Neoaortic Valve Regurgitation Research Articles

Excellent Survival With a Focus on Pulmonary Artery Reinterventions After the Arterial Switch Operation.

Background: We sought to evaluate the outcomes in patients who underwent the arterial switch operation (ASO) over a 20-year period at a single institution. Methods: The current study is a retrospective review of 180 consecutive patients who underwent the ASO for biventricular surgical correction of dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) between 2002 and 2022. Results: Among 180 patients, 121 had TGA-intact ventricular septum, 47 had TGA-ventricular septal defect and 12 had Taussig-Bing Anomaly (TBA). The median follow-up time was 6.7 years (interquartile range: 3.9-8.7 years). There were five early (2.8%) and one late (0.6%) mortality. Survival was 96.6% at one year and beyond. Reoperations were performed in 31 patients (17%). Taussig Bing Anomaly was found to increase the risk of reoperation by 17 times (P < .0001). A total of 37 (21%) patients underwent 53 reinterventions (14 surgical procedures, 39 catheter interventions) specifically addressing pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis. Freedom from PA reintervention was 97%, 87%, 70%, and 55% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. By bivariable analysis, TBA (P = .003, odds ratio [OR]: 6.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9-21.7), mild PA stenosis at discharge (P ≤ .001, OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 2.7-13.6), and moderate or severe PA stenosis at discharge (P ≤ .001, OR: 12.7, 95% CI: 5-32.2) were identified as predictors of reintervention on PA. In the last follow-up of 174 survivors, 24 patients (14%) had moderate or greater PA stenosis, two (1%) had moderate neoaortic valve regurgitation, and 168 were New York Heart Association status I. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated excellent survival and functional status following the ASO for d-TGA; however, patients remain subject to frequent reinterventions especially on the pulmonary arteries.

Configuration of the neoaortic root after chimney reconstruction in the Norwood procedure.

After staged reconstruction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the neoaortic root tends to dilate, and the incidence of significant neoaortic valve insufficiency increases with time. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of the neoaortic root geometries and valve function after chimney reconstruction in the Norwood procedure. Between 2013 and 2021, 20 consecutive patients who underwent chimney reconstruction during the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants in our institution were enrolled. The actual diameters of the following points were measured, and Z-scores were calculated based on the normal aortic root geometries using the long axis view of echocardiography at the pre-Norwood stage and the lateral view of angiography at pre-Glenn, pre-Fontan, post-Fontan and follow-up (age 5-6 years) stages: neoaortic valve annulus; sinus of Valsalva; sinotubular junction; and ascending aorta just proximal to the anastomosis to the aortic arch. The degree of neoaortic valve regurgitation was evaluated by echocardiography at each stage. The median follow-up period was 3.9 years. Neoaortic roots after chimney reconstruction were spared from progressive dilation over time. With growth, the conical configuration of the neoaortic roots was preserved without geometrical distortion. The Z-scores of the annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta ranged roughly from 4 to 6, 4 to 6, 2 to 4 and 0 to 2, respectively. All neoaortic valves at each stage had mild or no regurgitation. Chimney reconstruction prevented neoaortic root dilation and avoided significant neoaortic valve regurgitation in the mid-term. These neoaortic dimensions with smooth flow profiles in the neoaorta after chimney reconstruction may have contributed to the current results. Further studies are needed to clarify the long-term outcomes.

Neoaortic Bicuspid Valve Replacement in Patient After Arterial Switch Operation to Correct Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries

INTRODUCTION Transposition of the great arteries is the second most common cyanotic congenital heart defect after tetralogy of Fallot. The arterial switch procedure (А. Jatene, 1975) is the surgical treatment of choice. Neoaortic root dilatation and valve regurgitation are quite common among the patients who underwent surgery for transposition of the great arteries. However, there are a lot of conflicting data about their direct connection.CLINICAL CASE This article describes surgical repair of neoaortic bicuspid valve regurgitation, by it successful implantation, in an 18-year-old patient after arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries in the neonatal period.CONCLUSION Neoaortic valve insufficiency can develop primarily as well as secondary to neoaortic root dilatation, however, the questions about valve repair or aortic root replacement with or without neoaortic valve implantation remains debatable. At this stage, decision making is based only on unsystematic clinical experience, surgeon’s intuition, the basics of anatomy and pathophysiology, as well as close interaction of “pediatric” and “adult” cardiac surgeons.

