Long-term results after the REV (réparation à l’étage ventriculaire) procedure for malposition of the great arteries

Abstract

Several surgical techniques can be used to repair anomalies of the ventriculoarterial connection with sub-pulmonary stenosis. Although there is no equivocal evidence that one technique is superior to another, the arterial switch operation (ASO) and Rastelli procedure are the preferred options to correct transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Despite innovative features and satisfactory short- and long-term results, the “réparation à l’étage ventriculaire” (REV) procedure has not gained large popularity and still struggles to establish itself as a legitimate alternative to the Rastelli operation. By describing our long-term results, we wish to address the misconceptions about the technical aspects and the long-term results of this technique that have been suggested to explain the reluctance towards it. Between 1980 and 2022, 157 patients underwent a REV procedure (median age and weight: 20.8 months and 7.7 kg). The most frequent anatomical presentation was the association between TGA, VSD and LVOTO ( n = 113, 72.0%). Sixty-seven patients (42.7%) underwent a Rashkind procedure, and 67 patients (42.7%) had a prior surgical palliation (including 62 systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts). Resection of the conal septum and/or ventricular septal defect enlargement was performed in 65 patients (41.4%). Thirteen patients (8.3%) died, including 4 during the first postoperative month and 2 after heart transplant. Overall survival at 40 years was 89%. Thirty-seven patients (23.6%) required 67 reinterventions on the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), including 49 reoperations, with a median delay of 9 years after the REV (8 months – 27 years). Twenty patients (12.7%) underwent RVOT valvulation (16 surgical and 4 interventional). Freedom from RVOT reintervention and reoperation at 40 years were 60.3% and 62.6% respectively. Four patients (2.5%) required reoperation for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, with a median delay of 4.8 years ( Fig. 1 ). The REV procedure is a good alternative to the Rastelli intervention when an arterial switch operation is not feasible. A quarter of the patients required redo surgery on the right ventricular outflow tract. Reoperations for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction are scarce.