Late outcomes after arterial switch operation for Taussig-Bing anomaly.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term results of the arterial switch operation (ASO) for Taussig-Bing Anomaly (TBA) and identify risk factors affecting outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective review and late follow-up was performed for all TBA patients from 1997 to 2010 (follow-up >3 years). Selection criteria included the absence of mitro-pulmonary continuity.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine children underwent ASO at a median age of 24 days (interquartile range [IR] 11-125), with concomitant repair of aortic arch obstruction in 26 (37.7%). Complex coronary anatomy (n = 38; 55.0%) was common. Nine (13.0%) patients had staged repair. Hospital mortality was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6%-14.2%; n = 4). Median follow-up was 11.2 years (IR 7.2-13.8). Subsequent mortality was confined to the first postoperative year (n = 5, 86% [95% CI, 78%-95%]), 1-, and 10-year survival). Overall mortality was related to coronary pattern (Yacoub types C and E vs A and D, multivariate, hazard ratio [HR] 12.2 [95% CI, 1.2-122.1], P = .03). At latest follow-up, 96% of the survivors are asymptomatic, with normal ventricular function. Cumulative incidence of reintervention at 10 years was 53% (95% CI, 28%-77%). Concomitant aortic arch obstruction was a predictor of reintervention (multivariate, HR 2.9 [95% CI, 1.1-7.4], P = .03). No mortality occurred upon reinterventions.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest series to date of ASO for TBA, mortality is confined to the first postoperative year, and related to coronary artery pattern. Beyond the first year, needed reinterventions are frequent, but with sustained functional status and no mortality over >10 years follow-up. Aortic arch obstruction is the main predictor for reintervention. Despite a significant rate of early events, favorable long-term outcomes argue for use of the ASO in TBA patients.