Coarctation Of The Aorta Repair Research Articles

The Enduring Impact of Shape Following Perfect Coarctation of the Aorta Repair.

Objectives: Aortic arch appearances can be associated with worse cardiac function and chronic hypertension late after coarctation of the aorta (CoA) repair, even without residual obstruction. Statistical shape modeling (SSM) has identified specific 3D arch shapes linked to poorer cardiovascular outcomes. We sought a mechanistic explanation. Methods: From 53 asymptomatic patients late after CoA repair with no residual obstruction (age: 22.3 ± 5.6 years; 12-38 years after operation), eight aortic arch shapes associated with the four best and four worst cardiovascular parameters were obtained from 3D SSM. Four favorable shapes were affiliated with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction +2 standard deviation (SD) values from the mean, and indexed LV end diastolic volume/indexed LV mass/resting systolic blood pressure that were -2SD. Four unfavorable shapes were defined by the reverse. Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling was carried out to assess differences in pressure gradient across the aortic arch and viscous energy loss (VEL) between favorable and unfavorable aortic arches. Results: In all aortic arches, the pressure gradients were clinically insignificant (<8 mm Hg). However, in the four unfavorable aortic arches, VEL were uniformly higher than those in the favorable shapes (VEL difference: 15%-32%). There was increased turbulence and more complex propagation of VEL along with the unfavorable aortic arches. Conclusions: This study reveals the variable flow dynamics that underpin the association of aortic arch shapes with worse cardiovascular outcomes late after successful CoA repair. Higher VEL persists in the unfavorable aortic arch shapes. Further understanding of the mechanism of viscous energy loss in cardiovascular maladaptation may afford mitigating strategies to monitor and modify this unrelenting liability.

Prognostic implications of residual mild coarctation gradient after interventional repair.

There is limited data on the prognostic implications of residual mild coarctation (RMC) in patients with repaired native coarctation of the aorta (CoA). To explore the association of RMC with mid-term comorbidities in post-interventional patients, and the predictive value of the residual pressure gradient. The authors retrospectively analyzed 79 native CoA patients who received successful intervention at our hospital between October 2010 and June 2023. The outcomes of the study were late arterial hypertension (either raised blood pressure or commencement of hypotensive medications) only in normotensive patients at early follow-up and the composite mid-term comorbidities including new-onset aortic injury, re-stenosis, and re-intervention. At a median follow-up of 60months, late hypertension and mid-term comorbidities occurred in 16 (28.1%) and nine (11.4%) patients, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified invasive peak systolic CoA pressure gradient (PSPG) as the best independent predictor of both outcomes. The maximally selected rank statistics indicated 10mm Hg as the best PSPG cut-off value for predicting late hypertension. Compared to patients with PSPG<11mm Hg, the cumulative event rates of both outcomes were higher in those with PSPG≥11mm Hg (log-rank test, p<.001 for both endpoints). PSPG≥11mmHg was proved to be the independent predictor of late hypertension with a significantly increased risk. In patients with non-surgical CoA repair, the post-interventional RMC and PSPG ≥11mm Hg are important predictors of clinical comorbidities at mid-term follow-up.

The results of single–stage repair for coarctation with ventricular septal defect in neonates

Background: The association of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) in neonates is seriously who needs to surgery if not control heart failure by medicine in neonates. There are 2 procedures for repair includes: Two-stage repair (the repair coarctation and closure of the concomitant VSD as a secondary procedure), One-stage repair (the repair coarctation and closure of the concomitant VSD). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients (in neonate) undergoing repair of CoA with closure of VSD from 1/2015 to 12/2023. There were sixteens patients who underwent one-stage repair. The mean of age and body’s weight were 21 days (range from 14 days to 29 days) and 3,3 kilograms (range from 2,9 to 3,6). All patients had severe heart failure, lager VSD and gradient through aortic isthmus that was 54 mmHg. Results: The time of cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic clamping and selective cerebral perfusion time were: 126 mins; 87 mins and 18 mins. There were 5 patients with open chest. One patient died at ICU by multiple organ failure and one patient with cerebral haemorrhage. The gradient postopration of aortic arch was 7 mmHg with no residual VSD. During follow-up time 57 months after surgery, there was no late death. The mean gradient of aortic arch was 12 mmHg and one patient with 25 mmHg Conclusion: The results of single–stage repair for coarctation with ventricular septal defect in neonates was good with low re-coarctation.

