Canal Defect Research Articles

A comparative analysis on risk of pulmonary hypertension in children with Atrio-ventricular (AV) canal defect: a multi-centre study.

This study is aimed at determining the risk of pulmonary hypertension in children with AV canal defect when compared with children with other congenital heart disease. A descriptive study carried out in three institutions over a six-year period among children who presented with AV canal defect and their controls who presented with other congenital heart defects. A large proportion of the children with AV canal (77.5%) had pulmonary hypertension. Among the patients with pulmonary hypertension, 45.2% were males compared 54.8% females (χ2 = 3.2, p = 0.2). There was a positive correlation between pulmonary hypertension and size of VSD and ASD, although the correlation was not significant (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.01 and 0.4, p = 0.9 and 0.1 respectively). Children with AV canal defect had higher odds of developing most clinical symptoms and pulmonary hypertension than children with other congenital heart disease and this is statistically significant. Majority of children with AV canal defect presented with pulmonary hypertension. These children present with higher odds of having pulmonary hypertension and clinical symptoms than children with other types of congenital heart disease.

An eleven-year review of pediatric echocardiogram reports in Kumasi, Ghana

Background Pediatric heart diseases (PHDs), comprising congenital heart diseases (CHDs) and acquired heart diseases (AHDs) are significant contributors to non-communicable diseases in children. CHDs alone occur in 0.8-1.0% live births globally. Data on echocardiogram diagnosed PHDs in Ghana however is lacking. We set out to describe the echocardiogram diagnosed prevalence of the various PHDs, their age profile and change in trends over an eleven-year period in children less than sixteen years seen in Kumasi.
 MethodsWe retrieved archived first echocardiogram scan reports from January 2010 through December 2020, and extracted the diagnosis, scan date and sex of the patients. PHDs were categorized into CHDs and AHDs and proportions of the top five reported respectively. Observed trends in proportion of types of PHDs and age at first diagnosis were computed. Data was collected using Microsoft® Excel and analyzed with R statistical software.
 ResultsPHDs were present in 49.9% (2474/4962) of the scans done with 51.5% (95%CI: 49.5-53.5) being males and 93.3% CHDs. The number of different diagnoses were 3344 as some of the patients had multiple diagnosis. Of these, the top five CHDs were Ventricular Septal Defect (699, 20.9%), Atrial Septal Defect (634, 19.0%), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (576, 17.2%), Tetralogy of Fallot (318, 9.5%) and Atrio-Ventricular Canal Defect (222, 6.6%). That for AHDs were Rheumatic Heart Disease (61, 1.8%), Dilated Cardiomyopathy (46, 1.4%), pericardial effusion (29, 0.9%), Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (26, 0.9%) and Infective Endocarditis (14, 0.4%). Proportion of various PHDs stayed constant over the years (p=0.129). The median (IQR) age in months for acyanotic CHDs (6, 1.5-18), cyanotic CHDs (15.0, 4.0-36.0) and AHDs (72.0, 19.0-120) were significantly different (p<0.001). Age at diagnosis reduced by 0.46 months per year, (95%CI: 0.01 to 0.92, p=0.046) over the 11-year period.
 ConclusionPrevalence of CHDs and AHD are similar to other reports worldwide and has remained largely unchanged over the 11-year period. Age at first diagnosis however is reducing for all PHDs.

Superficial temporal artery capillary perforator-based island flap for conchal bowl and external auditory canal reconstruction

Reconstruction of the auricle is challenging to surgeons as a result of its complex anatomy. Defects including the conchal bowl and the external auditory canal (EAC) do not accept imperfection as functional consequences may add to aesthetic ones. Local flaps that are relying mainly on posteriorly based auricle flaps do not represent ideal solutions. This study aims to report the perforator modification of an anteriorly based pre-auricular flap that matches all requires goals of reconstruction. From 2015 to 2019, three capillary perforator-based island flaps (c-PBIF), with the Superficial Temporal Artery (STA) as source pedicle, were performed to reconstruct a combined Conchal Bowl-External Auditory Canal (CB-EAC) defect, secondary to basal cell carcinoma resection. Free margins were obtained via the Tubigen micrographic approach. All three flaps were raised on the perforator originating from the superficial temporal pedicle. In 2 of the cases, the perforator was found at the level of the tragus while in the last case, it was found 1cm more distal. Capillary perforators were isolated and dissected down to their origin from the STA thereby increasing their arc of rotation and pliability. The median follow-up time was 4 years. All flaps survived. Aesthetic results were excellent leaving no distortion of the external ear and the hollow aspect of the conchal was well supported. The tragus mount was preserved, EAC lining was secured, and good audition was restored with no bulging of the flap into the canal in all the cases. Harvesting pre-auricular flaps as c-PBIFs are safe and acts as an excellent solution for the reconstruction of the challenging combined CB-EAC defect. It allows a one-stage reconstruction that does not need a secondary revision, it also gives excellent correction and functional results. We would recommend it as a useful option for the reconstruction of the conchal-EAC defects.

Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia: A Case-based Approach

Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia: A Case-based Approach

Prevalence of Arrhythmic Events in Paediatric Patients with Congenital Heart Disease-A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Various types of arrhythmias occur in patients with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Knowledge regarding arrhythmias in CHD is important for safe and effective management of arrhythmia and in reduction of sudden cardiac deaths. Aim: To assess the profile of various arrhythmic events in children with CHD. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over the period of three years (January 2018 to December 2020). Data were collected from the Department of Paediatrics of a tertiary care hospital in Durgapur, West Bengal, India. A total of 232 children of the age group 0-18 years, diagnosed with CHD were included in this study. Children who underwent cardiac intervention were excluded from the study. Age, sex, age at diagnosis, nature of CHD, clinical findings, Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings were recorded. Data analysis was performed using Fisher’s-exact test on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 27.0 A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A 20.3% children of 0-18 years of age with CHD had conduction abnormalities. Statistically significant association was found between atrial septal defect with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) (p-value <0.001) and atrial flutter (p-value=0.008), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) with Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC) (p-value=0.0001), Atrioventricular (AV) canal defect with first degree AV block with (p-value=0.0004), Tetralogy Of Fallot (TOF) with Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) (p-value=0.021), L-Transposition of Great Vessels (L-TGA) with complete AV block (p-value=0.012), Ebstein’s anomaly with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Specific conduction abnormalities are significantly associated with specific CHD. These results demand attention for effective management of arrhythmia and reduction of sudden cardiac death in children with CHD.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Diagnostic Difficulties in Prenatal Period

The article discusses the possible diagnostic errors in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with mitral atresia and intact interventricular septum. “Atrioventricular canal defects” can be commonly and mistakenly diagnosed the prenatal period in such cases. The aspects and possibilities of differential diagnosis of these defects in the prenatal period are discussed. Ultrasound sign is presented in the article, we have named it “hockey stick with puck” that characterizes the retrograde blood flow in the aortic arch. This sign is diagnosed by color Doppler mapping of the sagittal section of the ductus arteriosus and can serve as a marker of mitral/aortic atresia.

A surgical approach of an unusual variant of complete atrioventricular defect; A case report

BackgroundComplete atrioventricular canal is a congenital heart defect that is characterized by an atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and a common atrioventricular valve. Standard surgical techniques for repairing complete atrioventricular canal defect mainly includes repairing the defect with a single patch, a double patch, or with the modified single patch technique.Case presentationThis paper presents a novel surgical repair technique of an unusual anatomical presentation for a complete atrioventricular canal defect in a patient with Down syndrome.ConclusionsUnusual anatomical variant for congenital heart defects occurs frequently, which gives surgeons real opportunities to innovate surgical approaches. This patient was an example of an unusual anatomical presentation for complete atrioventricular canal, and the surgical technique used for this patient was novel. Follow up for these patients is mandatory for long term results.

