Anatomical risk factors for mortality and cardiac morbidity after arterial switch operation

Background. The arterial switch operation (ASO) is the treatment of choice for transposition of the great arteries.

Methods. Anatomical risk factors on mortality and morbidity were analyzed retrospectively in 312 patients who underwent ASO between 1982 and 1997.

Results. Survival was 95%, 92%, and 92% after 30 days, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Operative survival improved after 1990 to 97% (p < 0.001). Risk factors for operative mortality were complex anatomy (p = 0.018), coronary anomalies (p = 0.008), and prolonged bypass time (p < 0.001). Determinants of late mortality were coronary distribution (p = 0.03), position of the great arteries (p = 0.0095), bypass time (p = 0.047), and aortic coarctation (p = 0.046). After a follow-up of 3.6 ± 2.7 years (0.1 to 14.9 years), 98% had good left ventricle function, 94% were in sinus rhythm, 2.4% had moderate to severe pulmonary stenosis, 0.3% had significant aortic regurgitation, and 1% had coronary stenosis. Freedom from reoperation was 100%, 96%, and 94% after 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. No preoperative anatomic parameter correlated with long-term morbidity.

Conclusions. ASO can be performed with low operative mortality (< 5%) and long-term morbidity. Malformations associated with complex transposition of the great arteries influence early and late mortality.     

Current expectations for newborns undergoing the arterial switch operation

BACKGROUND: The arterial switch operation (ASO) represents a remarkable success story in the surgical treatment of cyanotic congenital heart disease. This study is designed to assess recent outcomes after the ASO in babies presenting with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and Taussig-Bing anomaly (TBA). METHODS: One hundred twenty-five consecutive neonatal and infant ASOs were performed by 2 surgeons at Texas Children's Hospital between July 1, 1995 and October 1, 2003. Patients with TGA and TBA were offered ASO irrespective of patient size and associated cardiac malformations. Primary cardiac diagnoses included TGA with intact ventricular septum (TGA/IVS, n = 79, 63%), TGA with ventricular septal defect (TGA/VSD, n = 37, 30%), and Taussig Bing Anomaly (TBA, n = 9, 7%). RESULTS: With complete follow-up, we observed a 30-day mortality rate of 1.6% (n = 2) with 2 late deaths (1.6%), for an overall actuarial survival rate of 96.3% at 7 years. Although there was a significant incidence of complex coronary ostial origin and branching including single coronary (n = 8, 6.4%) and intramural coronary artery (n = 8, 6.4%), this was not associated with increased operative risk. All patients are fully saturated and NYHA functional class I at latest clinic visit (0.3 to 88.4 months postoperatively). There have been no late coronary events. Of 121 survivors, 7 patients (5.8%) have required cardiovascular reoperation at an average of 15.3 +/-11.7 months postoperatively (range, 3.6 to 30.6 months) for an actuarial freedom from reoperation of 90% at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Using current methodologies, the ASO can be performed safely and with a low incidence of need for reoperation on intermediate follow-up. Recent experience indicates operative survival rates approaching 100%.     

Results of arterial switch operation for primary total correction of the Taussig-Bing anomaly

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the results of the arterial switch operation for early total repair of double-outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary ventricular septal defect (the Taussig-Bing heart). METHODS: From 1986 through April 2003, 27 patients with Taussig-Bing anomaly underwent arterial switch operation. Twenty patients were neonates (n = 11) or infants younger than 3 months (n = 9). Obstruction of aortic arch (n = 19) or subaortic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 20) and unusual coronary artery patterns (n = 19) were common. Total correction as a single procedure was performed in 21 patients. Events are depicted by Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: There was 1 patient hospital death at 2 months after repair. One patient died late that was not cardiac related. Survival was 92% +/- 6% at 8 months and remained constant thereafter. Four patients underwent reoperation (1 for residual aortic arch obstruction and 3 for subvalvular and valvular pulmonary stenosis). Freedom from reoperation decreased to stabilize at 83% +/- 8% after 2 years. The risk to have right ventricular outflow tract obstruction develop was 33% +/- 10% at 1 year, increasing slowly and leveling out at 57% +/- 12% at year 5 and thereafter. Statistical analysis revealed no significant risk factor for death or need for reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: The Taussig-Bing anomaly should be corrected in the neonatal period or in early infancy by arterial switch operation, closure of the ventricular septal defect, and simultaneous correction of associated cardiovascular anomalies as a one-stage procedure. Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction often complicates the postoperative course and is the main cause for reintervention.     

