Safety and efficacy of arterial switch operation in previously inoperable patients.

BACKGROUND

Patients older than six months with complete transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect or Taussig-Bing anomaly and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), previously thought to be inoperable, usually are not indicated for arterial switch operation (ASO) or even repair. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ASO in these selected subset patients.

METHODS

The records of 86 patients older than six months with complete transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect or Taussig-Bing anomaly and severe PAH who underwent ASO at our institution from May 2000 to October 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Eighty survivors were followed-up.

RESULTS

There were six hospital deaths (7.0%, 95% confidence limit 1.6 to 12.4%). From January 2006 to October 2008, 46 consecutive ASOs were performed with no death. Operative mortality and mobility decreased significantly (p = 0.008 and p = 0.046, respectively). The median duration of follow-up was 42.1 +/- 28.8 months (range, 2.0 to 99.5). Two late deaths occurred. Latest follow-up data showed that 2.8% of survivors were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and 97.2% were in NYHA class I.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent early and mid-term results of ASO are obtained from patients older than six months with complete transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect or Taussig-Bing anomaly and severe PAH in current era, and ASO is safe and effective in these selected subset patients.