Impact of COVID-19 in adult patients with congenital heart disease

Abstract Background COVID-19 is responsible for a worldwide pandemic, causing more than 13 000 deaths to date in Portugal. Data already exists regarding the increased risk of adverse events in patients with cardiovascular diseases, however the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients (P) with congenital heart disease (CHD) is still under investigation. Aims To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in adult patients with congenital heart disease in our tertiary centre Methods Adult patients seen at the CHD outpatient's clinic at a tertiary centre, who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection up to February 2021 were included. Assessment of patients' symptoms, need for hospitalization and admission in an intensive care unit was assessed based on medical records. Results We identified 36 patients (pts) with COVID-19 infection. Symptoms were present in 31 (86%). The median age was 39 (32–49) years, 58% were females. Seven P (19%) had complex cyanotic disease; three (8%) Tetralogy of Fallot; three (8%) transposition of great arteries (one after Senning procedure and 2 after arterial switch); six (14%) right ventricle obstacle; two (8%) atrioventricular canal defect; four (11%) atrial septal defect; five (14%) ventricular septal defect; five (14%) aortic coarctation; two aortopathies (one submitted do David procedure); one subaortic stenosis; two (6%) had Eisenmenger syndrome. The majority (61%) of P had previous surgery and 58% were at New York Heart Association class of I. Mild symptoms were reported by 24 P (67%). Seven adults experienced moderate symptoms (dyspnea and hypoxia) that led to hospitalization for oxygen therapy, although none required mechanical ventilation. One death was reported. There was a significant association between the gravity of CHD and hospitalizations (p=0.012). Conclusion Our pts had mainly mild to moderate symptoms and did not appear to have a disproportionately negative outcome; the need for hospitalization was more frequent in patients with higher CHD gravity. These findings are in line with the emerging data regarding COVID-19 in CHD P, and may be in part explained by the patient's young age and functional status. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

УСПЕШНАЯ КОРРЕКЦИЯ ОБЩЕГО АТРИОВЕНТРИКУЛЯРНОГО КАНАЛА С ТЕТРАДОЙ ФАЛЛО И ГИПОПЛАЗИЕЙ ПРАВОГО ЖЕЛУДОЧКА У РЕБЕНКА 2 ЛЕТ 4 МЕСЯЦЕВ

The paper presents a description of a case of successful one and a half ventricular correction of a complex congenital cardiac anomalies, including the common atrioventricular canal, tetralogy of Fallot, and hypoplasia of the right ventricle in a child (2 year and 4 months). Ararecongenitalanomalycharacterized by acombinationof intracardiac defects, required an innovative surgical approach, the exclusivity of this clinical case has determined. The surgical strategy of complete atrioventricular canal defect is determined by a number of factors. One of the most important is balance between right and left ventricular outputs. The balanced type with adequate development of the ventricles involves the biventricular repair performance. Unbalancedatrioventricular canal defects includea hypoplastic ventricle. Reconstructive surgeryfor onehypoplasticventricle is oriented towards the degree of hypoplasia. In particular, a mild right ventricular hypoplasia allows perfoming biventricular radical operation while a severe degree suggests univentricular repair. In case of borderline, moderate degree of hypoplastic right ventricle the one and half ventricle repair can be carried out. Another important point is the presence of concomitant pulmonic stenosis required the choice of optimal method and material for reconstruction which is not always obvious and often it is the subject of debates. This report presents a description of the diagnostic stages with an emphasis on determining the type of balance of the common atrioventricular canal, the degree of hypoplasia of the right ventricle, the approach to choosing the optimal method for correcting the defect in general and the material for reconstructing the outflow pathway from the right ventricle in particular, as well as the subsequent successful correction of congenital multicomponent cardiac abnormalities in a young patient.

The effect of Surgical Technique, Age and Trisomy 21 on early outcome of Surgical Management of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect

Abstract Background The optimal timing, surgical technique and the influence of Down syndrome on outcome of surgical repair of Complete Atrio-Ventricular Canal Defect (CAVC) remains uncertain. We reviewed our experience in repair of CAVC to identify the influence of these factors on operative outcome. Methods A prospective study included 70 patients who underwent repair of CAVC at Ain Shams university hospitals, academy of cardiothoracic surgery during the period from July 2016 to October 2019. Age at surgery (less than 6 months old versus later), surgical technique used [(modified single patch versus double patch technique), (use of posterior annuloplasty for repair of left AV valve or not)] and association of Down syndrome were evaluated for their impact on the outcome of surgical repair using multivariate analysis. Patients were followed up for 6 months; primary end point was mortality and secondary end point was reappearance of LAVV regurgitation. Results No significant difference between patients operated on, at the first 6 months of age versus later, regarding mortality or LAVV regurgitation. Down patients showed significant difference in the occurrence of postoperative compared to non-Down patients (LAVVR grade 2 + = 8.9% vs 24%, P value =0.005) respectively. Surgical repair by Modified single patch technique showed significant reduction in cross clamp time (mean = 47.6 ± 9.227 min vs 73.55 ± 21.087 min, P value 0.00), shorter bypass time (mean = 71.13 ± 13.507 min vs 99.19 ± 27.092 min, P value =0.00) and shorter duration of ICU stay (mean =3.2 ± 1.657 days vs 5.3 ± 2.761 days, P value=0.01) as compared to double patch technique. Posterior annuloplasty used for repair of LAVV compared to closure of cleft only resulted in significant reduction in the occurrence of post-operative valve regurgitation during the early period (LAVVR 2+ 43% vs 7%, P value=0.03) and at 6 months of follow up. (LAVVR 2+ 35.4% vs 0%, P value=0.01) respectively. Conclusion early intervention, in the first 6 months in patients with CAVC by surgical repair gives comparable acceptable results to later repair, Down syndrome was not found to be a risk factor for early intervention. Modified single patch and double patch techniques for repair, can be used both with comparable results even in large VSD component (8mm and larger), finally, repair of common AV valve by cleft closure with posterior LAV annulplasty showed better results with significant decrease in postoperative LAV regurgitation and early mortality in comparison to closure of cleft only.