Outcomes after the Ross procedure with pulmonary autograft reinforcement by reimplantation.

Pulmonary autograft reinforcement to prevent dilatation and subsequent neo-aortic valve regurgitation has been reported; however, data on long-term function of the neo-aortic valve after this modified Ross procedure are lacking. Our objective here was to assess long-term outcomes of the modified Ross procedure with autograft reinforcement using the reimplantation technique. The outcomes of 61 consecutive patients managed using the Dacron-conduit reinforced Ross procedure between 2009 and 2021 were reviewed. Most patients had a unicuspid or bicuspid aortic valve (n=52; 85%), predominant aortic valve regurgitation (n=42; 77%), and >30mm dilatation of the ascending aorta (n=33; 54%). A prior aortic valve procedure was noted in 47 patients (77%) patients, including 38 (62%) with surgical repair and 9 (15%) with balloon dilatation. The pulmonary autograft was reimplanted within a Dacron conduit with a median diameter of 25.6mm (range, 20-30mm) using the David valve-sparing aortic root replacement technique. All patients survived. The median age at surgery was 16.8years (range, 6-38years). Neo-aortic valve replacement was required in 3 patients (4.9%; 95% CI, 0.34%- 12.7%) because of infective endocarditis, left ventricular false aneurysm, and leaflet perforation, respectively; the repeat procedure was done early in 2 of these patients (2 of 61; 3%). Six patients required right ventricular outflow conduit replacement, 5 by surgery and 1 percutaneously. The median duration of follow-up was 90months (range, 10-124months). The 5- and 10-year rates of reintervention-free survival were 84.3% (95% CI, 74%-95%) and 81.6% (95% CI, 72%-93%), respectively, and 5-year survival without aortic reintervention was 94.5% (95% CI, 88%-100%), with little change at 10years. No patients experienced deterioration of initial neo-aortic valve function (ie, regurgitation or stenosis). Autograft reinforcement using the reimplantation technique allowed expansion of Ross procedure indications to all patients requiring aortic valve replacement and prevented neo-aortic root dilatation. Failures were uncommon. Long-term follow-up data showed stable neo-aortic valve function.

Sinus plication technique for neoaorta dilation and regurgitation in patients with repaired congenital heart diseases.

We report 3 cases in sinus plication technique utilized to repair aortic or neoaortic root dilation and valve regurgitation after congenital heart disease operation.

Outcomes after ROSS procedure with pulmonary autograft reinforcement using reimplantation technique

Pulmonary autograft reinforcement to prevent dilatation and subsequent neo-aortic valve regurgitation was reported. However, the late functional outcome of the native pulmonary valve inside a rigid Dacron conduit requires to be documented. We aimed to assess the results of modified Ross procedure associated with autograft reinforcement reimplantation technique. Outcomes of 61 consecutive patients who underwent Ross procedure with reinforcement between 2009 and 2021 were analyzed. Majority of cases has presented with mono or bicuspid aortic valve ( n = 52; 85%), predominant aortic valve regurgitation ( n = 47; 77%) and dilatation (> 30 mm) of the ascending aorta ( n = 33; 54%). Forty-seven patients (77%) had prior aortic valve procedure including 38 surgical repair (62%) and 9 balloon dilatation (15%). Pulmonary autograft was reimplanted in a Dacron conduit of a median diameter = 25.6 mm (ranges: 20–30) using Tirone David's valve sparing aortic root replacement technique. No death occurred. Median age at procedure was 16.8 years (range: 6–38). Two patients (3%) required early neo-Aortic root revision, one other was reoperated later on resulting in neo-aortic valve replacement in 3 (4.9% IC 95% [0.34%; 12.7%]) because of respectively infective endocarditis, left ventricular false aneurysm and leaflet perforation. Six patients required right ventricular outflow conduit replacement including one percutaneous replacement. At mean 66 ± 50.5 months postoperatively, the survival rate with freedom from reintervention was 83% [71.9; 93.5] and the deterioration of the initial neo-Aortic valve function (regurgitation or stenosis) was not observed ( Fig. 1 ). Autograft reinforcement by means of reimplantation technique allowed to extend the indications for Ross procedure to all patients requiring Aortic valve replacement and prevented neo-Aortic root dilatation. Failures were early and rare, and late controls confirmed the stability of the neo-aortic valve function in follow-up.