Single-Lung Ventilation in Infants for Surgical Repair of Coarctation of The Aorta Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

To investigate the effect of improving the operative field and postoperative atelectasis of single-lung ventilation (SLV) in the surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in infants without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 28 infants (aged 1 to 4 months, weighing between 4.2 and 6 kg) who underwent surgical repair of CoA without CPB from January 2019 to May 2022 were analyzed. Fourteen infants received SLV with a bronchial blocker (Group S), and the other 14 infants received routine endotracheal intubation and bilateral lung ventilation (Group R). In comparison to Group R, Group S exhibited improved exposure of the operative field, a lower postoperative atelectasis score (P<0.001), reduced prevalence of hypoxemia (P=0.01), and shorter durations of operation, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay (P=0.01, P<0.001, P=0.03). There was no difference in preoperative information or perioperative respiratory and circulatory indicators before SLV, 10 minutes after SLV, and 10 minutes after the end of SLV between the two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and systolic pressure gradient across the coarctation after operation were also not different between the two groups (P>0.05). This study demonstrates that employing SLV with a bronchial blocker is consistent with enhanced operative field, reduced operation duration, lower prevalence of intraoperative hypoxemia, and fewer postoperative complications during the surgical repair of CoA in infants without the use of CPB.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Incidence of Hypertension Following Repair of Coarctation of the Aorta

OBJECTIVE Recent literature suggests a potential role for dexmedetomidine in reducing the incidence and severity of hypertension following repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA). The primary aim of this study was to assess the association between dexmedetomidine use and the incidence of hypertension following repair of CoA in pediatric patients. METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study in patients younger than 19 years who underwent surgical repair of CoA between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups: dexmedetomidine initiation within the first 3 hours after surgery or no dexmedetomidine. The primary outcome was incidence of hypertension within the first 4 to 24 hours after repair. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia. RESULTS A total of 80 patients were included, 25 (31.25%) received dexmedetomidine. Median age at the time of procedure was 26 days (IQR, 13–241) in the dexmedetomidine group and 14 days (IQR, 8–53) in the no dexmedetomidine group (p = 0.014). The primary outcome of hypertension was met in 7 patients (28%) in the dexmedetomidine group and 12 patients (21.8%) in the no dexmedetomidine group, p = 0.547. The only variable found to be associated with the incidence of hypertension was age greater than 30 days at the time of procedure. More patients who received dexmedetomidine experienced bradycardia. There was no difference in the incidence of hypotension. CONCLUSIONS There was no association between the use of dexmedetomidine and the incidence of ­hypertension following repair of CoA in pediatric patients.

Pre-Anesthesia Transfusion and Peri-Procedure Complications in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease on Hydroxyurea

