Abstract

Regarding neo-aortic valve regurgitation (neo-AR) after the arterial switch operation (ASO), the 'trap-door' technique was supposed to be a risk factor due to a distortion of the sinotubular junction (STJ) geometry. Here we report our results of the 'trap-door' technique with a special emphasis on root geometry including the ratio of STJ to annulus. From August 1991 to March 2010, 240 patients with transposition of the great arteries underwent the ASO and who had at least 1 year of follow-up were included in this study. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The median age and body weight at the time of operation were 11 (0-1213) days and 3.4 (1.30-18.75) kg, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 79 months (range 12 months-19.5 years). At the latest echocardiographic follow-up, only six patients had neo-AR greater than Grade II (6 of 240, 2.5%). We found no relationship between neo-AR greater than Grade II and perioperative factors. The actual sizes of the neo-aortic annulus, mid-sinus and STJ were observed as having increased over time. However, most z-scores of STJ at the latest echocardiography varied between -2 and 2 and, more importantly, the ratio of STJ to neo-aortic annulus was 0.93 ± 0.20, which was near normal at the latest echocardiographic follow-up. Our results showed a very low incidence of significant neo-AR, which was relatively attributable to the preserved z-score of STJ and the normal range of STJ/annulus ratio. Therefore, we propose that it is important to maintain these factors adequately during the reconstruction of the neo-aortic root in the ASO.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.