Ventricular Outflow Tract Reoperation Research Articles

Effectiveness of pulmonary valve-sparing strategy for transatrial-transpulmonary repair of tetralogy of Fallot: a single institution experience.

We report the midterm results of our strategy utilizing transatrial-transpulmonary repair for tetralogy of Fallot at a single institution in a low-middle income country. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 532 consecutive patients who underwent definitive repair of tetralogy of Fallot at our institution from 2010 to 2020. The median age and weight of patients in the study patients were 11.6 months (interquartile range, 8.6-17.2 months) and 7.5 kg (interquartile range, 6.8-8.8 kg). The pulmonary valve annulus was preserved (no transannular patch) in 398 patients (75%) and a mini-transannular patch was utilized for 134 patients (25%). The overall survival was 98% at 1 year, and 97% at 10-years follow-up, respectively. Longer postoperative ventilation time was the only risk factor correlated to early death (p = 0.004; Odds Risk, 1.04; 95% confidence intervals, 1.01-1.07). Fourteen patients required pulmonary valve replacement (2.6%, 14/532), four required surgical resection to relieve right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (0.8%, 4/532), and freedom from reoperation of the right ventricular outflow tract was 87% at 10 years. The only risk factor for right ventricular outflow tract reoperation was a postoperative systolic pressure gradient through the right ventricular outflow tract of greater than 50 mmHg (p < 0.001; HR, 47; 95% confidence intervals, 9.1-244). In total, 94.6% (471/489) of the patients were asymptomatic at the latest follow-up without significant arrhythmia. At our institution in an low-middle income country, the transatrial-transpulmonary repair for tetralogy of Fallot has excellent midterm results with few reoperations required. Close long-term follow-up is essential for patients who undergo repair with a mini-transannular patch and may eventually require pulmonary valve replacement.

Bex-Nikaidoh operation and the impact of double root translocation on outcomes.

The Bex-Nikaidoh operation can effectively relieve left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. However, if a conduit is used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction, a late reoperation can be anticipated. We examined the impact of double root translocation on outcomes. We performed a retrospective single-centre study of patients who underwent aortic root translocation between 2006 and 2019. Aortic root translocation was performed in 23 patients at a median age of 1.6 years [interquartile range (IQR) 0.9-2.5]. Concomitant repairs were done in 52.2% of patients (12/23) including the Senning atrial switch in 34.8% (8/23). The right ventricular outflow tract was reconstructed with valved conduits in 39.1% (9/23), direct anastomoses in 4.35% (1/23) and pulmonary autografts in 56.5% of patients (13/23). Aortic cross-clamp time was significantly longer in patients with double root translocation [308 min (IQR 270-259) vs 209 min (IQR 179-281), P = 0.02]; 2 patients in this group required temporary mechanical circulatory support. There were no early deaths. Median follow-up time was 7.5 years (IQR 3.3-10.5). The estimated 10-year survival was 90% [95% confidence interval (CI): 47.3%, 98.5%]. There was no recurrent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Freedom from any reoperation was 64.2% (95% CI: 40.8%, 80.3%) at 3 years and 44.5% (95% CI: 21.2%, 65.5%) at 6 years. The main indication for late reoperation was conduit degeneration. Freedom from a right ventricular outflow tract reoperation was significantly higher, and the number of reoperations per patient was lower when a double root translocation had been performed (P = 0.03). The Bex-Nikaidoh operation effectively relieved left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. A double root translocation further increased procedural complexity but was associated with better mid-term freedom from a right ventricular outflow tract reoperation. It should be considered in suitable patients.

The Ross Operation in Young Patients: A 15-Year Experience Focused on Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduit Outcomes.

Data on long-term outcomes of the Ross operation in children and young adult patients are limited. The best pulmonary valve substitute for the right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in the Ross operation in young patients using various pulmonary valve substitutes at a single institution. In addition, a comparison of reintervention rates between patients younger than 18 years and those older than 18 years was performed. The study assessed all patients (N= 110) who underwent the Ross operation at the University Hospital of Bordeaux, France, between 2004 and2020. The median follow-up time was 4.2 years, and the median age at operation was 15.9 years. There was no operative mortality and 1 late noncardiac death (0.8%). The overall survival rate at 10 years was 99.2%. The need for right ventricular outflow tract reoperation was lower with the pulmonary homograft compared with the Contegra conduit and Freestyle bioprosthesis: 94.3%, 93.8%, and 80% at 5 years, respectively, and 94.3%, 72.3%, and 34.3% at 10 years, respectively (P= 0.011). The probability of reintervention was not significantly different at 10 years among children vs adults (P= 0.22). The Ross procedure in children and young adults was associated with a lower requirement for right ventricular outflow tract reoperation when pulmonary homografts were used instead of xenografts.

Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction in Truncus Arteriosus: A 30-Year Two-Center Comparison between Homografts and Bovine Jugular Vein.

Homografts and bovine jugular vein are the most commonly used conduits for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction at the time of primary repair of truncus arteriosus. We reviewed all truncus patients from 1990 to 2020 in two mid-volume centers. Inclusion criteria were primary repair, age under one year, and implantation of either homograft or bovine jugular vein. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival, freedom from reoperation on right ventricular outflow tract, and freedom from right ventricular outflow tract reoperation or catheter intervention. Seventy-three patients met the inclusion criteria, homografts were implanted in 31, and bovine jugular vein in 42. There was no difference in preoperative characteristics between the two groups. There were 25/73 (34%) early postoperative deaths and no late deaths. Follow-up for survivals was 17.5 (interquartile range 13.5) years for homograft group, and 11.5 (interquartile range 8.5) years for bovine jugular vein group (P=0.002). Freedom from reoperation on right ventricular outflow tract at one, five, and 10 years in the homograft group were 100%, 83%, and 53%; and in bovine jugular vein group, it was 100%, 85%, and 50% (P=0.79). There was no difference in freedom from reoperation or catheter intervention (P=0.32). Bovine jugular vein was equivalent to homografts up to 10 years in terms of survival and freedom from right ventricular outflow tract reoperation or catheter intervention. The choice of either valved conduit did not influence the durability of the right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit in truncus arteriosus.

A modified approach in the repair of type I and II truncus arteriosus to promote branch pulmonary arterial growth and limit early reoperation.

Maintaining adequate branch pulmonary arterial growth is critical in preventing early (<3years) right ventricular outflow tract reoperation after the repair of truncus arteriosus. We hypothesized that a modified truncus arteriosus repair keeping the branch pulmonary arteries in situ would promote branch pulmonary arterial growth and limit early right ventricular outflow tract reoperation. For infants requiring repair for type I and II truncus arteriosus, the truncal root was septated through a hockey stick incision keeping the branch pulmonary arteries in situ, the ventricular septal defect was closed, and a short aortic homograft was used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract. Echocardiograms measured preoperative and follow-up branch pulmonary artery diameter. Between 1998 and 2020, 41 infants were repaired using the modified approach (type I, 28; type II, 13). With a median follow-up of 11.6 (interquartile range, 3.1-15.5) years, there was no significant change between preoperative left pulmonary artery and right pulmonary artery Z-scores and their corresponding follow-up measurement (left pulmonary artery: 0.97, interquartile range, 0.6-1.6 vs left pulmonary artery: 1.4, interquartile range, -0.3 to 1.9) (right pulmonary artery: 0.6, interquartile range, -0.4 to 1.7 vs right pulmonary artery: 0.3 interquartile range, 0.5-0.9). Only 7.3% (n=2) of follow-up right pulmonary artery Z-scores were less than 2.5 Z-scores below preoperative measurements. Four children (9.8%) required early right ventricular outflow tract reoperation. On multivariable analysis, larger conduit Z-scores were associated with greater time to right ventricular outflow tract reoperation (hazard ratio, 0.55, confidence interval, 0.307-0.984; P=.043). Maintaining the branch pulmonary arteries in situ at initial truncus arteriosus repair allows for branch pulmonary arterial growth, limiting early right ventricular outflow tract reoperation.

Long-term Surgical Prognosis of Primary Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis Repair

Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) represents a heterogeneous group, including Williams syndrome, familial elastin arteriopathy, sporadic cases, and others. This study sought to evaluate long-term outcomes of SVAS repair. A total of 87 patients underwent surgical repair of congenital SVAS at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, between 1997 and 2017. A total of 41 patients had Williams syndrome, and 46 did not. Of the 46 patients who did not have Williams syndrome, 23 had sporadic SVAS, and 13 had familial elastin arteriopathy. Demographic data and outcomes were reviewed and analyzed from medical records. The median age at operation was 2.9 years. Mean z score of the sinotubular junction was -3.29 ± 1.42 and of the aortic root was-0.09 ± 1.19. A total of 26% (n= 22) patients had coronary ostium stenosis, and 41% (n= 9) of them required patch plasty. Survival rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were all 94.3%. Freedom from left ventricular outflow tract reoperation at 5, 10, and 20 years was 78.5%, 70.3%, and 70.3%, respectively. Freedom from aortic arch reintervention at 5, 10, and 20 years was 98.6%, 94.3%, 89.3%, respectively. In risk factors analysis, age younger than 1 year, z scores of the aortic valve and aortic root, and concomitant right ventricular outflow tract surgical repair were predictive of the need for reoperation and reintervention for left or right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Excellent long-term survival rates can be achieved with surgical repair of SVAS. Age younger than 1 year, small aortic valve and aortic root z scores, and concomitant right ventricular outflow tract surgical repair were predictors of reoperation and reintervention.

Fate of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract After Rastelli With Selective Infundibular Muscle Resection

The Rastelli procedure has been criticized for a high rate of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and translocation procedures have been proposed as an alternative. Infundibular resection can be performed during Rastelli to optimize the outflow tract. This study examines whether a selective policy to enlarge the outflow tract improves Rastelli outcomes across all morphological variants. Single institution 29-year experience in 105 patients. Patients were classified into transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect, and double outlet right ventricle morphology groups. The infundibular muscle was routinely resected if prominent, in 28 cases. Early mortality was 1.9% (2 of 105) and actuarial survival was 95.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89% to 99%) at 1 year, 92.9% (95% CI, 85% to 97%) at 5years, and 84.5% (95% CI, 74% to 92%) at 10 years. The cumulative freedom from LVOTO was 99% (95% CI, 96% to 100%), 97% (95% CI, 92% to 99%), and 90% (95% CI, 88% to 96%) at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The incidence was similar in all morphological groups and those undergoing infundibular resection were not at higher risk of late LVOTO. Eleven patients required surgical reoperation on the left ventricular outflow tract over a median follow-up period of 8.5 years, with no mortality, although 2 of these patients developed complete heart block. Left ventricular function was well preserved in 98.1% of all cases, including all of those requiring left ventricular outflow tract reoperation. The Rastelli is a safe procedure that can be applied in a variety of morphological variants. LVOTO remains a late complication of Rastelli, but can be minimized by concomitant infundibular muscle resection. Late reoperation is safe and ventricular function is well preserved in greater than 95% of cases at late follow-up. The operation has stood the test of time and avoids many of the risks of translocation procedures.

Contemporary results after repair of partial and transitional atrioventricular septal defects

ObjectiveThe exact incidence and risk factors for reoperation in partial and transitional atrioventricular septal defects are unclear. The goal of this study was to assess risk factors for left atrioventricular valve and left ventricular outflow tract reoperation in partial and transitional atrioventricular septal defects. MethodsAll patients undergoing partial and transitional atrioventricular septal defects repair between 1995 and 2017 were reviewed. Patients were classified as infants (<1 year), toddlers (1-3 years), children (3-17 years), and adults (≥18 years). Survival and reoperation were assessed using log-rank test and Cox models for univariate and multivariable analyses, respectively. ResultsOverall, 265 patients underwent partial and transitional atrioventricular septal defects repair (partial: 177 [67%]). Median age was 2 years. The cohort included 73 infants (28%), 85 toddlers (32%), 94 children (35%), and 13 adults (5%). Trisomy 21 was present in 76 patients (29%), and in 216 patients (83%), the zone of apposition was completely closed. Perioperative mortality was 0.8%. Complete heart block did not develop in any patients. Ten-year survival and freedom from reoperation were 98% and 81%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, trisomy 21 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.16) and older age compared with infants (toddlers: HR, 0.35; children: HR, 0.25) were protective for any reoperation, whereas heterotaxy (HR, 3.43) was a risk factor. For left atrioventricular valve reoperation, toddlers (HR, 0.35), children (HR, 0.25), and trisomy 21 (HR, 0.16) remained protective, whereas left atrioventricular valve anomaly was a risk factor (HR, 2.61). Likewise, for left ventricular outflow tract reoperation, toddlers (HR, 0.24) and children (HR, 0.06) were protective. ConclusionsMortality after partial and transitional atrioventricular septal defects repair is minimal, yet reoperation for left atrioventricular valve disease and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction remains significant. Patients requiring repair during infancy are at higher risk of reoperation.