Introduction Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of perioperative complications following general anesthesia including acute chest syndrome (ACS), vaso-occlusive pain episodes (VOE), and infection. The 2013 Transfusion Alternatives Preoperatively in SCD (TAPS) study found preoperative transfusion of patients with SCD, type SS or SB 0 thalassemia, prior to low- or medium-risk surgeries was associated with decreased perioperative complications. The American Society of Hematology 2020 guidelines for transfusion support for SCD suggest preoperative transfusion for those requiring general anesthesia (GA) lasting &amp;gt; 1 hour; however, it was noted that this should be individualized based on factors such as risk of surgery, baseline hemoglobin (Hb), and disease severity. With more broad use of Hydroxyurea (HU) that improves baseline Hb and decreases ACS and VOE frequency, we lack equipoise for when pre-anesthesia transfusion is indicated. We performed a chart review on pediatric patients with SCD at a large SCD center to determine clinician practice of pre-anesthesia transfusion versus no transfusion for patients on HU and the incidence of post-anesthesia complications with and without pre-anesthesia transfusion. Methods We performed an institutional review board approved retrospective chart review of patients with SCD (all genotypes) aged 0 to 22 years who underwent procedures or imaging studies with GA between the years 2019 and 2022 at our institution. Surgical risk score was assigned to all procedures per the TAPS study criteria. We examined the incidence of post-anesthesia complications occurring in the emergency department or hospital within 30 days post-anesthesia. Complications such as VOE, ACS, transfusion-related effects, and infection were recorded as categorical variables. Results We identified 165 patients with SCD who underwent GA at our center between 2019 and 2022: 56 of these patients were on hydroxyurea and 41 were not on hydroxyurea. We excluded 52 patients on chronic transfusion and 16 who had not consented for participation or had anesthesia encounters during a stem cell transplant admission. Among the 56 patients on HU, 34 received pre-anesthesia transfusion (2 by exchange transfusion) and 22 did not. The average Hb of those on HU who received pre-anesthesia transfusion was 8.64 g/dl (SD 1.1 g/dl) and of those who did not receive transfusion it was 9.4 g/dl (SD 1.33 g/dl) (p = 0.03, unpaired t-test). Among patients on HU who received transfusion, 4/34 (12%) had post-anesthesia complications and of those who did not receive transfusion, 6/22 (27%) had complications (p = 0.17, Fisher exact test) (Table). Among the transfused cohort, complications occurred after 2 low-risk procedures (ACS after an electrophysiology study with radiofrequency ablation and streptococcal infection after an abdominal exploratory laparoscopy), 1 medium-risk procedure (hematuria/abdominal pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and 1 high-risk procedure (respiratory failure after coarctation of the aorta repair). Among patients who were not transfused, complications occurred after 2 imaging studies (ACS in the setting of parainfluenza infection after brain MRI and VOE after shoulder MRI), 2 low-risk procedures (ACS after laparoscopic appendectomy and VOE after adenoidectomy), and 2 medium-risk procedures (ACS after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and multiple admissions for 1 patient for ACS and VOE after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). Conclusions In patients with SCD -SS or -SB 0 thalassemia on hydroxyurea undergoing procedures with anesthesia at our center, clinicians continued to prescribe pre-anesthesia transfusion for those with a Hb &amp;lt; 9 g/dl. The incidence of complications was higher in patients on HU who did not receive pre-anesthesia transfusion despite an average pre-procedure Hb of &amp;gt; 9 g/dL, but this was not statistically significant in our small sample size. However, these numbers are comparable to the findings of the TAPS study which found that 5/33 (15%) patients in the preoperative transfusion group had clinically important complications compared with 13/33 (39%) patients in the no transfusion group. These findings suggest that despite higher baseline Hb levels in the setting of HU use, patients with sickle cell disease may continue to benefit from pre-anesthesia transfusion but a randomized controlled trial is necessary.

From Crafoord’s End-to-End Anastomosis Approach to Percutaneous Interventions: Coarctation of the Aorta Management Strategies and Reinterventions

First described in 1760 by the anatomist Morgagni, coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart defect characterized by narrowing the aorta, typically distal to the left subclavian artery. It accounts for approximately 5–8% of all congenital heart diseases, with an incidence estimated at 4 per 10,000 live births. In 1944, the Swedish surgeon Clarence Crafoord achieved the first successful surgical CoA repair by performing an aortic end-to-end anastomosis on two patients aged 12 and 27 years old. Presently, the most prevalent techniques for surgical repair, particularly in infants and neonates with isolated coarctation, involve resection with end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) and the modified Crafoord technique (extended resection with end-to-end anastomosis (EEEA)). Subclavian flap aortoplasty (SCAP) is an alternative surgical option for CoA repair in patients under two years of age. In cases where the stenosis extends beyond resection and end-to-end anastomosis feasibility, patch aortoplasty (PP) employing a prosthetic patch can augment the stenotic region, especially for older patients. Despite advances in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery, recoarctation remains a significant concern after surgical or interventional repair. This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough analysis of coarctation management, covering the pioneering techniques introduced by Crafoord using end-to-end anastomosis and now extending to the contemporary era marked by percutaneous interventions as well as the recoarctation rate associated with each type.

Virtual Planning and Patient-Specific Graft Design for Aortic Repairs.