Successful Fenestration of an Extracardiac Conduit in a Fontan Patient With the Baylis NRG RF Transeptal Needle and Creation of Fontan Fenestration with a 20-mm 535 Formula Stent

Successful Fenestration of an Extracardiac Conduit in a Fontan Patient With the Baylis NRG RF Transeptal Needle and Creation of Fontan Fenestration with a 20-mm 535 Formula Stent

Joint Modeling of Longitudinal Markers and Time-to-Event Outcomes: An Application and Tutorial in Patients After Surgical Repair of Transposition of the Great Arteries.

Most patients with congenital heart disease survive into adulthood; however, residual abnormalities remain and management of the patients is life-long and personalized. Patients with surgical repair of transposition of the great arteries, for example, face the risk to develop neoaortic valve regurgitation. Cardiologists update the prognosis of the patient intuitively with updated information of the cardiovascular status of the patient, for instance from echocardiographic imaging. Usually a time-dependent version of the Cox model is used to analyze repeated measurements with a time-to-event outcome. New statistical methods have been developed with multiple advantages, of which the most prominent one being the joint model for longitudinal and time-to-event outcome. In this tutorial, the joint modeling framework is introduced and applied to patients with transposition of the great arteries after surgery with a long-term follow-up, where repeated echocardiographic values of the neoaortic root are evaluated against the risk of neoaortic valve regurgitation. The data are analyzed with the time-dependent Cox model as benchmark method, and the results are compared with a joint model, leading to different conclusions. The flexibility of the joint model is shown by adding the growth rate of the neoaortic root to the model and adding repeated values of body surface area to obtain a multimarker model. Lastly, it is demonstrated how the joint model can be used to obtain personalized dynamic predictions of the event. The joint model for longitudinal and time-to-event data is an attractive method to analyze data in follow-up studies with repeated measurements. Benefits of the method include using the estimated natural trajectory of the longitudinal outcome, great flexibility through multiple extensions, and dynamic individualized predictions.

Is slim better than paunchy?

Aortopulmonary mismatch (APM) in transposition of the great arteries (TGA) may be accountable for dilatation of neoaortic root and regurgitation of neoaortic valve as late complications of arterial switch operation (ASO). The manuscript from Arcieri et al. highlights an important aspect of the ASO technique: should we approach APM during ASO and what would be the best strategy to do so? Techniques to approach APM at the time of ASO have been published sporadically and are very rarely employed by surgeons. Reconstruction of the neoaorta is generally achieved by trimming the suture line between the pulmonary root (neoaortic root) and ascending aorta resulting in an abnormal dilated and bulky neoaortic root already at the time of ASO. Reduction of the pulmonary root dimension by ressection of a fragment of the pulmonary artery wall possibly results in a more homogenous neoaorta with consequent better hemodynamics. We believe that approaching APM during ASO will have a compelling positive impact on the late survival of patients with complex TGA.

Long-term outcome after the arterial switch operation: 43 years of experience.

OBJECTIVESThe objective of this study was to assess our 43-year experience with arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) by analysing cardiac outcome measures (hospital and late mortality, reoperations and catheter interventions, significant coronary artery obstruction) and to identify risk factors for reoperation and catheter interventions. METHODSA total of 490 patients who underwent ASO for TGA from 1977 to 2020 were included in this retrospective, single-centre study. Data on reoperation and catheter intervention of hospital survivors were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using a long-rank test. Risk factors for reoperation and/or catheter intervention were assessed by multivariate Cox regression analysis.RESULTSHospital mortality occurred in 43 patients (8.8%), late death in 12 patients (2.9%) and 43 patients were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up time of 413 hospital survivors was 15.6 (interquartile range 7.0–22.4) years. Reoperations were performed in 83 patients (117 reoperations). Neoaortic valve regurgitation with root dilatation was the second most common indication for reoperation (15/83 patients, 18.1%) after right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (50/83 patients, 60.2%). Risk factors for any reoperation on multivariable analysis were: TGA morphological subtype [TGA with ventricular septal defect: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–3.36; P = 0.010 and Taussig-Bing: HR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.02–4.64; P = 0.045], aortic arch repair associated with ASO (HR = 3.03, 95% CI 1.62–5.69; P = 0.001) and a non-usual coronary artery anatomy (HR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.45–4.00; P = 0.001). One hundred and one catheter interventions were performed in 54 patients, usually for relief of supravalvular pulmonary stenosis (44/54 patients, 81.5%) or arch obstruction (10/54 patients, 18.5%). Main risk factor for catheter intervention on multivariable analysis was aortic arch repair associated with ASO (HR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.37–6.36; P = 0.006). Significant coronary artery stenosis was relatively uncommon (9/413 patients, 2.2%) but may be underrepresented.CONCLUSIONSPatients after ASO typically have good long-term clinical outcomes but reoperations and interventions remain necessary in some patients. Neoaortic valve regurgitation with root dilatation is the second most common indication for reoperation after right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and an increasing need for neoaortic valve and root redo surgery in future is to be expected.