Taussig-Bing anomaly and arterial switch: aortic arch obstruction does not influence outcome

OBJECTIVE: Aortic arch obstruction is a commonly associated problem in the Taussig-Bing anomaly. Between 1983 and 1995, 28 consecutive patients with Taussig-Bing anomaly underwent arterial switch operation with baffling of the left ventricle to neoaorta. Group A: 11/28 had associated aortic arch obstruction. Group B: 17/28 had isolated Taussig-Bing anomaly. We assessed whether the coexistence of subpulmonary ventricular septal defect and aortic arch obstruction pose an incremental risk factor. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: Group A: Mean age and weight were 1.4+/-1.3 months and 3.5+/-0.4 kg. The aortic arch obstruction included: hypoplasia (5/11), interruption (4/11) and discrete coarctation (2/11). Seven patients had a one-stage correction, and four had initial arch repair followed by arterial switch operation. There were no hospital deaths (CL 0-28%). Over a follow-up of 638 patient-months (mean 64+/-39), there have been no late deaths, and all patients are in New York Heart Association class 1. There have been three cases of recurrent aortic arch obstruction (two requiring reoperation, and one requiring balloon dilation). One patient has been reoperated upon for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The actuarial survival and freedom from reoperation rates at 6 years were 100% (CL = 66-100%) and 72.9% (CL=38-92%) respectively. Group B: Mean age and weight were 5.9+/-8.4 months and 5+/-2.1 kg. All patients had a one-stage operation. There were two early deaths (11.8%, CL = 1-36%) and one late death over a follow-up of 678 patient-months (mean 52+/-31). All survivors are in New York Heart Association class 1 and there have been no reoperations. The actuarial survival and freedom from reoperation rates at 6 years were 81% (CL = 56-93%) and 100% (CL = 76-100%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Aortic arch obstruction has not adversely affected early or late survival (P>.05) or late functional class. 2. Patients with Taussig-Bing anomaly and aortic arch obstruction may have a higher reoperation rate than those with normal arch anatomy. 3. Taussing-Bing anomaly, with or without aortic arch obstruction, can be repaired with arterial switch operation during the neonatal period with good outcome.     

Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction after arterial switch operation for the Taussig-Bing heart.

OBJECTIVE: Incidence of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) may be suspected to be higher after arterial switch operation (ASO) for Taussig-Bing heart than after ASO for transposition of the great arteries (TGA), as Taussig-Bing anomaly is frequently associated with aortic arch obstruction and subvalvular aortic stenosis. We evaluated the risk to develop RVOTO after ASO for Taussig-Bing heart. METHODS: The 34 Taussig-Bing cases who underwent ASO from 1984 to 2005 were reviewed. RVOTO was defined as peak echo-gradient >or=30 mmHg across right ventricular outflow tract. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate time-related events. RESULTS: Subaortic stenosis was resected in 25 patients, 20 of whom (80%: 20/25) were discharged from hospital free from RVOTO. There was one early death: 2.9% mortality. Three patients died late. Actuarial survival was 85.1%+/-7.0% from 54 month onwards. Eleven survivors (36.7%: 11/30) experienced postoperative RVOTO. Obstruction was seen in 82% (9/11) of cases at subvalvular and/or valvular level. Surgery (n=4) or percutaneous intervention (n=2) was required in six patients. Patients discharged from hospital with RVOTO (n=8) were more likely to undergo reintervention for RVOTO (p=0.026). Freedom from reintervention for RVOTO decreased rapidly in the first two years to 86.5+/-6.3%, slowly thereafter (80.4+/-8.4% at year 7) and stabilized at 70.3+/-11.9% from year 11 on. Risk for RVOTO occurrence was 23.5+/-7.3% early after repair and progressively increased to level out at 53.6+/-11% at year 11. Patients who underwent subaortic resection were more likely (p=0.023) to be free from RVOTO occurrence or development. In the period under review, for patients who underwent ASO for simple (n=355) and complex (n=92) TGA, reoperation rate for neopulmonary stenosis was 0.3% (1/355) and 5.4% (5/92), respectively, to be compared to 11.8% (4/34) RVOTO rate of reoperation for Taussig-Bing heart in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative right-sided obstruction occurs more frequently after ASO repair of Taussig-Bing heart than after TGA arterial switching, leading to higher reintervention rate. Resection of the commonly associated subaortic stenosis often prevents RVOTO development.     