Patients presenting with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) may also suffer from co-existing transverse arch hypoplasia (TAH). Depending on the risks associated with the surgery and the severity of TAH, clinicians may decide to repair only CoA, and monitor the TAH to see if it improves as the patient grows. While acutely successful, eventually hemodynamics may become suboptimal if TAH is left untreated. The objective of this work aims to develop a patient-specific surgical planning framework for predicting and assessing postoperative outcomes of simple CoA repair and comprehensive repair of CoA and TAH. The surgical planning framework consisted of virtual clamp placement, stenosis resection, and design and optimization of patient-specific aortic grafts that involved geometrical modeling of the graft and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for evaluating various surgical plans. Time-dependent CFD simulations were performed using Windkessel boundary conditions at the outlets that were obtained from patient-specific non-invasive pressure and flow data to predict hemodynamics before and after the virtual repairs. We applied the proposed framework to investigate optimal repairs for six patients (n = 6) diagnosed with both CoA and TAH. Design optimization was performed by creating a combination of a tubular graft and a waterslide patch to reconstruct the aortic arch. The surfaces of the designed graft were parameterized to optimize the shape. Peak systolic pressure drop (PSPD) and time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) were used as performance metrics to evaluate surgical outcomes of various graft designs and implantation. The average PSPD improvements were 28% and 44% after the isolated CoA repair and comprehensive repair, respectively. Maximum values of TAWSS were decreased by 60% after CoA repair and further improved by 22% after the comprehensive repair. The oscillatory shear index was calculated and the values were confirmed to be in the normal range after the repairs. The results showed that the comprehensive repair outperforms the simple CoA repair and may be more advantageous in the long term in some patients. We demonstrated that the surgical planning and patient-specific flow simulations could potentially affect the selection and outcomes of aorta repairs.

The assessment of thoracal approaches in the treatment of aortic coarctation.

The optimal choice of surgery in coarctation of the aorta (CoA) remains controversial but it needs to be individualised. However, in most conditions, a surgical approach through thoracotomy maintains adequate exposure to create aortic patency. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and reliability of thoracal approaches in the treatment of CoA by examining the mid- and late-term outcomes, and determining the predictive factors for re-intervention. Patients who underwent CoA repair through thoracotomy between September 2015 and February 2023 were included in the study, except for those with complex cardiac diseases. Medical records were retrospectively analysed and peri-operative course, follow-up findings on echocardiogram and physical examinations were obtained. The complication rate, postoperative arch gradient, need for antihypertensive medication use, and freedom from re-intervention were evaluated and then compared in terms of age at surgery. Overall, 98 patients including 50 neonates were reviewed. The most common surgical method was extended end-to-end anastomosis, performed in 53 patients. The median follow-up time was 4.6 years. There was one death in hospital and one late mortality in the cohort. Eight complications were observed in the cohort but all recovered well. Overall, 13 re-interventions, six redo surgeries and seven balloon angioplasties were carried out in 12 patients. Ten of the re-interventions were carried out within the first year of the initial surgery. One- and three-year freedom from re-intervention rates were 89.5 and 86.4%, respectively. However, there was no significant predictive factor for re-intervention. Comparisons according to the age at surgery did not differ, except for intensive care unit stay. The need for hypertensive medication was initially in 14 (14.2%) patients and then reduced to eight (8%) patients. The mean peak residual gradient on postoperative examination was 9 mmHg. Thoracotomy provided feasible surgical access that led to satisfactory results with a low complication rate, negligible residual gradient, low incidence of hypertension and excellent rate for freedom from re-intervention in the treatment of CoA.

Risk factors for recurrence after surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta in children: a single-center experience based on 51 children.