Long-term outcomes of the arterial switch operation

ObjectivesThe arterial switch operation (ASO) has excellent early outcomes in the modern era. We sought to determine the long-term outcomes in patients who underwent an ASO at a single institution. MethodsPatients who underwent an ASO between 1983 and 2015 were identified from the hospital database and retrospectively reviewed using hospital records. ResultsFrom 1983 to 2015, 844 patients with a biventricular circulation underwent an ASO. There were 28 (3.3%, 28/844) early deaths. Follow-up was available for 94% (729/774) of local patients after hospital discharge. Median follow-up was 15 years (interquartile range, 8-20 years). There were 187 (26%, 187/729) patients with more than 20 years of follow-up and 95 (13%, 95/729) patients with more than 25 years of follow-up. Overall survival was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94%-97%) at 10 and 25 years after the ASO. At 25 years after ASO, freedom from overall reintervention was 77% (95% CI, 73%-81%), freedom from reoperation on the neoaortic root or neoaortic valve was 92% (95% CI, 88%-95%), and freedom from coronary reoperation was 99% (95% CI, 98%-99.7%). Left ventricular (LV) systolic function was normal in 595 of 609 (98%) of patients who had LV function quantified at latest follow-up. Of the 95 patients with more than 25 years of follow-up after ASO, 6 (6.3%) had at least moderate neoaortic valve regurgitation (AR) and 8 (8.4%) had undergone replacement of the neoaortic valve. ConclusionsOverall, survivors of ASO have excellent late survival and normal LV systolic function into adult life. However, AR and reoperation on the neoaortic valve remains an issue for older patients.

Neo-aortic Valve Repair and Ross Procedure After the Arterial Switch Operation

Neo-aortic valve regurgitation is common in adolescents and young adults who have undergone the arterial switch operation in infancy. The incidence of significant neo-aortic valve regurgitation increases as these patients age. Neo-aortic valve repair and the Ross procedure are good surgical options in such patients. Herein we describe these surgical techniques. Neo-aortic valve regurgitation is common in adolescents and young adults who have undergone the arterial switch operation in infancy. The incidence of significant neo-aortic valve regurgitation increases as these patients age. Neo-aortic valve repair and the Ross procedure are good surgical options in such patients. Herein we describe these surgical techniques.

Predictors of neo-aortic valve regurgitation in the long term after arterial switch operation.

Although arterial switch operations (ASOs) have been performed globally to repair d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) in neonates and infants, few studies have been reported regarding the influence of the hemodynamics of patients with d-TGA who have undergone ASO on the development of neo-aortic valve regurgitation (AR). We aimed to investigate the relationship between the hemodynamics and development of AR after ASO in patients with d-TGA by catheter evaluation. This observational study screened 114 consecutive patients who underwent ASO for d-TGA or Taussig-Bing anomaly and who subsequently underwent catheter evaluations in our institution. We reviewed their records for the past 20years and collected their first catheterization data post-ASO in early childhood. Thirty-six post-ASO patients who underwent catheter evaluations in both the early surgical and long-term phases were finally analyzed. Patients were divided into the following groups according to the presence of significant AR in the long-term phase: the AR group (n=9 with AR ≥ grade II by the Sellers classification) and the non-AR group (n=27 with AR < grade II). In the long-term phase, the diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower and the ascending aortic diameter was significantly larger in the AR group than in the non-AR group (p=0.004 and p=0.006, respectively). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were similar in both groups. Meanwhile, in the early surgical phase, SBP and PP were significantly higher in the AR group than in the non-AR group (p=0.029 and p=0.002, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve for late AR showed that the area under the curve for SBP and PP in the early surgical phase were 0.746 and 0.853, respectively. Even though sensitivity analysis was performed, SBP or PP greater than the cutoff value in the early surgical phase was identified as predictors for late AR. Our results suggested that high SBP or PP in the early surgical phase could influence the development of AR in the long term after ASO.

