Hemodynamic and angiographic changes after Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries.

After Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries, hemodynamic and angiocardiographic changes were evaluated in 25 patients. In 19 patients, postoperative studies were done electively and, in 6 patients, they were required to investigate symptoms of heart failure, these symptoms were temporary in 4 patients and progressive in 2. Both of the latter had pulmonary venous obstruction which was later relieved successfully by reoperation. After operation, systemic arterial oxygen saturation and blood pressure increased and polycythemia disappeared in every patient. However, several complications-some of them unsuspected clinically-were identified by cardiac catheterization: (a) patch detachment in 5 patients; (b) obstruction of superior vena caval return in 10 patients; (c) obstruction of inferior vena return in 1 patient; and (d) pulmonary venous obstruction in 2 patients. The incidence of pulmonary or systemic venous obstruction was higher in patients who had a Dacron intraatrial baffle (8 of 19 patients). Comparison of 21 sets of preoperative and postoperative right ventricular angiograms demonstrated an increase in right ventricular trabeculations in each patient, poorer right ventricular contractility in 12 patients, and development of tricuspid insufficiency in nine patients. None of the patients with poor right ventricular contractility had had surgical ventriculotomy. Although Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries is effective in relieving cyanosis, it may be followed by obstruction to systemic or pulmonary venous return, intraatrial patch detachment, tricuspid insufficiency and angiocardiographic evidences of poor right ventricular contractility.