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA), is a congenital malformation, often combined with several cardiac abnormalities. At present, the operation effect is satisfactory, but postoperative restenosis is still a matter. Identification of risk factors for restenosis and prompt therapy adjustments may improve patient outcomes. A retrospective clinical study of patients under 12 who had CoA repair in 2012-2021, with a randomized cohort population of 475 patients. A total of 51 patients (M/F: 30/21) with a mean age of 5.33 (2.00-15.00) months and a median weight of 5.60 (4.20-10.00) kg. The mean follow-up was 8.93 (3.77-19.37) months. Patients were divided into 2 groups: no-restenosis (n-reCoA) (G1, 38 patients) and restenosis (reCoA) (G2, 13 patients). ReCoA was defined as a restenosis requiring interventional or surgery or a pressure gradient >20 mmHg at the repair site as reported by B-ultrasound with the presence of an upper and lower limb blood pressure gradient or growing dysplasia. The overall reCoA incidence was 25% (13/51). In multivariate COX regression, smaller preoperative z-score of the ascending aorta (P = 0.009, HR = 0.68) and transverse aortic arch (P = 0.015, HR = 0.66), arm-leg systolic pressure gradient ≥12.5 mmHg at discharge (P = 0.003, HR = 1.09) were independent risk factors for reCoA. The overall outcome of CoA surgery is successful. Smaller preoperative z-score of the ascending aorta and transverse aortic arch, and an arm-leg systolic pressure gradient ≥12.5 mmHg at discharge increase reCoA risk, and closer follow-up for such patients are required especially within 1 postoperative year.

Risk Factors of Perioperative Brain Injury in Children Under Two Years Undergoing Coarctation Repair

BackgroundTo investigate clinical manifestations and factors of perioperative brain injury (PBI) after surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) combined with other heart malformations under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children under two years. MethodsThe clinical data of 100 children undergoing CoA repair were retrospectively reviewed between January 2010 and September 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors of PBI development. Hierarchical and K-means cluster analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between hemodynamic instability and PBI. ResultsEight children developed postoperative complications, and all of them had a favorable neurological outcome one year after surgery. Univariate analysis revealed eight risk factors associated with PBI. Multivariate analysis indicated operation duration (P = 0.04, odds ratio [OR], 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 8.28) and pulse pressure (PP) minimum (P = 0.01; OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.76) were independently associated with PBI. The following three parameters emerged for cluster analysis: PP minimum, mean arterial pressure (MAP) dispersion, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) average. Using cluster analysis, PBI mainly occurred in subgroups 1 (12%, three of 26) and 2 (10%, five of 48). The mean value of PP and MAP in subgroup 1 was significantly higher than in subgroup 2. The mean SVR in subgroup 1 was the highest. The lowest PP minimum, MAP, and SVR were observed in subgroup 2. ConclusionLower PP minimum and longer operation duration were independent risk factors for developing PBI in children under two years during CoA repair. Unstable hemodynamics should be avoided during CPB.

Assessment of aortic and cerebral haemodynamics and vascular brain injury with 3 and 7 T magnetic resonance imaging in patients with aortic coarctation.

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is characterized by a central arteriopathy resulting in increased arterial stiffness. The condition is associated with an increased risk of stroke. We aimed to assess the aortic and cerebral haemodynamics and the presence of vascular brain injury in patients with previous surgical CoA repair. Twenty-seven patients with CoA (median age 22 years, range 12-72) and 25 age- and sex-matched controls (median age 24 years, range 12-64) underwent 3 T (heart, aorta, and brain) and 7 T (brain) magnetic resonance imaging scans. Haemodynamic parameters were measured using two-dimensional phase-contrast images of the ascending and descending aorta, internal carotid artery (ICA), basilar artery (BA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and perforating arteries. Vascular brain injury was assessed by rating white matter hyperintensities, cortical microinfarcts, lacunes, and microbleeds. Pulse wave velocities in the aortic arch and descending aorta were increased and ascending aortic distensibility was decreased in patients with CoA vs. controls. Patients with CoA showed a higher mean flow velocity in the right ICA, left ICA, and BA and a reduced distensibility in the right ICA, BA, and left MCA. Haemodynamic parameters in the perforating arteries, total cerebral blood flow, intracranial volumes, and vascular brain injury were similar between the groups. Patients with CoA show an increased flow velocity and reduced distensibility in the aorta and proximal cerebral arteries, which suggests the presence of a generalized arteriopathy that extends into the cerebral arterial tree. No substantial vascular brain injury was observed in this relatively young CoA population, although the study was inadequately powered regarding this endpoint.