Abstract 14902: The Impact of Bicuspid Pulmonary Valve in Aortic Position After Arterial Switch for Transposition of the Great Arteries onNeoaortic Root and Neoaortic Valve Function; Propensity Score Matched Analysis

Objective: Neoaortic valve regurgitation which might be related to root dilatation is one of the major concerns following arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). This study investigated the effect of bicuspid neoaortic valve on neoaortic root morphology, function, and the long-term clinical outcomes after ASO for TGA using propensity score matching (PSM). Methods: From 1997 to 2018, 442 patients underwent ASO for TGA. Patients who underwent staged repair (n=15), were repaired at extremely old age (&gt; 1 year, n=9), and died before discharge (n=46), and were lack of echocardiographic data at discharge (n=20) were excluded. Among a total of 352 eligible patients, 18 patients (5.1%) had a BPV. After PSM (1:4), 15 patients with BPV and 60 corresponding patients with tricuspid pulmonary valve were enrolled for analysis. Results: Baseline characteristics in both groups were similar. The median duration of follow-up was 9.9 years (4 months ~ 22.3 years). There was one late death. Freedom from reoperation at 10 years was 93.3 ± 6.4 % in bicuspid group and 88.7 ± 4.4 % in tricuspid group ( p =0.84). Reoperation for aortic valve or aortic root was rarely required during follow-up. Indexed dimension (z-score) of neoaortic annulus was not increased in both groups ( p =0.57) (Figure 1A), although there was a little increasing tendency in z-score of neoaortic sinus without intergroup difference ( p =0.69) (Figure 1B). Deterioration in neoaortic valve function was more prominent in bicuspid group (common odds ratio; 1.40 in bicuspid group [ p &lt;0.01], and 1.12 in tricuspid group [ p =0.03], p =0.03) (Figure 1C). Conclusions: Arterial switch operation could be a safe option in selected patients with TGA associated with BPV without increasing the risk of reoperation. Deterioration of aortic valve function was more prominent in bicuspid group, which suggests that the neoaortic valve function would be deteriorated mainly by valve itself not root pathology.

Arterial switch operation for Taussig-Bing anomaly with aortic arch obstruction.

The short-term survival rate after single-stage correction of Taussig-Bing anomaly with aortic arch obstruction remains favorable. However, some cases are encountered occasionally in which single-stage correction was not performed during the neonatal period. Accordingly, we evaluated the midterm outcomes of different surgical strategies. Seven patients who underwent an arterial switch operation and intraventricular rerouting as definitive surgery between 2007 and 2017 were investigated. Of these 7 patients, 3 had undergone previous pulmonary artery banding and aortic arch reconstruction. The median body weight at definitive surgery was 3.3 kg (range 2.9-8.3 kg). At definitive surgery, the arrest time for single-stage correction (162.3 ± 21.7 min) was significantly shorter than that of staged repair (206.3 ± 5.1 min, p = 0.020). There was no hospital or late death. One patient in both strategy groups underwent aortic reintervention 54 months and 7.1 months after the definitive operation. Neoaortic valve (perinatal pulmonary valve) diameter decreased significantly from the perinatal valve diameter following definitive surgery (median +4.94z and +2.12z, respectively, p = 0.016) but there was no significant difference in the neopulmonary valve (perinatal aortic valve) diameter. Both single-stage correction and staged repair patients showed a similar trend. At the last follow-up, no patient had greater than mild neoaortic or neopulmonary valve regurgitation. The surgical outcomes of both single-stage correction and staged correction for Taussig-Bing anomaly with aortic arch obstruction are excellent. Both strategies produce similar changes in the diameter and regurgitation grade of the neoaortic and neopulmonary valves.

