Palliative Arterial Switch Research Articles

Comparing palliation strategies for single-ventricle anatomy with transposed great arteries and systemic outflow obstruction.

Patients with complex single-ventricle anatomy with transposed great arteries and systemic outflow obstruction (SV-TGA-SOO) undergo varied initial palliation with ultimate goal of Fontan circulation. We examine a longitudinal experience with multiple techniques, including the largest published cohort following palliative arterial switch operation (pASO), to describe outcomes and decision-making factors. Neonates with SV-TGA-SOO who underwent initial surgical palliation from 1995 to 2022 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 71 neonates with SV-TGA-SOO underwent index surgical palliation at a median age of 7days (interquartile range, 6-10) by pASO (n=23), pulmonary artery band (PAB) with or without arch repair (n=25), or modified Norwood with Damus-Kaye-Stansel aortopulmonary amalgamation (n=23). Single-ventricle pathology included double-inlet left ventricle (n=37, 52%), tricuspid atresia (n=27, 38%), and others (n=7, 10%). All mortalities (n=5, 7%) occurred in the first interstage period after PAB (n=3) and Norwood (n=2). Subaortic obstruction in the PAB group was addressed by operative resection (n=10 total, 7 at index operation) and/or delayed aortopulmonary amalgamation (n=13, 52%). Two patients with pASO (9%) had early postoperative coronary complications, 1 requiring operative revision. Median follow-up for survivors was 10.4years (interquartile range, 4.5-16.6years). Comparing patients by their initial palliation type, notable significant differences included size of bulboventricular foramen, weight at initial operation, operation duration, postoperative length of stay, time to second-stage palliation, multiple pulmonary artery reinterventions, and left pulmonary artery interventions. There were no significant differences in overall survival, Fontan completion, reintervention-free survival in the first interstage period, pulmonary artery reintervention-free survival, long-term systemic valve competency, or ventricular dysfunction. Excellent mid- to long-term outcomes are achievable following neonatal palliation for SV-TGA-SOO via pASO, PAB, and modified Norwood, with comparable survival and Fontan completion. Initial palliation strategy should be individualized to optimize anatomy and physiology for successful Fontan by ensuring an unobstructed subaortic pathway and accessible pulmonary arteries. pASO is a reasonable strategy to consider for these heterogeneous lesions.

The choice of palliative arterial switch operation as an alternative for selected cases in a single center: Experience and midterm results

The choice of palliative arterial switch operation as an alternative for selected cases in a single center: Experience and midterm results

Dextroversion and D-Transposition of the Great Arteries, Left-Handed Ventricular Topology Related to Multiple Ventricular Septal Defects, and Left Juxtaposition of Atrial Appendage in a 1-Year-Old Child

We present a 1-year-old female infant case in natural history, affected by D-transposition of the great arteries with multiple ventricular septal defects in dextroversion, left juxtaposition of atrial appendages, and persistent left superior caval vein draining into coronary sinus. This is an uncommon case, and its particularity is due to clinical and anatomical findings diagnosed late in a setting of a complex cardiac malformation. After the diagnosis, the patient underwent palliative arterial switch operation without complications.

Palliative arterial switch and pulmonary banding for complex intra cardiac repair in transposition of the great arteries