Influence of Bovine Arch Anatomy on Surgical Outcomes of Coarctation of the Aorta.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) repair with a special interest in bovine arch anatomy. Fifty-six patients who underwent CoA repair between 2010 and 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 11 patients had bovine arch anatomy. Surgical outcomes were reviewed. Computed tomography was used to analyze aortic arch geometry for all cases preoperatively. The gap between anastomotic sites was calculated at the linear region of the lesser curvature of the aortic arch between the distal ascending aorta and the proximal descending aorta. CoA repair was performed at a median age of 39days (median body weight 3.3kg). Thirty-two patients underwent extended direct anastomosis, 22 patients underwent direct anastomosis, and two patients underwent lesser curvature patch augmentation. The median follow-up period was 47months. There were no early deaths. In patients who underwent direct and extended direct anastomosis, nine recoarctation and one left pulmonary venous obstruction events occurred. Moreover, freedom from these adverse events was 81% in normal arch and 50% in bovine arch patients at 10years (P = 0.04). Two patients with a bovine arch anatomy who underwent lesser curvature patch augmentation had good outcomes. The distal arch was narrower and longer, and the gap between anastomotic sites was longer in patients with a bovine arch anatomy than with a normal arch (P < 0.01). In CoA with a bovine arch anatomy, the gap between anastomotic sites was long. This adversely influenced the outcomes of the CoA repairs.

Abstract 12157: 4d Flow Mri Demonstrates Hemodynamic Normalization After Coarctation Repair in Pediatric Patients

Background: Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a focal aortic narrowing, and intervention is required for patients with severe hemodynamic impairment. Following intervention, patients remain at risk for long-term re-coarctation. We used 4D flow MRI to assess aortic hemodynamics pre- and post- COA repair in children compared to age matched healthy controls. Methods: Aortic 4D flow MRI was performed in 5 pediatric COA patients (baseline age 6-14 yrs, 1F) pre- and post COA repair (4 native COA, 1 re-intervention) and 5 age-matched controls (ages 9-17 yrs, 2 female). Peak systolic velocities were quantified with velocity maximum intensity projections (MIP) ROIs in the ascending aorta (AAo), aortic arch, distal to the coarctation, and descending aorta (DAo) (Figure 1A). For flow quantification, nine 2D planes were placed along the aorta. Regional net flow was determined by averaging the 2D plane flows by region. The ratio between DAo to AAo (DAo/AAo) net flow was used to assess collateral flow. Results: Velocities were generally higher and more consistent across the aorta following surgery (Figure 1A). Plots highlighting changes in DAo/AAo flow ratio are shown in Figure 1B. Compared to controls, DAo/AAo flow ratio was significantly lower prior to COA repair (0.38±0.11 vs 0.61±0.05, p = 0.0004), indicating flow obstruction at the COA and presence of substantial collateral flow. Post COA repair DAo/AAo flow ratio was similar compared to age matched controls (0.59±0.06 vs 0.61±0.05, p = 0.51), indicating normalization of aortic flow. Patient 2, who underwent COA repair via stent placement showed the greatest improvement and normalization of flow consistency (DAo/AAo) across the aorta after intervention. Conclusion: A ortic 4D flow MRI shows normalization of aortic flow velocities, decreased collateral flow following COA repair, and has potential for long term surveillance and quantification of pre- and post-COA repair hemodynamic changes in children.

Extubation delays and the associated prostaglandin and opiate dose following coarctation of the aorta repair

BackgroundCoarctation of the aorta (COA) is one of the most common congenital heart lesions. Most patients undergoing repair extubate without complication. A subset of patients are unable to extubate within 24 h postoperatively. ObjectiveWe examined risk factors determined a priori and their association with delays in extubation. MethodsThis is a retrospective single-center study at an academic quaternary children's hospital. All neonates (0–28 days) who underwent isolated coarctation repair via lateral thoracotomy between January 2008 – December 2019 were included. Delay in extubation was defined as duration from cardiac intensive care unit admission to time of extubation >24 h. Risk factors examined were total preoperative prostaglandin dose and total perioperative opiate dose following repair. Logistic regression analyses were performed using appropriate statistics with significance level set at p = 0.05. ResultsThere were 149 patients who met inclusion criteria, 102 (68.5 %) were intubated for >24 h. We found that patients who were smaller (3.2 kg vs. 3.4 kg, p = 0.012) and patients who were in the intensive care unit preoperatively (p = 0.048), were more likely to remain intubated >24 h. There was also a statistically significant difference between those that were extubated before 24 h postoperatively and those that were not with respect to the total amount of oral morphine milligram equivalent received (1.5 mg vs. 2.82 mg, p = 0.005). ConclusionsOf the 149 patients in our study, the majority (102 patients, 68.5 %) were unable to be extubated within 24 h of surgery following coarctation repair via lateral thoracotomy. Risk factors for delayed extubation were smaller neonates and patients who received greater amounts of opiates.