Anatomical features of the heart at combination of the atrioventricular canal defect with double branching of the main vessels from the right ventricle

Anatomical features of the heart at combination of the atrioventricular canal defect with double branching of the main vessels from the right ventricle

The effect of surgical technique, age, and Trisomy 21 on early outcome of surgical management of complete atrioventricular canal defect.

The optimal timing, surgical technique, and the influence of Trisomy 21 on the outcome of surgical repair of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect remains uncertain. We reviewed our experience in the repair of CAVC to identify the influence of these factors on operative outcomes. A prospective study included 70 patients, who underwent repair of CAVC at our institute between July, 2016 and October, 2019. Primary endpoint was mortality and the secondary endpoint was a degree of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation. No significant difference was noted between patients operated on, at the first 6 months of age versus later, regarding mortality or LAVV regurgitation. Surgical repair by modified single-patch technique showed a significant reduction in bypass time (71.13±13.507 min versus 99.19±27.092min, p-value = 0.001). Compared to closure of cleft only, posterior annuloplasty used for repair of LAVV resulted in significant reduction in the occurrence of post-operative valve regurgitation during the early period (LAVV 2 + 43 versus 7 %, p-value = 0.03) and at 6 months of follow-up (LAVV 2 + 35.4 versus 0 %, p-value = 0.01), respectively. Early intervention, in the first 6 months in patients with CAVC by surgical repair gives comparable acceptable results to later repair; Trisomy 21 was not found to be a risk factor for early intervention. Repair of common AV valve by cleft closure with posterior LAVV annuloplasty showed better results with a significant decrease in post-operative LAVV regurgitation and early mortality in comparison to the closure of cleft only.

Early outcome of surgical repair of complete atrioventricular canal defects (comparative study between children before and after 6 months of age)

Background: Complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) is composed of a primum atrial septal defect, nonrestrictive inlet ventricular septal defect and common atrioventricular (AV) valve. The aim of this study was to compare the result of surgical repair of complete atrioventricular (CAVC) before and after six months of age. Methods: Between January 2018 and December 2019 at Al-Azhar University and Atfal Misr hospital, 80 patients underwent CAVC repair. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to the age and each group is of 40 patients. These patients were managed by modified patch and double patch techniques. Results: In-group A, the mortality was four operative deaths, four patients with severs mitral reguigitation and mean pulmonary artery pressure 30 – 55 mmHg. While in the group B, there were seven operative deaths, two patients with severs mitral reguigitation and mean pulmonary artery pressure 50 – 65 mmHg. Conclusion: Early repair improve the pulmonary artery pressure with high incidence of surgical reintervention for Lt AV valve, while late repair improve the results for Lt AV valve but has a lower effect on the pulmonary artery pressure.