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD) could present an intracardiac anatomy making the neonatal repair very challenging: multiple/apical VSD, straddling, tortuous intraventricular tunnel repair. To delay the repair, the isolated pulmonary artery banding (PAB) has the disadvantage to endanger the future aortic valve and to create a double obstacle in the frequent association with aortic annulus and arch hypoplasia. We propose a 2-step strategy with an initial palliative arterial switch operation (ASO) associated with PAB (± aortic arch repair) and, later, an intracardiac repair with debanding. The Aim of this retrospective study is to compare this strategy to a classic isolated PAB. Among the 715 neonatal TGA admitted in our institution between 2007 and 2018, 10 complex TGA benefited either from a palliative ASO with PAB (group A, n = 5) or a PAB (group B, n = 5). At palliation, the duration of inotropic support and the length of stay in intensive care unit were significantly shorter in group A (respectively 4.75 ± 1.7 and 5.5 [4.25–6.75] days versus 13 ± 6.9 and 16 [10.5–30] days in group B; P = 0,029 and P = 0,008). At complete repair, age and weight were significantly higher in group A ( P = 0,018) and the aortic cross-clamping and bypass times were shorter ( P = 0,018). No patient required a delayed sternal closure in group A. Mean length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital duration were respectively of 2 ± 1 days and 5.6 ± 1.53 days in group A versus 21.4 ± 16.9 days and 24.5 ± 19.9 days in the group B ( P = 0.018 and P = 0.029), showing reduced morbidity. Differing the neonatal repair for TGA is exceptional. When we should consider it due to particular intracardiac anatomy, it seems legitimate to practice a palliative ASO rather than the classic isolated PAB.

The choice of palliative arterial switch operation as an alternative for selected cases in a single center: Experience and mid term results.

There are various management options for newborns with single ventricle physiology, ventriculoarterial discordance and subaortic stenosis, classically involving the early pulmonary banding and aortic arch repair, the restricted bulboventriculer foramen enlargement or the Norwood and the Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedures. The aim of this study is to evaluate our preferred technique and comment on the midterm results of our clinical experience with palliative arterial switch operation (pASO) for a certain subset of patients. We hereby retrospectively evaluate the charts of patients who went through pASO, as initial palliation through Fontan pathway, starting from 2014 till today. Ten patients underwent an initial palliative arterial switch procedure. Eight of 10 patients survived the operation and discharged. Seven of 10 patients completed Stage II and 1 patient reached the Fontan completion stage and the other six of ten (6/10) patients are doing well and waiting for the next stage of palliation. There are two mortalities in the series (2/10) and one patient lost to follow-up (1/10). In our opinion, the pASO can be considered as an alternative palliation option for patients with single ventricle physiology, transposition of the great arteries and systemic outflow tract obstruction despite longer cross clamp times compared to other methods, but It not only preserves systolic and diastolic ventricular function, but also provides a superior anatomic arrangement for following stages.

Паллиативное предсердное и артериальное переключение при транспозиции магистральных артерий с дефектом межжелудочковой перегородки и тяжелой легочно-сосудистой болезнью

Паллиативное предсердное и артериальное переключение при транспозиции магистральных артерий с дефектом межжелудочковой перегородки и тяжелой легочно-сосудистой болезнью

Revisitation of Double-Inlet Left Ventricle or Tricuspid Atresia With Transposed Great Arteries

Patients with double-inlet left ventricle or tricuspid atresia with transposition of the great arteries are predisposed to systemic outflow tract obstruction necessitating systemic outflow relief operations (SORO). Between January 2000 and February 2018, 30 patients with double-inlet left ventricle (n= 20) or tricuspid atresia (n= 10) with transposition of the great arteries underwent single-ventricle palliation. Arch obstruction was observed in 14 patients. Initial palliative procedures comprised pulmonary artery banding with (n= 4) or without (n= 14) arch repair, bilateral pulmonary artery banding with ductal stenting (n= 5), primary Norwood operation (n= 4), and palliative arterial switch operation (n= 1). Cox proportional hazards model was fitted in 15 patients with initial postnatal echocardiography to identify risk factors for decreased time to SORO. One early and one late death occurred during the median follow-up period of 66 months (10-year survival rate, 93.3%). Various types of SORO were required in 20 of 30 patients (66.7%): Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure (n= 12), primary Norwood-type palliation (n= 4), palliative arterial switch operation (n= 1), and bulboventricular foramen extension (n= 3). Freedom from SORO at 5 years was 34.5% in all patients (N= 30). Cox regression for the subgroup (n= 15) revealed that arch obstruction (hazard ratio, 20.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.9 to 148.2; p= 0.003) and smaller systemic outflow tract area index at end-systolic phase (hazard ratio, 1.5 at 10mm2/m2 decrease; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 2.1; p= 0.033) were identified as risk factors for decreased time to SORO. Arch obstruction and a smaller systemic outflow tract area index at end-systolic phase at initial presentation are predictors of subsequent need for SORO in patients with double-inlet left ventricle or tricuspid atresia with transposition of the great arteries.