Long-term survival and functional follow-up in patients after the arterial switch operation

BACKGROUND: For many years, the arterial switch operation (ASO) has been the therapy of choice for patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Although excellent short- and mid-term results were reported, long-term results are rare. METHODS: Between May 1983 and September 1997, ASO was performed on 285 patients with simple TGA (n = 171), TGA with ventricular septal defect (VSD) (n = 85), and Taussig-Bing (TB) anomaly (n = 29). This retrospective study describes long-term morbidity and mortality over a 15-year period. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 3.5% for simple TGA, 9.4% for TGA with VSD, and 13.8% for TB anomaly. Late death occured in 2 patients, 1 with simple TGA and 1 with TGA and VSD. The cumulative survival for all patients at 5 and 10 years is 93%, and at 15 years is 86%. Reoperations were required in 31 patients and were most common for stenosis of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). However, no correlation was found between technical variations on pulmonary artery reconstruction and this type of complication. Forty-six patients underwent follow-up angiography, which revealed five cases with coronary occlusion or stenosis. Follow-up is complete in 96% of the patients from 1 to 15.2 years. Sinus rhythm is present in 97%; 88% of the patients show no limitations on exertion. CONCLUSIONS: The ASO can be performed with low early mortality, almost absent late mortality, and infrequent need for reoperation. The favorable long-term results demonstrate that the ASO can be considered as the optimal approach for patients with TGA and special forms of double-outlet right ventricle.     

Total arterial coronary revascularization: techniques and results in 3,220 patients

Background. To overcome the problems of late vein graft atherosclerosis, occlusion and need of coronary reoperations, we have adopted a strategy of total arterial coronary revascularization. We evaluated our experience with this strategy to establish its safety and efficacy.

Methods. All 3,220 consecutive patients who had total arterial coronary revascularization from January 1988 to June 1998 were evaluated. Data were collected prospectively. The mean age was 62.2 years. Of the patients, 595 (18.8%) had diabetes; 739 (23%) had a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 0.50; and 484 (15%) were classified unstable/urgent. The conduits included 3,140 left internal thoracic arteries, 1,224 right internal thoracic arteries, and 2,417 radial arteries, 654 of which were bilateral. A or graft with the left internal thoracic artery was used in 467 patients. Patients were followed up at 1 month, 3 months, and yearly thereafter. Postoperative angiography was performed for symptoms or as part of an ethics committee–approved prospective study.

Results. The operative mortality rate was 0.7% (21 patients). Complications included stroke in 26 patients (0.8%), myocardial infarction in 27 (0.8%), sternal infection in 35 (1.1%), and reoperation for hemorrhage in 23 (0.7%). The peak level of the myocardial enzyme of creatine kinase was 16.4 ± 14.9 IU/L. Twenty-five patients (0.8%) required intraoperative or postoperative intraaortic balloon pump support. Mortality and stroke rates were higher in patients having reoperation (0.6% versus 1.8%; p = 0.11; and 0.7% versus 2.2%; p = 0.07, respectively). Postoperative angiographic patency was 97% at 5 years for the left internal thoracic artery (620 grafts), 89% at 5 years for the right internal thoracic artery (276 grafts), and 91% at 1 year for the radial artery (65 grafts).

Conclusions. Total arterial coronary revascularization can be performed safely with good patency rates in a large number of patients and may potentially avoid the sequelae of vein graft atherosclerosis.     