Modified Repair of Type I and II Truncus Arteriosus Limits Early Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reoperation

Repair of truncus arteriosus often requires early right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reoperation. Using a modified repair, the branch pulmonary arteries are left in situ, which may avoid earlier RVOT reoperation. We hypothesized that our modified repair for type I and II truncus arteriosus would extend the time to RVOT reoperation. Infants with truncus arteriosus were divided into 2 groups: (1) traditional technique where the branch pulmonary arteries are excised from the truncal root, or (2) modified repair where the branch pulmonary arteries are left in situ and septated from the truncal root. Regardless of the approach, a bioprosthetic conduit or homograft was used to establish right ventricular to pulmonary artery continuity. Follow-up pulmonary artery angiograms were used to assess for branch pulmonary artery stenosis. From 54 infants (modified repair: 33, traditional technique: 21), there were no significant differences in age at repair, gender, or type of truncus arteriosus. With 100% follow-up, use of the modified repair resulted in a lower rate of branch pulmonary artery stenosis, and greater freedom from surgical branch pulmonary arterioplasty. Five- and 10-year freedom from RVOT reoperation (5 years: modified-81.5% vs traditional-30.5%, P = 0.004; 10 years: modified-53.3% vs traditional-30.5%, P = 0.01) favored the modified repair. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the modified repair was associated with an independently lower risk for RVOT reoperation (hazard ratio: 0.08, confidence interval: 0.01, 0.75, P = 0.02). Thus, maintaining the branch pulmonary artery architecture resulted in greater freedom from RVOT reoperation.

Outcome after aortic valve replacement in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveDespite an increasing interest in pediatric aortic valve repair, aortic valve replacement in children may be unavoidable. The evidence on outcome after pediatric aortic valve replacement is limited and usually reported in small case series. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide an overview of reported outcome of pediatric patients after aortic valve replacement. MethodsA systematic literature search for publications reporting outcome after pediatric aortic valve replacement published between January 1990 and May 2015 was conducted. Studies written in English with a study size of more than 30 patients were included. ResultsThirty-four publications reporting on 42 cohorts were included in this review: 26 concerning the Ross procedure (n = 2409), 13 concerning mechanical prosthesis aortic valve replacement (n = 696), and 3 concerning homograft aortic valve replacement (n = 224). There were no studies on bioprostheses that met our inclusion criteria. The pooled mean patient age was 9.4 years, 12.8 years, and 8.9 years for Ross, mechanical prosthesis, and homograft recipients, respectively. Pooled mean follow-up was 6.6 years. The Ross procedure was associated with lower early (4.20%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.37-5.22 vs 7.34%; 95% CI, 5.21-10.34 vs 12.82%; 95% CI, 8.91-18.46) and late mortality (0.64%/y; 95% CI, 0.49-0.84 vs 1.23%/y; 95% CI, 0.85-1.79 vs 1.59%/y; 95% CI, 1.03-2.46) compared with mechanical prosthesis aortic valve replacement and homograft aortic valve replacement, respectively. No significantly different aortic valve reoperation rates were observed between the Ross procedure and mechanical prosthesis aortic valve replacement (1.60%/y; 95% CI, 1.27-2.02 vs 1.07%/y; 95% CI, 0.68-1.68, respectively), whereas homograft aortic valve replacement was associated with significantly higher aortic valve reoperation rates (5.44%/y; 95% CI, 4.24-6.98). The Ross procedure–associated right ventricular outflow tract reoperation rate was 1.91% per year (95% CI, 1.50-2.44). ConclusionsThis systematic review illustrates that all currently available aortic valve substitutes are associated with suboptimal results in children, reflecting the urgent need for reliable and durable repair techniques and innovative replacement solutions for this challenging group of patients.

Outcomes of Truncus Arteriosus Repair in Children: 35 Years of Experience From a Single Institution