Anesthetic management for palliative arterial switch operation

Objective To summarize the anesthetic management experience for palliative arterial switch operation (PASO). Methods Twenty-eight patients who suffered from transposition of the great arteries(TGA) with septal ventricular defect (TGA/VSD) or Taussing-Bing syndrome underwent PASO were reviewed. The median age was 4 y (ranging from 1 month to 25 y) and the median body weight was 12.5 kg(ranging from 3.6 kg to 43 kg). ALL of them were diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension preoperatively. Their preoperative SpO2 was fluctuated from 44% to 91%. Results All anesthetic procedures went smoothly. The mean CPB time was (223± 81) min and the mean cross-clamp time was (153±32) min. The mean size of fenestration in VSD patch was (5.3±1.5) mm. The median postoperative mechanical ventilation time and stay length in intensive care unit was 36 h (ranging from 7 h to 408 h) and 5.5 d (ranging from 2 d to 27 d), respectively. The mean postoperative SpO2 increased significantly to 96% (P<0.05). The mortality rate was 18%. The fenestrations in 5 patients were closed interventionally during 1-5 y after hospital discharge. Conclusions The success of PASO depends on adequate preoperative assessment and preparation, stabel anesthesia induction, management of perioperative pulmonary hypertension and the early and rational administration of cardiovascular drugs, and the adjustment of hemostatic function. Key words: Transposition of the great arteries; Palliative arterial switch operation; Anesthetic management

Palliative Switch

The first-stage palliation of newborns with single-ventricle anatomy and transposed great arteries can be very challenging when associated with systemic ventricular outflow obstruction and aortic arch obstruction. Often, the initial intervention is a stage I Norwood procedure. We present the case of a newborn with double inlet left ventricle, discordant ventriculoarterial connection with restrictive ventricular foramen, and severe aortic arch obstruction. A hybrid procedure was performed initially as a means of addressing hemodynamic instability. Three months later, a palliative arterial switch procedure was performed as an alternative to the combined Norwood-Glenn procedure. Palliative arterial switch combined with arch reconstruction can be an effective surgical option in these complex, challenging patients.

Palliative Arterial Switch as First-line Treatment Before the Fontan Procedure in Patients With Single-ventricle Physiology and Subaortic Stenosis

Introduction and objectivesThere are several techniques for the palliative treatment of patients with single-ventricle physiology, ventriculoarterial discordance and subaortic stenosis. The Fontan procedure relies on optimal initial palliation to avoid the development of subaortic stenosis (as well as ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction). MethodsWe present seven patients with single-ventricle physiology, transposition of the great arteries and subaortic stenosis, with low systemic output and high pulmonary flow, aged 21 to 383 days (median, 75) and weighing between 3.4 and 9.6kg (median, 4.2). All were treated with a palliative arterial switch, thus “switching” their subaortic stenosis to subpulmonary stenosis. Six patients also underwent aortic arch surgery, 4 an atrial septectomy, and 1 a subaortic membrane resection. ResultsOne patient died after surgery, another developed recoarctation, which was treated with an angioplasty, 3 patients reached the Glenn stage and 2 the Fontan stage. All had good ventricular function. ConclusionsA palliative switch is an effective initial treatment for single-ventricle physiology with transposition of the great arteries and subaortic stenosis. This complex initial technique produces good results and allows the patient to progress to the Glenn or Fontan stage.