Anatomical correction of complex forms of transposition of the great arteries in neonates

OBJECTIVE: The arterial switch operation has become the procedure of choice for the simple transposition of the great arteries (TGA) while in the complex forms of the defect the staged approach is frequently implemented. The aim of this study is to compare groups of patients with simple transposition and children with the complex form of the defect and identify factors affecting early and late outcome. DESIGN: From 1997 to 2003, 135 consecutive neonates with TGA underwent arterial switch operation and simultaneous reparation of all associated defects. Univariate and multivariate analysis of perioperative variables and follow-up data was performed. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=84, 62.2%) included neonates with simple transposition (TGA/IVS), Group II (n=51, 37.8%) included children with complex transposition (TGA/VSD). RESULTS: Overall early mortality was 8.1% and there was one late death (0.7%). One-month, 1-year and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 91.8, 91.1 and 91.1%, respectively. There were no differences in the early and late survival rate between groups. Reintervention rate for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) was 13.3% (balloon plasty or reoperation). The freedom from reintervention at 1, 3 and 5 years was 98.4, 87.9 and 85.4%, respectively. There were no differences in the need for reintervention between groups. The significant differences between groups concerned: age at operation (p<0.001), associated anomalies (p=0.002) including aortic arch anomalies (p=0.002) and coronary artery anomalies (p=0.02), application of delayed chest closure (p=0.015), and occurrence of sepsis (p=0.032). Risk factors for early death were: left ventricule dysfunction related to age at operation (p=0.016) and resternotomy in intensive care unit (p<0.001). There were no differences between groups concerning these risk factors as far as circulatory arrest time, aorta clamping time, and early and late morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The arterial switch operation can be the treatment of choice for various forms of TGA with low early and late mortality and morbidity rates. The main cause of early death is still left ventricular dysfunction. Such well-known predictors of poor outcome as presence of ventricular septal defect, coronary artery anomalies and aortic arch anomalies did not affect early and late findings. The presented approach of early simultaneous anatomical correction of TGA and all associated anomalies ensures good condition of children with low necessity for reintervention.     

动脉转位术的临床应用

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

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

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

The influence of perioperative blood transfusion on survival after esophageal resection for carcinoma

Background. There is evidence that perioperative blood transfusion may lead to immunosuppression. Our aim was to determine whether blood transfusion influenced survival after esophagectomy for carcinoma.

Methods. The study group comprised 234 consecutive patients (175 men and 59 women) with a mean age of 66 years who underwent esophagectomy for carcinoma by one surgeon between 1988 and 1998. The impact of 41 variables on survival was determined by means of univariate and multivariate analysis. Follow-up was complete (mean follow-up, 19.2 months; standard deviation, 16 months; range, 0 to 129 months).

Results. The operative mortality rate was 5.6% (13 deaths). Median operative blood loss was 700 mL (range, 150 to 7,000 mL). One hundred sixty-one patients (68.8%) received a blood transfusion postoperatively (mean transfusion, 2.6 units; range, 0 to 12 units). Overall actuarial 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates inclusive of operative mortality were 58.1%, 28.5%, and 16.1%, respectively. On univariate analysis, positive lymph nodes, pathological TNM stage, transfusion of more than 3 units of blood, incomplete resection, poor tumor cell differentiation, longer tumor, greater weight loss, male sex, and adenocarcinoma were significant (p < 0.05) negative factors for survival. On Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, after excluding operative mortality, lymph node involvement (p = 0.001), incomplete resection (p = 0.0001), poor tumor cell differentiation (p = 0.04), and transfusion of more than 3 units of blood (p = 0.04) were independent adverse predictors of late survival.

Conclusions. In addition to reaffirming the importance of completeness of resection and nodal involvement, this study demonstrates that blood transfusion (more than 3 units) may have a significant adverse effect on late survival after esophageal resection for carcinoma. Every effort should be made to limit the amount of transfused blood to the absolutely essential requirements.     

Tricuspid valve replacement: UK heart valve registry mid-term results comparing mechanical and biological prostheses

Background. Little is known of time-related outcome and comparative performance of biological and mechanical prostheses following tricuspid valve replacement (TVR).

Methods. A retrospective UK Heart Valve Registry study (Jan 1, 1986 to June 30, 1997) identified 425 patients who underwent TVR. Two-hundred twenty-five (52.9%) received biological and 200 (47.1%) received mechanical valves. One-hundred sixty (38%), 158, and 76 had isolated, double, and triple valve replacements, respectively. The follow-up was 96% complete with a total of 1,585 patient-years.