Antihypertensive therapy of late arterial hypertension in children following successful coarctation correction.

Late arterial hypertension (AH) is the most significant complication of coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Only a few clinical studies described antihypertensive treatment of late AH following successful CoA repair. The primary objective of this multicentre cross-sectional study was to describe real-life antihypertensive therapy for late AH in children after hemodynamically successful CoA repair. The secondary objective was to describe antihypertensive therapy used within different haemodynamic phenotypes of AH. Blood pressure status, echocardiographic parameters and central blood pressure measurements were evaluated in 110 children aged 6-18 years following successful CoA repair with right arm blood pressure not exceeding leg blood pressure by at least 20 mmHg. AH was found in 62 (56%) patients including 47 who were already treated and 15 with new diagnosed AH of whom seven presented with masked hypertension. Among treated patients, 10 presented with masked hypertension. The dominant phenotype of AH among patients with uncontrolled AH was isolated systolic hypertension (32 patients out of 37; 87.5%). AH was controlled in 53% of treated patients. Fifty-three percent of hypertensive patients had elevated central SBP and 39% had left ventricular hypertrophy with various left ventricle geometry patterns, 23% of them had both. β-adrenergic receptor blockers were the most used antihypertensive drugs followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with doses within the lower recommended range. High prevalence of uncontrolled AH despite successful CoA repair and use of relatively low doses of antihypertensive drugs indicates the need of close blood pressure monitoring and more intensive and combined antihypertensive therapy.

Surgical Treatment Following Stent Angioplasty for High-Risk Neonates With Critical Coarctation of the Aorta.

BackgroundNeonatal coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is primarily treated by surgical repair. However, under certain high-risk constellations, initial stent angioplasty may be considered followed by surgical repair. We report our experience with this staged approach. Methods: All patients undergoing surgical CoA repair following prior stenting at our institution between January 2011 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were classified to be at high risk because of cardiogenic shock, associated complex cardiac malformations, neonatal infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, and extracardiac conditions, respectively. Outcomes were analyzed and compared with neonates who underwent surgical CoA repair without prior stenting in the same observation period.ResultsTwenty-six neonates received stent implantation at a median age of 20 days (IQR 9-33 days). Subsequent surgical repair was conducted at an age of 4.2 months (IQR 3.2-6.1 months) with a median body weight of 5.6 kg (IQR 4.5-6.5 kg). Cardiopulmonary bypass was applied in 96% of cases. Extended end-to-end anastomosis was possible in 11 patients. Extended reconstruction with patch material was necessary in the remaining patients. One fatality (3.8%) occurred 33 days postoperatively. At a median follow-up of 5.2 years after initial stenting, all remaining patients were alive; 15/25 patients (60%) were free from re-intervention. Of note, re-intervention rates were comparable in neonates (n = 76) who were operated on with native CoA (28/74 patients; 38%; P = .67).ConclusionsNeonatal stent angioplasty for CoA results in increased complexity of the subsequent surgical repair. Nevertheless, this staged approach allows to bridge high-risk neonates to later surgical repair with reduced perioperative risk and acceptable midterm outcomes.

Management of percutaneous treatment of aorta coarctation diagnosed during pregnancy.

