Hybrid procedure for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Abstract

Objective In patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum ( PAIVS) without right ventricular-dependent coronaries, catheter techniques including the use of a sniff wire, lasers, and radiofrequency have been the most widely used initial therapy. However, percutaneous perforation and balloon valvuloplasty were associated with higher rate of procedural failure and serious complications. Methods We report our experience with a hybrid approach for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, combining surgery and interventional catheterization techniques. Between March 2005 and March 2010, hybrid procedure was carried out successfully in 30 newboms and infants with favorable anatomy. The age ranged from 1 day to 48 months with a mean of (4.59 ±3.21) months. The heart was exposed through median sternotomy. A pursestring suture was placed in the right ventricular outflow tract 2 cm away from the pulmonary trunk. Then a 16-gauge intravenous catheter was punctured through the right ventrical and perforated the atretic PV with the guidance of echocardiography. A guide wire was then inserted into the sheath and used to guide the balloon across the PV. Sequential dilations were performed until a full opening of the PV with the guidance of epicardial echocardiography. In patients ＜ 3 months PDA ligation was performed followed by modified Blalock-Taussig (B-T) shunt. In patients ＞ 3 months PDA ligation was not performed. A modified B-T shunt was inserted if severe systemic oxygen desaturation occurred after PDA ligation. Bidirectional Glenn shunt was performed for severe hypoplasia. Hybrid procedure was achieved in all patients. The simultaneous procedures included 25 cases of PDA ligation. 6 newborns underwent modified B-T shunt placement (3.5 to 5 mm) after pulmonary valvuloplasty and PDA ligation, and 2 patients ＞ 1 month underwent modified B-T shunt. Another 2 patients were selected for univentricular palliative surgery because of a diminutive monopartite right ventricle and bidirectional Glenn procedure was performed. No pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade was observed in all patients. Another case without PDA ligation underwent a modified B-T shunt because of hypoxemia three days after hybrid procedure, and the rest patients were discharged without any further surgical intervention.During the follow-up period of 1.5 to 62.0 months, 5 patients died. 25 (83.3%) survived and were all in New York Heart Association functional class 1. Peripheral oxygen saturation increased from 0.73 ± 0.08 to 0.94 ± 0.04 (P ＜ 0.05). One patient remains in a single-ventricle pathway, whereas 24 patients achieved a two-ventricle circulation. Results Conclusion Perventricular balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty using a hybrid approach is a safe and feasible procedure for patients with PAIVS. Key words: Pulmonary atresia Cardiac surgical procedures Infant, newborn Infant Hybrid procedure