Results. Thirty-day mortality for TVR was 17.3% (73 deaths). One-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 72.2%, 59.9%, and 42.9%, respectively. Year of operation (p = 0.04), age (p = 0.04), and number of valves implanted (p = 0.03) predicted overall mortality. Age (p < 0.001) and year of operation (p = 0.002) predicted overall survival. Thirty-day mortality for biological and mechanical prostheses was 18.8% and 15.6%, respectively. One-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 70.5%, 61.5%, and 47.7% for biological and 74.0%, 57.9%, and 33.9% for mechanical prostheses, respectively. Freedom from reoperation at 1 and 10 years was 98.7% and 97.4%. Freedom from death or reoperation was 71.2% at 1 year and 41.9% at 10 years. None of the above outcomes was significantly different between the type of valve prostheses.

Conclusions. TVR carries a high 30-day mortality and a poor longer term survival. No superiority could be identified for biological or mechanical prostheses in the tricuspid position for either survival or reoperation.     

Taussig-Bing畸形合并大动脉侧侧位的外科治疗

目的总结外科手术一期治疗Taussig—Bing畸形合并大动脉侧侧位的临床经验。方法2000年5月～2007年9月手术治疗26例（手术年龄3.1±2．2个月）Taussig—Bing畸形合并大动脉侧侧位患者，其中合并主动脉弓病变13例。25例患者采用动脉转位术（arterial switch operation，ASO），1例采用Kawashima手术治疗。合并主动脉弓病变的矫治方法主要是切除缩窄段后，将胸主动脉与主动脉弓下缘行端端吻合，或与升主动脉行端侧吻合。结果住院死亡3例（11.5％，3／26）。2005年6月以后连续手术治疗的15例Taussig—Bing畸形伴大动脉侧侧位，无住院死亡。随访21例，随访时间1～5年；患者生长发育均明显改善，心脏较术前缩小，肺血明显减少。2例患者因肺动脉瓣上狭窄而再次行手术修补。结论Taussig—Bing畸形合并大动脉侧侧位的病理解剖比较复杂，必须根据不同的解剖条件选择不同的手术方法，才能降低手术死亡率。     

大动脉转换术在复杂先天性心脏病治疗中的应用

目的 回顾总结我院近3年采用大动脉转换术治疗小儿复杂先天性心脏病(先心病)的临床经验。方法2000年1月至2003年5月,采用大动脉转换术(Switch手术)治疗小儿复杂先心病61例。其中完全性大血管错位(TGA)45例,包括室间隔完整型(TFGA-IVS)26例,伴室间隔缺损(TGA,VSD)19例;右心室双出口伴肺动脉瓣下室间隔缺损(Taussig-Bing)16例。结果TGA,IVS死亡2例;TGA-VSD死亡4例;Taussig-Bing死亡4例;总手术病死率16％。术后随访3个月-3年,所有病例青紫症状消失,活动能力明显增强。1例Taussig-Bing术前二尖瓣轻～中度返流,术后仍为中度返流。2例TGA术后出现主动脉和肺动脉瓣上狭窄,压差40mmHg,1例肺动脉瓣下狭窄和残余室间隔缺损,3个月后再次手术治愈。结论大动脉转换术应用于完全性大血管错位的纠治,手术效果满意;应用于右室双出口肺动脉瓣下室间隔缺损的纠治,不但可早期纠治,防止其肺血管阻塞性病变发生,而且避免了心内修补左室流出道梗阻的远期并发症。     

Neonatal anatomic repair of transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect

From January 1985 to March 1992, 64 consecutive neonates with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) underwent an arterial switch operation and VSD closure. The mean age at operation was 18.5 ± 12 days and the mean weight was 3.3 kg. Seventeen patients had an associated aortic coarctation, of whom 15 underwent single-stage repair through median sternotomy. Coronary artery distribution was: type A: 45 patients; type B: 2; type D: 11 and type E: 6 patients. The location of the VSD was perimenbranous in 42 patients, trabecular in 13, infundibular in 5, and 4 presented with the Taussig Bing heart anomaly. The hospital mortality was 9.3% (n = 6). There were four late deaths (one TGA-VSD and three TGA-VSD and coarctation). Nine patients required reoperation. The mean follow-up of all survivors was 36 ± 19 months. They were in NYHA class I without medication. Six patients developed mild-to-moderate aortic insufficiency. The actuarial survival and freedom from reoperation at 5 years were 81.06% and 84.6%, respectively. We conclude that neonatal anatomic repair of TGA and VSD offers good medium-term results and avoids iterative operations.     