Time course and predictors for neoaortic root dilatation and neoaortic valve regurgitation during adult life after arterial switch operation

Introduction and objectivesThere are limited data on the long-term development of neoaortic root dilatation (NRD) and neoaortic valve regurgitation (AR) after arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries during adult life. MethodsWe performed a retrospective longitudinal analysis of 152 patients older than 15 years who underwent ASO for transposition of the great arteries and who were followed-up for 4.9±3.3 years in 2 referral centers. Sequential changes in body surface-adjusted aortic root dimensions and progression to moderate/severe AR were determined in patients with 2 or more echocardiographic examinations. Risk factors for dilatation were tested by Cox regression to identify predictors of AR progression. ResultsAt baseline, moderate AR was present in 9 patients (5.9%) and severe AR in 4 (2.6%), of whom 3 had required aortic valve surgery. Initially, the median neoaortic root dimension was 20.05±2.4mm/m2, which increased significantly to 20.73±2.8mm/m2 (P <.001) at the end of follow-up. The mean change over time was 0.14mm/m2/y (95%CI, 0.07-0.2). Progressive AR was observed in 20 patients (13.5%) and 6 patients (4%) required aortic valve surgery. Progressive AR was associated with bicuspid valve, AR at baseline, NRD at baseline, and neoaortic root enlargement. Independent predictors were bicuspid valve (HR, 3.3; 95%CI, 1.1-15.2; P=.037), AR at baseline (HR, 5.9; 95%CI, 1.6-59.2; P=.006) and increase in NRD (HR, 4.1 95%CI, 2-13.5; P=.023). ConclusionsIn adult life, NRD and AR progress over time after ASO. Predictors of progressive AR are bicuspid valve, AR at baseline, and increase in NRD.

Impact of pulmonary artery reduction during arterial switch operation: 14 years follow-up.

Pulmonary artery/aorta (PA/Ao) size discrepancy plays an important role in the development of neoaortic root growth and valve regurgitation. Since 2004, we started using PA reduction to manage severe great vessels root mismatch at the time of arterial switch operation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of this technique in the mid- and long-term follow-up. Patients considered to have severe PA/Ao mismatch (>2:1 ratio) underwent resection of a 3- to 4-mm flap of the posterior PA wall. Patients submitted to this technique were followed up with clinical and image examinations. Echocardiographic findings were reviewed, and Z-scores were recorded to evaluate the incidence and progression of neoaortic root dilatation and valve regurgitation. The median (Q1-Q3) follow-up time was 8 years (3-11). Before arterial switch operation, the median (Q1-Q3) Z-score of the PA annulus was 2.90 (2.75-3.75). At the latest follow-up, the median Z-score of the neoaortic annulus was 1.34 (0.95-1.66). The mean difference between the Z-scores of PA annulus and neoaortic annulus was 1.56 (P < 0.0001). The mean value of the sinus of Valsalva was +0.29 ± 1, that of sinotubular junction was +0.71 ± 0.6 and that of ascending Ao was +1.09 ± 0.7. There was no severe dilatation of the neoaortic annulus, neoaortic root or ascending Ao during follow-up. Neoaortic valve regurgitation was none or mild in 93% of patients. PA reduction proved to be a feasible and low-risk procedure to approach PA/Ao mismatch in arterial switch operation. Mid- and long-term follow-up showed a tendency towards stabilization of the neoaortic root dilatation and satisfactory valve performance after the procedure. Further investigation is required with a larger population and longer-term follow-up.

Progresión y predictores de insuficiencia valvular neoaórtica y dilatación de la raíz neoaórtica en adultos jóvenes tras cirugía de switch arterial