We evaluated the long-term outcomes following repair of truncus arteriosus (TA) from a single institution. We conducted a retrospective review of children (n = 171) who underwent TA repair between 1979 and 2014. Early mortality rate was 11.7% (20/171). There were 19 late deaths. Most deaths (74%, 29/39) occurred within the first year following surgery. The 1-year mortality rate in 1979-2004 was 18% (25/136) and decreased to 11% (4/35) in 2005-2014. The overall survival rate was 73.6% at 30 years. Multivariate analysis identified postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P = 0.003), operative weight <2.5kg (P = 0.012), prior surgical intervention (P = 0.018), and coronary artery anomaly (P = 0.037) as risk factors for early mortality. A Cox regression model identified DiGeorge syndrome (P = 0.008) as a risk factor for late mortality. Freedom from right ventricular outflow tract reoperation was 4.6% at 20 years. Concomitant truncal valve (TV) repair or replacement was undertaken in 20 patients. Additionally, 14 patients underwent late TV repair or replacement. The overall survival rate in patients who underwent TV operation was 76.9% at 20 years. A total of 19 patients had concomitant interrupted aortic arch with a survival rate of 89.5% at 20 years. Median follow-up was 19 years (mean = 17 years, range: 1-34 years). All patients were in New York Heart Association Class I/II at last follow-up. Following repair of TA, patients had good long-term functional status but had high reoperation rates. Repair of interrupted aortic arch and TV were not risk factors for mortality. Postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, operative weight <2.5kg, prior surgical intervention, and coronary artery anomaly were risk factors for early death. DiGeorge syndrome was associated with late death, most commonly from infection.

Results of Primary Repair Versus Shunt Palliation in Ductal Dependent Infants With Pulmonary Atresia and Ventricular Septal Defect

The 2 management strategies of neonates born with ductal-dependent pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PAVSD) include single stage primary biventricular repair (BVR) or staged palliation with modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) followed by second stage repair. Each approach is associated with specific benefits and drawbacks. We report outcomes of those 2 different strategies. Between 2002 and 2012, 86 neonates with ductal-dependent PAVSD underwent surgery using primary repair (BVR group: n= 28, 33%) or shunt palliation (BTS group: n= 58, 67%). Early and late results were compared between the 2 groups. Median age was 6 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3-17) and median weight was 2.8 kg (IQR 2.5-3.3) with 27 patients (31%) 2.5 kg or less. Associated risk factors such as prematurity 36 weeks or less and genetic or extra-cardiac malformations were present in 30% and 40% of patients, respectively. Hospital mortality occurred in 5 (5.8%) patients (1 [3.6%] for BVR versus 4 [6.9%] for BTS, p= 1.00). Overall 8-year survival was 76.5% (85.5% for BVR versus 72.2% for BTS, p= 0.189). On multivariable analysis, risk factors for mortality were genetic or extra-cardiac malformations (hazard ratio [HR], 2.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7% to 16.0%), p= 0.036) and postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (HR, 4.0 [95% CI, 1.1% to 14.4), p= 0.039). Freedom from right ventricular outflow tract reoperation after achievement of repair was 63.2% at 8 years (52.4% for BVR versus 70.2% for BTS, p= 0.170). On multivariable analysis, risk factors for reoperation were the use of conduit (HR, 8.7 [95% CI, 1.1% to 65.8%], p= 0.037) and prematurity (HR, 2.8 [95% CI, 1.1% to 7.2%], p= 0.028). Primary BVR of neonates with ductal-dependent PAVSD is associated with a trend for improved survival due to hospital and interstage mortality with the staged approach. Genetic or extra-cardiac malformations are common and are associated with worse survival.

Modified Nikaidoh procedure for the correction of complex forms of transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: mid-term results

Different surgical techniques for the treatment of complex transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with ventricular septal defect and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) have been developed, in particular the Rastelli operation, the réparation à l'étage ventriculaire procedure and the Nikaidoh procedure. The hitherto published results of the Nikaidoh procedure and its modifications compare favourably with those of other techniques; however, experience with the Nikaidoh procedure is still limited. Here, we report our institutions' early and mid-term results with modifications of the Nikaidoh procedure. Twenty-one patients who underwent a modified Nikaidoh procedure between 2006 and 2012 at our institution, either as aortic root translocation (n = 17) or as en bloc rotation of the arterial trunk (n = 4), were studied retrospectively. There were 2 early and 1 mid-term deaths. The follow-up continued for a median of 2.3 years (range 0.3-6.4 years). During the follow-up, the performance of the reconstructed left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) remained excellent: no reobstruction and no aortic valve regurgitation classified as more than mild were observed. Left ventricular function was well preserved. In 4 patients, a significant reoccurring right ventricular outflow tract obstruction due to conduit failure was observed; so far, two reoperations with conduit replacement have been necessary. The mean right ventricular outflow tract peak gradient was 24 ± 7.2 mmHg at the last follow-up in the remaining patients. No reobstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract occurred in patients with preserved pulmonary valve tissue after en bloc rotation. The aortic translocation procedure is a valuable surgical option for patients with complex (TGA) with ventricular septal defect and LVOTO. The mid-term results document excellent performance of the reconstructed LVOT. Modifications of the Nikaidoh procedure that preserve pulmonary valve tissue may further reduce the need for right ventricular outflow tract reoperation.