Carotid and aortic screening for coronary artery bypass grafting

Background. To identify risk factors for preexisting carotid and aortic disease in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), preoperative parameters were analyzed.

Methods. Three-hundred eight consecutive patients undergoing elective isolated CABG were investigated through preoperative duplex scanning of the carotid artery, computed tomography of the chest, and intraoperative ultrasonography of the ascending aorta.

Results. Prevalence of carotid stenosis and ascending aortic atherosclerosis was 14.3% (44 of 308) and 30.2% (93 of 308), respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that significant independent risk factors for carotid stenosis were atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta (p = 0.028, odds ratio [OR] = 2.16), peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.008, OR = 4.08), and history of stroke (p = 0.0004, OR = 3.73). Significant independent risk factors for ascending aortic atherosclerosis were peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.029, OR = 3.05), age older than 60 years (p = 0.009, OR = 2.94), and carotid stenosis (p = 0.018, OR = 2.27). Modifications on the operative procedure for aortic atherosclerosis were carried out in 49 patients. Overall hospital mortality and morbidity for stroke were 0.97% and 0.65%, respectively.

Conclusions. Prevalence of carotid and aortic disease was not low among candidates for CABG. Carotid and aortic screening may help to modify the operative strategy to reduce morbidity of stroke.     

Valvular heart operation in patients with previous mediastinal radiation therapy

Background. The outcome of valvular heart operations in patients with previous mediastinal radiation therapy was studied.

Methods. This is a single center retrospective study of 60 patients (37 females, 23 males) with a mean age of 62 ± 15 years (28 to 88 years old) operated on from January 1976 to December 1998. Valvular heart operations performed included aortic valve replacements (n = 26), mitral valve procedures (n = 16), tricuspid valve procedures (n = 6), and multiple valve procedures (n = 12). A total of 264 clinical, hemodynamic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic variables were analyzed.

Results. Total follow-up was 199 patient-years with a mean of 3.3 ± 3.1 years and a range of 0 to 12.4 years old. Early mortality was 7 patients (12%). Early mortality in patients with constrictive pericarditis was 40% (4 of 10) compared with 6% (3 of 50) in patients without constrictive pericarditis. By univariate analysis, early mortality was associated with constrictive pericarditis (p = 0.011), reduced preoperative ejection fraction (p = 0.015), and longer cardiopulmonary bypass times (p = 0.037). A total of 14 patients (23%) required permanent pacemaker placement before (n = 7), during (n = 1), or early (n = 6) after valvular heart operations. There were 19 late deaths (malignancies, 7; heart failures, 5; other cardiac, 4; and other noncardiac, 3). Overall survival and freedom from late cardiac death and cardiac reoperation at 5 years for hospital survivors were 66% ± 8%, 82% ± 7%, and 93% ± 4%, respectively. By univariate analysis, late cardiac death was associated with low ejection fraction (p = 0.002), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV (p = 0.004), preoperative congestive heart failure (p = 0.02), and preoperative atrial fibrillation (p = 0.038). Eighty-five percent of the discharged patients were in NYHA functional class I or II at follow-up.

Conclusions. Early results of valve replacement after mediastinal radiation therapy were good except in the presence of constrictive pericarditis. Long-term outcome was limited by malignancy and heart failure. Early surgical intervention is recommended before the development of risk factors for late death, namely, severe symptoms, left ventricular dysfunction, and atrial fibrillation.     

Mitral commissurotomy, a technique outdated? Long-term follow-up over a period of 35 years

Background. The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term survival, valve-related complications as well as prognostic factors for early and late outcome after open and closed mitral commissurotomy covering a follow-up period of 35 years.

Methods. From 1955 to 1977, 183 patients with mitral stenosis underwent mitral commissurotomy at our institution. Closed valvotomy was performed on 143 patients (group A) and open valvotomy on 40 patients (group B).