Switch arterial paliativo como primer tiempo hacia Fontan en pacientes con fisiología univentricular y estenosis subaórtica

Introduction and objectivesThere are several techniques for the palliative treatment of patients with single-ventricle physiology, ventriculoarterial discordance and subaortic stenosis. The Fontan procedure relies on optimal initial palliation to avoid the development of subaortic stenosis (as well as ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction). MethodsWe present seven patients with single-ventricle physiology, transposition of the great arteries and subaortic stenosis, with low systemic output and high pulmonary flow, aged 21 to 383 days (median, 75) and weighing between 3.4 and 9.6kg (median, 4.2). All were treated with a palliative arterial switch, thus «switching» their subaortic stenosis to subpulmonary stenosis. Six patients also underwent aortic arch surgery, 4 an atrial septectomy, and 1 a subaortic membrane resection. ResultsOne patient died after surgery, another developed recoarctation, which was treated with an angioplasty, 3 patients reached the Glenn stage and 2 the Fontan stage. All had good ventricular function. ConclusionsA palliative switch is an effective initial treatment for single-ventricle physiology with transposition of the great arteries and subaortic stenosis. This complex initial technique produces good results and allows the patient to progress to the Glenn or Fontan stage.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

Outcomes After the Palliative Arterial Switch Operation in Neonates With Single-Ventricle Anatomy

Newborns with single-ventricle anatomy, transposition of the great arteries, and systemic outflow obstruction are challenging patients most often managed with a Norwood or Damus-Kaye-Stansel (DKS) procedure. The palliative arterial switch operation (pASO) offers the theoretical advantage of avoiding a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt physiology and posterior entrapment of the left pulmonary artery while aligning the single left ventricle with the posterior semilunar valve. Limited outcome data exist for the pASO. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical course of patients after this operation. We conducted a retrospective review of all neonates undergoing a pASO at our institution from July 1995 to June 2011. Fourteen patients underwent pASO at a median age of 7 days (2-16 days). Primary diagnoses included double-inlet left ventricle (6 patients [43%]), tricuspid atresia (TA) (4 patients [29%]), and other (4 patients [29%]). Concomitant procedures at initial operation included aortic arch reconstruction (13 patients [93%]), pulmonary artery banding (6 patients [43%]), and placement of a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt (1 patient [7%]). Median intensive care unit stay and hospital length of stay were 11 days (4-60 days) and 21 days (9-84), respectively. There were no deaths. All patients had advanced to a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS). Four patients required intervention between the pASO and BCPS procedures: systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt (3 patients [21%]) and pulmonary artery banding revision (1 patient [7%]). Eleven patients had Fontan completion; the remaining 3 patients are candidates for this procedure. At the time of the Fontan operation, 7 (64%) patients required pulmonary artery augmentation. All patients were alive at last follow-up (median, 5 years [3 months-14 years]). At last echocardiographic follow-up (median, 5 years [3 months-10 years]), all patients had normal ventricular function, trivial to mild neoaortic insufficiency, and no left ventricular outflow obstruction. The pASO should be considered in neonates with single ventricle, transposition, and systemic outflow obstruction because it affords a favorable anatomic arrangement for long-term palliation, with excellent survival and preserved ventricular function.

Palliative Arterial Switch Operation in the Context of Multiple Ventricular Septal Defects, Potentially Biventricular and Univentricular Hearts With Malposed Great Arteries

This study is an examination of our unit's experience with palliative arterial switch in univentricular and potentially biventricular hearts with transposition of the great arteries (TGA). These patients were divided into three groups based on their physiology. (a) Single ventricle physiology (n = 8), in which all the patients had univentricular hearts, TGA, and subaortic stenosis (SAS). (b) Borderline biventricular physiology (n = 4), in which the patients had TGA, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and hypoplastic right ventricle (RV). (c) Biventricular physiology (n = 3), in which the patients had TGA and multiple VSDs. In all, 12 (80%) patients survived. Seven of these have undergone second stage surgery (cavopulmonary shunt, n = 5; biventricular repair, n = 2). Palliative arterial switch is an alternative to Norwood procedure and modifications thereof for managing SAS in single ventricle with malposed great arteries. Palliative switch with adjunctive pulmonary artery band may be a temporizing measure in TGA with multiple VSDs, where the VSDs are judged to be inaccessible through the tricuspid valve or through either of the great arteries. It may also be utilized for TGA and hypoplastic RV instead of committing them to univentricular pathway and keeping the option of biventricular repair.