Invited Commentary

Surgical options for patients with dextroposed transposition of the great arteries and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) are multiple: arterial switch operation (ASO), Rastelli procedure, Réparation à l'Etage Ventriculaire (REV) procedure (Lecompte operation), aortic translocation procedure (Bex-Nikaidoh operation) and en bloc rotation of the truncus arteriosus. The article by Kalfa and collaborators helps in defining the place of ASO in this group of patients [1Kalfa D.M. Lambert V. Baruteau A.E. et al.Arterial switch for transposition with left outflow tract obstruction: outcomes and risk analysis.Ann Thorac Surg. 2013; 95: 2097-2104Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar]. Careful preoperative evaluation of the mechanisms of LVOTO is critical to determining the optimal surgical option. LVOTO can be at the valvar or subvalvar level or both. It is likely that the valvar level is a major consideration in the decision-making process. In patients with a dysplastic and hypoplastic pulmonary valve, ASO is not an option. When an associated ventricular septal defect (VSD) is present, Rastelli or REV operation is usually indicated. The left ventricle is connected to the aortic orifice through the VSD; the VSD may be enlarged anteriorly if needed (classical Rastelli) or routinely by resection of the conal septum (REV). When a left ventricle-to aorta connection is deemed impossible or difficult (owing to absence of VSD or abnormal insertions of the tricuspid or mitral valve on the conal septum), the Bex-Nikaidoh operation (aortic translocation) provides a satisfactory solution. In all these nonanatomic repairs, the right ventricular outflow tract is reconstructed either with a valved conduit or using a valveless connection; this entails a significant risk of right ventricular outflow tract reoperation. At the other end of the clinical spectrum, the pulmonary valve is not dysplastic (although often bicuspid), the pulmonary annulus is normal-sized or mildly hypoplastic and LVOTO is predominantly subvalvar. ASO is indicated. This study confirms that satisfactory results are obtained when the pulmonary annulus is near normal (z-score > 1.8) and the LVOTO can be relieved effectively. To achieve adequate relief of LVOTO, associated surgery is often necessary (ie, resection of accessory mitral tissue or abnormal chordae, excision of subvalvar fibromuscular tissue); however, in a significant number of cases, restoring a systemic left ventricular pressure can relieve LVOTO without further surgery (ie, posterior deviation of the conal septum). The drawbacks of ASO in suboptimal indications cannot be underestimated: increased mortality rate (11% in the Kalfa series), risk of LVOT reoperation in multilevel and AV valve-related LVOTO (19%), and incidence of neoaortic regurgitation in patients undergoing subvalvar surgery through the neoaortic orifice (26%). Finally, there is a group of patients who are not included in this study. These patients have a dysplastic or hypoplastic pulmonary valve, which is not sufficient to serve as a neoaortic valve but can function satisfactorily as a pulmonary valve. The en bloc rotation of the truncus arteriosus provides an excellent solution that leaves the native arterial valves in their anatomic position above their respective ventricles [2Maier R. En-bloc rotation of the truncus arteriosus. A technique for complete anatomic repair of transposition of the great arteries/ventricular septal defect/left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or double outlet right ventricle/left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.Op Tech Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2009; 14: 45-54Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (5) Google Scholar]. After harvesting of the truncus arteriosus, complex LVOTO (ie, atrioventricular valve–related lesions) can be relieved easily and extensively. In our experience, this procedure has provided encouraging midterm results in well-selected cases. Arterial Switch for Transposition With Left Outflow Tract Obstruction: Outcomes and Risk AnalysisThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 95Issue 6PreviewThe long-term results and indications of the arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and anatomic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) remain undetermined. The aims of this study were to determine long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in this specific population. Full-Text PDF

Effective transcatheter valve implantation after pulmonary homograft failure: A new perspective on the Ross operation

