to 3 months) was begun. Since 1985, 8 (100%) of 8 infants have survived both stages and are now doing well. Because of the relatively large polytetrafluoroethylene graft, only 1 child (aged 9 years) has experienced substantial late aortic arch obstruction and undergone placement of an 18-mm Dacron graft without difficulty. Of interest is the finding that in only 1 (5%) of the 20 patients has major (greater than or equal to 40-mm Hg gradient) left ventricular outflow tract obstruction developed. In summary, the staged repair of interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect has become very reliable despite the condition of the infant or major associated cardiac anomalies and can be recommended for infants at high risk for primary repair. More long-term information will be needed to determine which approach will be the best choice for the majority of infants.     

Repair of truncus arteriosus: a considered approach to right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: In repair of truncus arteriosus the accepted methods of establishing right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) continuity utilize an allograft or xenograft valved conduit. Alternatively, the PA confluence may be directly anastomosed to the RV with anterior patch augmentation, which may allow growth and delay or avoid subsequent RVOT obstruction. These methods of RVOT reconstruction were evaluated in infants undergoing truncus arteriosus repair. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 61 infants undergoing repair of truncus arteriosus between November 1988 and June 2000 was performed. Median age was 34 days (range 1 day to 6.4 months). The patient cohort was subdivided into two groups (1) Valved conduit group: RV to PA continuity performed with a conduit in 38 patients using allograft (28) or xenograft (10). (2) Direct anastomosis group: direct RV-PA anastomosis performed in 23 patients, augmented anteriorly with monocusp (15) or simple pericardial patch (eight). RESULTS: There were eight hospital deaths (13%, 95% confidence limits 5--21%). Hospital mortality did not differ significantly between group 1 and 2 (three patients (8%) versus five patients (22%) respectively, P=0.23). By multivariate analysis, low operative weight (P=0.023), severe truncal regurgitation (P=0.022) and major coronary abnormalities (P=0.018), were independent risk factors for hospital death. Hospital survivors were followed-up from 1.3 months to 11.8 years (mean 4.2+/-3.4 years). There were eight late deaths with survival of 73+/-6% at 2 years and beyond. Survival was not influenced by method of RVOT reconstruction (Conduit versus direct RV-PA anastomosis, 2.76+/-7%, 63+/-10%, respectively, P=0.23). Freedom from surgical RVOT reintervention was 56+/-10% in group 1 and 89+/-10% in group 2 at 10 years (P=0.023). The use of a xenograft conduit was an independent risk factor for reintervention (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In truncus arteriosus repair, RV to PA continuity established by a direct anastomosis was associated with a low incidence of surgical RVOT re-intervention. This technique has the potential for RVOT growth and may be a useful alternative when an appropriate allograft is unavailable, particularly in the neonate where the risk of pulmonary hypertension are lower.