Arterial Switch Operation With Unidirectional Valved Patch Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect in Patients With Transposition of Great Arteries and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

For patients with dextro-transposition of great arteries (d-TGAs), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the common surgical options are palliative arterial switch operation (ASO) or palliative atrial switch operation leaving the VSD open. We evaluated the role of ASO with VSD closure using a fenestrated unidirectional valved patch (UVP). Between July 2009 and February 2011, six patients with TGAs, VSD, and severe PAH (mean age 39.8 ± 47.4 months, median 21, range 8-132 months), weighing 10.7 ± 9.2 kg (median 8.6, range 4.3-29 kg), underwent ASO with VSD closure using our simple technique of UVP. Mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure before the operation was 106 ± 12.7 mm Hg (median 107.5, range 95-126 mm Hg) and pulmonary vascular resistance was 9.5 ± 4.22 units (median 9.5, range 6.6-17.1 Wood units). There were no deaths. All patients had a postoperative systemic arterial saturation of more than 95%, although there were frequent episodes of systemic desaturation due to right-to-left shunt across the valved VSD patch (as seen on transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiograms). Mean follow-up was 10 ± 7.6 months (median 7.5, range 1-22 months). At most recent follow-up, all patients had systemic arterial saturation of more than 95% and no right-to-left shunt through the VSD patch. In one patient, the follow-up cardiac catheterization showed a fall in pulmonary artery systolic pressure to 49 mm Hg. Arterial switch operation with UVP VSD closure is feasible with acceptable early results. It avoids complications of palliative atrial switch (arrhythmia and baffle obstruction) and partially or completely open VSD.

Palliative arterial switch for transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary vascular obstructive disease: Midterm outcomes

Our objective was to evaluate the early and midterm outcomes of palliative arterial switch operation in which a ventricular septal defect was not closed or repaired with a fenestrated patch in patients with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and severe pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. Between March 2000 and September 2009, the palliative arterial switch operation was performed in 21 patients with a mean age of 3.7 years (range, 0.5-15). Mean preoperative values for systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and systemic arterial oxygen saturation were 91 mm Hg and 69%, respectively. Eighty-one percent of the patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV preoperatively. Early mortality was 14.3%. Mean follow-up was 4.0 years (maximum 9.5 years). Regression of pulmonary arterial pressure occurred in 8 patients (44% of the early survivors). Three of the 8 fenestrations were closed interventionally. Mean postoperative systemic arterial oxygen saturation increased significantly to 93% (P < .001). One late death occurred 3 months after surgery. All the long-term survivors (n = 17) were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II (P < .001). The palliative arterial switch operation significantly improved the quality of life and possibly life expectancy in patients with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and severe pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. Postoperative pulmonary vascular resistance might be reversible in some patients. Closing the ventricular septal defect with a fenestrated patch, which can be easily closed nonsurgically later on, might contribute to a safer postoperative recovery.

Management of Systemic Outlet Obstruction in Patients Undergoing Single Ventricle Palliation

Early or late systemic outlet obstruction in patients undergoing staged palliation for single ventricle variants may preclude a successful Fontan circulation. In assessing the patient presenting with real or impending obstruction, the surgeon is justified in pursuing an aggressive approach in protecting ventricular and semilunar valve function. Options include subaortic resection (transventricular, transatrial, or via a semilunar valve), modifications of the Damus-Kaye-Stansel connection, or a palliative arterial switch operation. In this review, the various options will be discussed and presented in the context of application to specific morphologic elements that make one more favorable than another in an individual patient.