Management of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) during pregnancy is complicated by increased procedural risks to the pregnant woman and her fetus. The aim of this research was to analyze 10-years of experience of CoA treatment diagnosed during pregnancy. During 2010–2020 we performed percutaneous stents implantations (SI) in 4 women during 15–23 weeks of pregnancy and in 6 women 48 hours – 5 years after delivery. In all presented cases, successful CoA repair was achieved. There was a significant decrease of peak-to-peak invasive systolic pressure gradient across the CoA (60.0±31.2 and 11.8±7.3 mmHg, p=0.001) and mean noninvasive systolic arterial pressure (163.0±46.2 and 120.5±9.2 mmHg, p=0.01) after SI. All percutaneously treated women during pregnancy (n=4) delivered healthy full-term babies. At follow-up (from 2 months to 10 years), all 10 women are alive without significant Doppler gradient across CoA with no signs of aortic aneurysm formation. To the best of our knowledge, we presented the largest published cohort of CoA percutaneous treatment during pregnancy. We categorized our experience in managing aortic coarctation diagnosed during pregnancy in one algorithm. Our experience demonstrates that excellent maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes can be obtained in women after CoA percutaneous repair, diagnosed during pregnancy. An aortic stent implantation is effective and safe for both mother and fetus.

Outcome and Impact of Associated Left-Sided Cardiac Lesions in Coarctation of the Aorta Diagnosed During Fetal Life

Significant effort has been put into the optimization of the antenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA). However, although left-sided cardiac lesions are known to cluster, the necessity to intervene postnatally for other left-sided cardiac lesions has not been reported in a cohort of fetuses with suspected CoA. We report a study of all 89 fetuses with antenatally suspected and postnatally confirmed diagnosis of CoA who underwent CoA repair as the primary procedure at a single tertiary congenital heart disease center over 10 years (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019). Almost 1 in 5 patients (18%) had to undergo surgery and/or transcatheter intervention on additional left-sided cardiac lesions (14%) and/or reintervention on the aortic arch (12%) during follow-up to median age of 2.85 years. Freedom from intervention at 5 years was 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 67 to 88%) if reintervention on CoA was excluded, and 72% (95% CI 60 to 82%) if this was included. Five-year survival was 95% (95% CI 90 to 100%). Furthermore, 20% of affected infants had genetic (10%) and/or extracardiac (16%) abnormalities. Our study highlights the need for comprehensive antenatal counseling, including the prognosis of primary repair of CoA and the potential development of additional left-sided cardiac lesions, which may be difficult to diagnose prenatally even in expert hands or impossible to diagnose because of the physiology of the fetal circulation.

Abstract 9310: Aortic Arch Shape After Coarctation Repair Predicts Exercise Capacity: A Multicenter Analysis

Introduction: Patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) have decreased exercise capacity despite successful repair with no anatomic obstruction. Altered aortic arch shape after surgical repair may increase resistance to flow and affect flow distribution. This study correlates parameters of aorta size and flow with exercise capacity after successful CoA repair. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with repaired CoA at 4 centers who had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and an exercise stress test with respiratory exchange ratio ≥ 1.09 within 1 year. Patients with significant valve disease, outflow tract obstruction, or need for cardiac bypass outside of their arch repair were excluded. Aorta size mismatch (D AAo /D DAo ), defined by the ratio of ascending (AAo) to proximal descending aorta (DAo) diameter, and DAo flow as a percentage of AAo flow, were measured from CMR. Each parameter was correlated with percent predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Results: Forty-six patients (age 26 ± 8.4 years) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &gt; 52%, met inclusion criteria. Larger D AAo /D DAo and lower %DAo flow correlated significantly with lower VO2 max (Fig). Compared to those with normal VO2 max (n=25), patients with VO2 max &lt;90% predicted (n=21) had a primary repair at an older age (p=0.03) and smaller DAo diameter/m 2 (p=0.04). There were no significant differences in prevalence of arch obstruction by echocardiogram, LVEF, hypertension, blood pressure gradient at rest or exercise, or AAo diameter/m 2 between groups. Conclusions: Aorta size mismatch, due to AAo dilation or small DAo, and associated decreased %DAo flow, correlate significantly with decreased exercise capacity after CoA repair in patients with normal left ventricular systolic function. CMR measurements of aorta geometry and flow can inform the definition of a successful repair and suggest that indications for re-intervention may not be limited to discrete re-coarctation.