Association between pregnancy and long-term cardiac outcomes in individuals with congenital heart disease

As early life interventions for congenital heart disease improve, more patients are living to adulthood and are considering pregnancy. Scoring and classification systems predict the maternal cardiovascular risk of pregnancy in the context of congenital heart disease, but these scoring systems do not assess the potential subsequent risks following pregnancy. Data on the long-term cardiac outcomes after pregnancy are unknown for most lesion types. This limits the ability of healthcare practitioners to thoroughly counsel patients who are considering pregnancy in the setting of congenital heart disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between pregnancy and the subsequent long-term cardiovascular health of individuals with congenital heart disease. This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of individuals identifying as female who were receiving care in two adult congenital heart disease centers from 2014 to 2019. Patient data were abstracted longitudinally from a patient age of 15 years (or from the time of entry into the healthcare system) to the conclusion of the study, death, or exit from the healthcare system. The primary endpoint, a composite adverse cardiac outcome (death, stroke, heart failure, unanticipated cardiac surgery, or a requirement for a catheterized procedure), was compared between parous (at least one pregnancy >20 weeks' gestation) and nulliparous individuals. By accounting for differences in the follow-up, the effect of pregnancy was estimated based on the time to the composite adverse outcome in a proportional hazards regression model adjusted for the World Health Organization class, baseline cardiac medications, and number of previous sternotomies. Participants were also categorized according to their lesion type, including septal defects (ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, atrioventricular septal defects, or atrioventricular canal defects), right-sided valvular lesions, left-sided valvular lesions, complex cardiac anomalies, and aortopathies, to evaluate if there is a differential effect of pregnancy on the primary outcome when adjusting for lesion type in a sensitivity analysis. Overall, 711 individuals were eligible for inclusion; 209 were parous and 502 nulliparous. People were classified according to the World Health Organization classification system with 86 (12.3%) being classified as class I, 76 (10.9%) being classified as class II, 272 (38.9%) being classified as class II to III, 155 (22.1%) being classified as class III, and 26 (3.7%) being classified as class IV. Aortic stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve, dilated ascending aorta or aortic root, aortic regurgitation, and pulmonary insufficiency were more common in parous individuals, whereas dextro-transposition of the great arteries, Turner syndrome, hypoplastic right heart, left superior vena cava, and other cardiac diagnoses were more common in nulliparous individuals. In multivariable modeling, pregnancy was associated with the composite adverse cardiac outcome (36.4%% vs 26.1%%; hazard ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.66). Parous individuals were more likely to have unanticipated cardiac surgery (28.2% vs 18.1%; P=.003). No other individual components of the primary outcome were statistically different between parous and nulliparous individuals in cross-sectional comparisons. The association between pregnancy and the primary outcome was similar in a sensitivity analysis that adjusted for cardiac lesion type (hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.36). Among individuals with congenital heart disease, pregnancy was associated with an increase in subsequent long-term adverse cardiac outcomes. These data may inform counseling of individuals with congenital heart disease who are considering pregnancy.

Reconstruction of the Anterior External Auditory Canal With Mastoid Cortex Autologous Bone Graft.

To describe the surgical management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) herniation with external auditory canal (EAC) reconstruction using autologous bone grafting from the mastoid cortex. Retrospective case series. A tertiary university medical center. Three patients who presented to our Otolaryngology clinic with evidence of TMJ herniation through an anterior EAC defect, both on otoscopy and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Reconstruction of the anterior EAC with mastoid cortex bone grafting using an endaural approach. Successful reconstruction of anterior EAC bony defect without recurrence of herniation. All three patients presented with otalgia, hearing loss, and either tinnitus or a clicking sensation with jaw movement. Etiologies for TMJ herniation included osteoradionecrosis following external beam radiation therapy for head and neck carcinoma and iatrogenic injury following multiple tympanoplasties and canalplasties. A mastoid cortex bone graft was placed and secured anterior to the bony EAC defect through an endaural approach. Two patients wore a dental retainer postoperatively to keep the condyle in an open position. After reconstruction, patients reported an improvement in their presenting symptoms. There was no recurrence of TMJ herniation in all cases after 1, 4, and 9 years. Anterior EAC reconstruction with autologous bone grafting can be an effective definitive treatment in TMJ herniation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of bone grafting to reconstruct the canal defect in TMJ herniation.Level of Evidence: V.

A left Atrial Mass After COVID-19 and Cardiac Surgery

A three-month-old girl (weight: 4.3 kg; height: 55 cm) with trisomy-21 was taken to the operating room for repair of an atrioventricular canal defect. The transthoracic echocardiogram reported situs solitus; atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial concordant connections; normal systemic and pulmonary venous drainage; a 3.9-mm primum defect with a left-to-right shunt; a large size (26 mm) inlet ventricular septal defect with left-to-right shunt; a large patent ductus arteriosus with a bidirectional shunt; and good biventricular function with a normal-sized coronary sinus.