ObjectiveThe Ross procedure offers good autograft function and low reoperation rates for the neoaortic valve; however, the rate of conduit dysfunction in the right ventricular outflow tract remains a concern. This study assessed percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in this setting.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed outcomes of 12 patients (mean age 28 ± 5 years) referred for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation to treat right ventricle–pulmonary artery conduit failure 11.1 ± 3.3 years after Ross procedure.ResultsPercutaneous pulmonary valve implantation was feasible in all 12 patients, with no procedural complications (procedure time 99 ± 16 minutes, fluoroscopy time 21 ± 6 minutes). Right ventricular outflow tract gradient during catheterization and pulmonary regurgitant fraction on magnetic resonance imaging fell after valve implantation (gradient 34 ± 6 to 14 ± 3 mm Hg, P < .01, regurgitant fraction 20% ± 6% to 2% ± 1%, P < .05). After restoration of right ventricular outflow tract function, indexed right ventricular end-diastolic volume decreased (91 ± 13 to 78 ± 12 mL · beat−1 · m−2, P < .01) and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise performance improved (peak oxygen consumption 25.4 ± 2.3 to 30.8 ± 3.0 mL · kg−1 · min−1, P < .01). During follow-up (18.8 ± 4.6 months), there was 1 device explantation (restenosis). The probabilities of freedom from right ventricular outflow tract reoperation were 100% at 1 year and 90% at 3 years.ConclusionsPercutaneous pulmonary valve implantation provides an effective transcatheter treatment strategy to prolong the lifespan of right ventricle–pulmonary artery conduits after the Ross procedure, reducing the reoperation burden on patients with aortic valve disease.

The Ross-Konno Procedure in Children: Outcomes, Autograft and Allograft Function, and Reoperations

The Ross aortic valve replacement with a modified Konno-type enlargement Ross-Konno procedure of the aortic annulus and subannular region allows an autograft aortic valve replacement for children with significant annular and subannular hypoplasia. The potential for growth and the proven durability of the autograft make the Ross-Konno procedure an ideal aortic valve replacement for this subgroup with multilevel left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We reviewed our institutional midterm experience to assess autograft and homograft hemodynamics, and management after a Ross-Konno procedure. Between 1995 and 2005, 14 consecutive children (mean age, 6.4 +/- 5.9 years; range, 1 month to 17 years) underwent the Ross-Konno procedure. All children had severe to critical aortic stenosis or multilevel left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. There was 1 early and 1 late death with a mean follow-up of 5.7 +/- 3.6 years. Actuarial survival at 10 years was 86%. Three patients underwent right ventricular outflow tract reoperation for conduit replacement for homograft dysfunction and one patient required redo aortic root replacement with a mechanical valves for progressive aortic insufficiency. Freedom from right ventricular outflow tract and autograft reoperation at 10 years is 77% and 92%, respectively. Aortic annular dilation was not observed in all patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified no risk factors for autograft or homograft valve-related reoperation. The Ross-Konno procedure is an excellent technique to treat complex multilevel left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in children with significant annular and subannular hypoplasia. The autograft demonstrated durability without development of aortic stenosis or progressive dilation and a low incidence of developing progressive aortic insufficiency. Enlargement of the aortic annulus appear to parallel somatic growth in most instances.

Early results of valved bovine jugular vein conduit versus bicuspid homograft for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction

Background. Homograft conduits are preferable for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in children, but their limited availability remains a major concern. Recently, a valve-containing segment of bovine jugular vein (Contegra, Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN) has been introduced as a potential alternative conduit. Methods. Early clinical and echocardiographic results of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction were retrospectively compared between 41 children (mean age, 1.9 years), receiving a Contegra conduit and 36 patients (mean age, 2.7 years) with a size-reduced pulmonary homograft. Results. Clinical outcome was comparable with two early deaths in the homograft group and one in the Contegra group. There were no conduit-related complications in either population. Early echocardiographic assessment showed only trivial to mild regurgitation in 9 homografts versus 17 Contegra conduits. The peak gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract conduit was comparable for both groups, although a larger number of patients, treated with a downsized homograft, had a small gradient at the distal junction with the pulmonary arteries (12 versus 6 patients). None of the patients had a gradient at the valvar level. Conclusions. The valved bovine jugular vein conduit offers a promising substitute for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in infants and children, with an early hemodynamic performance that compares favorably with downsized, bicuspid homografts. Clinical advantages are greater shelf availability and the natural continuity between valve and conduit, which allows proximal infundibular shaping without additional material. However, durability must be determined, even though most of these children will require right ventricular outflow tract reoperation after outgrowing the conduit.