Results. Survival rates after 10, 20, and 30 years were 89%, 67.8%, and 49.1% in group A and 91.7%, 66.7%, and 45.9% in group B (p = not significant). The risk of late death increased significantly with an advanced preoperative New York Heart Association functional class, atrial fibrillation, higher age at operation, pre- or postoperative mitral regurgitation, and leaflet calcification. Forty-four patients in group A and 5 patients in group B required reoperation (p < 0.05). Independent predictors for reoperation in a multivariate analysis were a remaining postoperative mitral stenosis or regurgitation. A total of 68 patients showed valve-related complications. The linearized rate of valve-related morbidity and mortality was 2.1% per patient-years in group A versus 1.1% per patient-years in B (p < 0.01).

Conclusions. Long-term survival for open and closed commissurotomy are excellent, showing no difference between the groups. However, both the incidence of reoperation as well as valve-related morbidity and mortality were significantly lower after open commissurotomy. In well-selected patients with pure mitral stenosis and no leaflet calcification, open commissurotomy still remains a valid surgical option.     

Improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with coronary endarterectomy

Background. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with coronary endarterectomy (CE) has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to evaluate the impact of recent advances in operative and perioperative management on outcomes after CE.

Methods. One hundred fifty-one consecutive patients undergoing first-time CABG with CE between 1991 and 1997 were compared with a concurrent group of 757 patients undergoing CABG without CE (Control).

Results. Age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, percent nonelective were similar in both groups. Compared with control, the CE group had a higher incidence of hypertension (80% versus 71%, p = 0.02), diabetes (42% versus 32%, p = 0.01), prior myocardial infarction (MI) (68% versus 59%, p = 0.05), peripheral vascular disease (36% versus 16%, p < 0.001), renal failure (15% versus 4%, p < 0.001), and three-vessel coronary disease (81% versus 70%, p = 0.007), resulting in higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons database predicted mortality (4.9 ± 5.9% versus 3.9 ± 4.6%, p = 0.05). Despite the higher risk profile of the CE group, hospital mortality (CE 2.0%, Control 1.2%) and the incidence of major complications such as cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (0.7% versus 1.5%), major respiratory complications (8% versus 5%), and postoperative MI (3% versus 1.4%) were similar between the groups (all p = NS). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time was an independent predictor of postoperative MI (odds ratio 1.2, CI 1.05 to 1.39, p < 0.01) and the use of heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits of reduced MI rate (odds ratio 0.25, CI 0.08 to 0.76, p < 0.01). Mean follow-up for 94% of patients was 30 ± 19 months (range 1 to 83 months). Five-year survival after CE was 70 ± 5%, with 96% of patients in Canadian Cardiovascular Society class I/II.

Conclusions. In a contemporary series of carefully selected patients, mortality and major complications after CE are now similar to CABG without CE. CE itself is not an independent predictor of postoperative MI. Functional class of hospital survivors is excellent.     

Valved homograft replacement of aneurysmal pulmonary arteries for severely symptomatic absent pulmonary valve syndrome

Background. Patients with absent pulmonary valve syndrome (APVS) with respiratory distress (RD) have previously had a high mortality. In 1990 we adopted a strategy of primary repair including total replacement of the aneurysmal central pulmonary arteries (PAs) for patients with RD.

Methods. Retrospective review was made of 54 consecutive patients with APVS between 1960 and 1998. Median age and weight were 4 months and 4.8 kg. RD was present in 23 patients (10 neonates, 16 required ventilation). Fifteen patients had repair with homograft replacement of the PAs and VSD closure (group 1). Twenty-seven patients had transannular patch with VSD closure with PA-plasty (group 2, n = 21) or without PA plasty (group 3, n = 6). Twelve had miscellaneous procedures (group 4); in 6 the VSD was left open.

Results. Operative, 1-, 5-, and 10-year survivals were 83%, 80%, 78%, and 78%, respectively. Risk factors for operative mortality in multivariate analysis were RD (p = 0.04), neonates (p = 0.02), weight less than 3 kg (p = 0.02), open VSD (p = 0.02) and surgery before 1990 (p = 0.04). Since 1990 operative mortality has decreased to 11% (p = 0.04). RD was the only time-related predictor of survival in multivariate analysis (p = 0.004). In patients with RD, survival with homograft was 73% versus 41% with other techniques (p = 0.2). Mean follow-up was 72 ± 50 months. There were no significant differences in freedom from reintervention rates among the surgical groups (p = 0.08).

Conclusions. Aggressive homograft replacement of the central pulmonary arteries has been associated with improved survival in patients with APVS especially in neonates with severe RD.