The Palliative Arterial Switch Procedure for Single Ventricles: Are These Patients Suitable Fontan Candidates?

The traditional first stage of palliation for functional single-ventricle lesions with transposition of the great vessels and systemic outflow tract obstruction has been either the Norwood or Sano procedure or the Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure. There is limited literature on the use of an arterial switch procedure as the initial staged palliation for functional single ventricles in this setting. This study is an examination of our institutional experience with performing the palliative switch procedure with examination of suitability for Fontan completion and midterm outcome in these patients. This is a retrospective review of our institutional experience from October 1991 through August 2006 on single-ventricle patients with transposition of the great vessels and systemic outflow tract obstruction who underwent a palliative arterial switch procedure. Nine patients underwent an initial palliative switch procedure. Six of 9 patients underwent completion of palliation with the Fontan procedure and are alive and well. One patient is well and is awaiting the next stage of palliation (78%). There was 1 early operative death (11%) and 1 late death (11%). There was 1 case of recoarctation (11%). The palliative switch procedure appears a reasonable surgical option for patients with functional single-ventricle lesions, transposition of the great vessels, and systemic outflow tract obstruction. Patients who have undergone a palliative switch procedure are suitable candidates for completion of palliation with the Fontan procedure.

Early palliation of univentricular hearts with subaortic stenosis and ventriculoarterial discordance: The arterial switch option

The optimal Fontan-type operation greatly depends on appropriate initial palliation. Several surgical techniques have been used in infancy to palliate patients with univentricular hearts, ventriculoarterial discordance, and subaortic stenosis. The two most common are pulmonary artery banding and Damus-Norwood procedures. Palliative arterial switch operation is another surgical option that was used in this early series of seven infants. The principle of this operation is to "switch" the subaortic obstruction into a subpulmonary obstruction; the coronary artery relocation on the large pulmonary trunk creates a harmonious aortic root and the connection of the rudimentary ventricular chamber to the pulmonary artery trunk creates a natural protection of the pulmonary vascular bed through the restrictive bulboventricular foramen. Seven infants with univentricular hearts, ventriculoarterial discordance, and subaortic stenosis underwent a palliative arterial switch operation. All infants had an associated aortic arch obstruction of various degrees, including one with interrupted aortic arch, five with coarctation with severe arch hypoplasia, and one with isolated arch hypoplasia. There were three with double-inlet left ventricle, three with tricuspid atresia, and one with transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and severe right ventricular hypoplasia. The subaortic obstruction was patent at birth in five patients who underwent a palliative switch operation in the first 2 months of life, and rapidly occurred following a previous neonatal pulmonary artery banding associated with arch repair in two patients who underwent a switch operation at 5 and 8 months of age, respectively. The operation includes aortic arch repair without prosthetic material, an atrial septectomy, and the arterial switch. An associated pulmonary shunt was required in five patients and a pulmonary artery banding in one. There was one early death in a patient with [S,L,L] anatomy and congenital atrioventricular block, leading to an early mortality of 14% (95% confidence limits: 1% to 28%). There was one late death. Four survivors are waiting for a Fontan-type procedure, and one survivor had satisfactory right ventricular growth. Early palliative arterial switch operation offers several advantages: reconstruction of a harmonious aortic root, natural protection of the pulmonary bed through the restrictive bulboventricular foramen, prevention of deleterious myocardial hypertrophy, and arch reconstruction without the introduction of a foreign material. This aggressive technique may provide a satisfactory palliation in infants with univentricular hearts and ventriculoarterial discordance, when the bulboventricular foramen/aortic anulus ratio is less than 0.8 or when the subaortic stenosis is severe enough to be associated with an arch obstruction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)