Can Fetal Echocardiographic Measurements of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Angle Detect Fetuses with Conotruncal Cardiac Anomalies?

Objectives: The angle between the inter-ventricular septum and the ascending aorta can be measured during a sonographic fetal survey while viewing the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT angle). Our aim was to compare the LVOT angle between fetuses with and without conotruncal cardiac anomaliesrmations. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we compared the LVOT angle between normal fetuses, at different gestational age, and fetuses with cardiac malformations. Results: The study included 302 fetuses screened at gestational age of 12–39 weeks. The LVOT angle ranged from 127 to 163 degrees (mean 148.2), in 293 fetuses with normal hearts, and was not correlated with gestational age. The LVOT angle was significantly wider in fetuses with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA, eight fetuses) and valvar aortic stenosis (AS, three fetuses), than in fetuses with normal hearts (164.8 ± 5.0 vs. 148.2 ± 5.4, respectively, p < 0.001). Conversely, the LVOT angle was significantly narrower in fetuses with complete atrioventricular canal defect (AVC, eight fetuses), than in fetuses with normal hearts (124.8 ± 2.4 vs. 148.2 ± 5.4, respectively, p < 0.001). On ROC analysis, an angle of 159.6 degrees or higher had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.3% for the detection of TGA or AS, whereas an angle of 128.8 degrees or lower had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.7% for the detection of AVC defect. Conclusions: The LVOT angle is constant during pregnancy, and differs significantly in fetuses with TGA/AS, and AVC, compared to fetuses with normal hearts (wider and narrower, respectively).

Ethical Issues in the Care of Emerging Adults in Pediatric Intensive Care Units.

Ethical Issues in the Care of Emerging Adults in Pediatric Intensive Care Units.

Post-operative course of pulmonary artery pressure after complete atrioventricular canal defect repair.

The purpose of this study is to describe the evolution of pulmonary artery hypertension after repair of complete atrioventricular canal defect and to determine the time to normalisation of pulmonary artery pressure in both patients with and without Trisomy 21. This is a single centre, retrospective analysis of patients with complete atrioventricular canal defect admitted for surgical repair at the University of Maryland Medical Center from 2005 to 2015. T-test or Mann-Whitney test and Chi-Square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the two groups (patients with Trisomy 21 and those without). Repeated measures of analysis of variance and serial measurement analysis were performed. Twenty-nine patients meeting the inclusion criteria underwent repair of complete atrioventricular defects during the study period. The right ventricular pressure estimate remained elevated over time and did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Right ventricular to systolic blood pressure ratios for all patients remained > 0.5 over the time periods assessed. Our study suggests that in patients with complete atrioventricular canal defects, the right ventricular pressure remains elevated and does not normalise on echocardiograms performed up to one year after surgery, suggesting a sustained elevation in pulmonary vascular resistance.

Three-dimensional mapping for His-bundle pacing in pediatric patients, a case series

IntroductionPediatric patients who receive pacemakers may have a lifetime of repeat exposure to fluoroscopy. His bundle pacing may provide better long-term pacing for these patients. To minimize fluoroscopy and for improved localization of the His bundle, we utilized three-dimensional mapping to guide His bundle pacing and we follow-up short-term results. MethodsAn Octapolar Livewire catheter (Abbott, Minneapolis, USA) was used for mapping and location of the His bundle while 3-dimensional mapping via the EnSite Precision system (Abbott Medical, Abbott Park, IL) was utilized to create a 3-dimensional geometry. The EnSite Precision system also mapped and recorded His bundle signal strengths and earliest ventricular activation or retrograde His bundle activation. ResultsThree patients are presented and followed for 4–5 months. The ages ranged from 10 to 15 years with 1 male patient. Diagnoses including progressive atrioventricular block, alternating bundle branch block and atrioventricular canal defect with complete heart block. All patients received selective His-bundle pacing systems. The range in fluoroscopy time was 6.4 to 9.9 min with 5.64 mGy to 10.18 mGy. Stable lead thresholds, impedances and sensing were present at last follow-up. ConclusionsHis bundle pacing in our 3 pediatric patients including one with altered His-bundle physiology (case 3 with atrioventricular canal defect) was successful with good short-term follow-up results.