Introduction and objectivesThere are limited data on the long-term development of neoaortic root dilatation (NRD) and neoaortic valve regurgitation (AR) after arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries during adult life. MethodsWe performed a retrospective longitudinal analysis of 152 patients older than 15 years who underwent ASO for transposition of the great arteries and who were followed-up for 4.9±3.3 years in 2 referral centers. Sequential changes in body surface-adjusted aortic root dimensions and progression to moderate/severe AR were determined in patients with 2 or more echocardiographic examinations. Risk factors for dilatation were tested by Cox regression to identify predictors of AR progression. ResultsAt baseline, moderate AR was present in 9 patients (5.9%) and severe AR in 4 (2.6%), of whom 3 had required aortic valve surgery. Initially, the median neoaortic root dimension was 20.05±2.4mm/m2, which increased significantly to 20.73±2.8mm/m2 (P <.001) at the end of follow-up. The mean change over time was 0.14mm/m2/y (95%CI, 0.07-0.2). Progressive AR was observed in 20 patients (13.5%) and 6 patients (4%) required aortic valve surgery. Progressive AR was associated with bicuspid valve, AR at baseline, NRD at baseline, and neoaortic root enlargement. Independent predictors were bicuspid valve (HR, 3.3; 95%CI, 1.1-15.2; P=.037), AR at baseline (HR, 5.9; 95%CI, 1.6-59.2; P=.006) and increase in NRD (HR, 4.1 95%CI, 2-13.5; P=.023). ConclusionsIn adult life, NRD and AR progress over time after ASO. Predictors of progressive AR are bicuspid valve, AR at baseline, and increase in NRD.

Comprehensive Long-Term Follow up of Adults with Arterial Switch Operation – European Collaboration for Prospective Outcome Research in Congenital Heart disease (EPOCH-ASO)–Study Design and Protocols

Background: Long-term outcomes in adults with prior arterial switch operation (ASO) have not yet been well defined. The aim of this study is to elucidate incidence and predictors of adverse cardiac outcomes in a prospectively followed cohort of adults after their ASO. Methods: The comprehensive long-term follow up of adults with ASO is a project within the European collaboration for prospective outcome research in congenital heart disease (EPOCH). It is designed as a prospective, international multicenter cohort study. Consecutive patients (age ≥ 16 years) with prior ASO will be included at 11 European tertiary care centers. Participants will be followed according to a standardized protocol following international recommendations, including standardized protocols for imaging and for exercise testing. Results: Main outcome measures are all-cause and cardiac-related mortality, rate of cardiac re-intervention, neo-aortic dissection, myocardial infarction, stroke, infective endocarditis, sustained atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, new-onset or worsening pulmonary hypertension or heart failure. Secondary endpoints are frequency and progression of right ventricular outflow stenosis, neo-aortic root dilatation, neo-aortic valve regurgitation and ventricular dysfunction. The impact of demographic, anatomic (e.g., coronary artery anato-my) and functional variables on the above-mentioned outcomes, as well as quality of life and incidence of pregnancy related complications will also be assessed. Conclusion: The prospective, international, multicenter EPOCH-ASO study will provide a better understanding of adverse outcomes and their predictors in adults after ASO. The results of the EPOCH-ASO study may help to optimize future care of this novel patient cohort in adult cardiology.

The coronary reimplantation after neoaortic reconstruction technique can make a difference in arterial switch operation

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine if there was a difference between coronary reimplantation after neoaortic reconstruction and open coronary reimplantation technique in arterial switch operation (ASO).MethodsA total of 236 patients who underwent ASO from March 1994 to August 2018 were enrolled in this study. Multivariate analysis was performed for postoperative early mortality. Patients were divided into the open coronary reimplantation and coronary reimplantation after neoaortic reconstruction groups. The 30-day mortality, intraoperative and postoperative coronary artery (CA) revisions, CA–related late morbidity and mortality, and early and late neoaortic valve regurgitations after ASO were compared between the two groups.ResultsOverall postoperative early mortality was 7.2% (17/236). Patients who underwent open coronary reimplantation had higher early mortality as compared with those who underwent coronary reimplantation after neoaortic reconstruction. Risk factors for postoperative early mortality from multivariate analysis were cardiopulmonary bypass time and open coronary reimplantation. There was a higher incidence of CA–related late mortality or morbidity in the open coronary reimplantation group. The open coronary reimplantation group had a higher incidence of intraoperative or postoperative CA revision. There were no differences in the incidence of mild or more neoaortic valve regurgitation at discharge or in the 5-year freedom from mild or more neoaortic valve regurgitation.ConclusionsCA reimplantation after neoaortic reconstruction yields better results in mortality and intraoperative or postoperative CA–related problems in ASO without increasing postoperative neoaortic valve regurgitation.