Hyde M. Russell

Intramural Coronary Length Correlates With Symptoms in Patients With Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Coronary Artery

BACKGROUND Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) from the opposite sinus of Valsalva is a rare congenital anomaly with the potential for myocardial ischemia and sudden death. This review evaluated our series of AAOCA patients, who underwent coronary artery unroofing, to test our hypothesis that the intramural length of the anomalous coronary artery correlates with symptoms. METHODS A retrospective analysis of symptoms, preoperative imaging (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), intraoperative assessment, perioperative course, and follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS From 2005 to 2010, 27 patients (70% male) underwent surgical AAOCA repair. Mean age was 14.3±12 (range, 6 to 52) years. In 25 patients with right AAOCA, 14 had chest pain and 4 had syncope. Both patients with left AAOCA had chest pain. AAOCA unroofing was done in 25 and side-to-side anastomosis in 2. The intramural coronary artery length measured intraoperatively correlated with preoperative symptoms (symptoms=10±3.58 mm, no symptoms=5.2±1.5 mm, p<.002), as did preoperative imaging measurements (symptoms=7.8±2.8 mm, no symptoms=5.3±0.8 mm, p<.001). Preoperative imaging strongly predicted the intraoperative measurement (r=0.81, p=0.00001). There were no deaths, significant morbidity, or recurrence of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Coronary unroofing for AAOCA is a safe method of enlarging the coronary orifice and eliminating the intramural course. Symptomatic patients had a longer intramural course than asymptomatic patients, as assessed by preoperative imaging and intraoperative measurements. These results may have important clinical implications in determining indications for operation.

Outcomes of Repair of Common Arterial Trunk With Truncal Valve Surgery: A Review of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database

BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested truncal valve insufficiency may adversely affect outcome after common arterial trunk (CAT) repair. It is unknown if truncal insufficiency requiring truncal valve surgery (TVS) at the time of primary CAT repair impacts outcome. METHODS Patients in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database undergoing CAT repair from 2000 to 2009 were included. Outcomes were compared for patients with and without TVS at the time of CAT repair and were further stratified by interrupted aortic arch (IAA) repair. RESULTS Of 572 patients (63 centers), median age at surgery was 12 days (interquartile range, 6 to 34). Twenty-three patients underwent concomitant TVS (n=22 repair, n=1 replacement) during CAT repair, and 4 patients underwent TVS later during the same hospitalization (n=1 repair, n=3 replacement). Thirty-nine patients underwent IAA repair at the time of CAT repair, 5 of whom had concomitant TVS. Mortality for CAT repair with TVS versus isolated CAT repair was 30% versus 10% (p=0.0002). All 4 patients who required TVS later during the admission died. Truncal valve surgery was associated with increased mortality among CAT patients both with and without IAA repair, with the highest mortality (60%) among CAT patients undergoing IAA repair and TVS (n=5). Common arterial trunk plus TVS had an increased risk of mechanical support and a longer hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS Truncal valve surgery in patients undergoing CAT repair is associated with significant mortality. Repair of IAA and TVS at the time of CAT repair carries particularly high risk. Failure to address significant truncal insufficiency, necessitating early reoperation with TVS, had uniformly poor outcomes.

A simplified categorization for common arterial trunk

OBJECTIVE A common arterial trunk is a solitary trunk that exits the heart through a common ventriculo-arterial junction and supplies directly the systemic, pulmonary, and coronary arterial pathways. It remains to be determined, however, how best to subclassify those hearts fulfilling this definition. The time-honored classification is based on the morphology of the pulmonary arteries, but an alternative approach also places emphasis on the nature of the systemic pathways. We evaluated our experience to establish whether these different approaches can be reconciled. METHODS We examined 28 autopsied hearts with common arterial trunks; the specimens were drawn from the archives of three institutions. Based on our analysis, we simplified classification into hearts with aortic or pulmonary dominance. We used this approach to categorize 42 patients who had undergone surgical correction at Childrens Memorial Hospital in Chicago. RESULTS All autopsied hearts could be assigned to groups with either aortic or pulmonary dominance of the common arterial trunk, with 20 and 8 specimens, respectively, fitting into these categories. Pulmonary dominance was found only when the aortic component of the trunk was hypoplastic and an arterial duct supplied the majority of flow to the descending aorta. Only in this setting did we observe pulmonary arteries arising from the sides of the major pathway, and only in this setting was the aortic component discrete from the pulmonary component within the pericardial cavity. CONCLUSIONS This simple approach to classification reconciles the existing disparate categorizations of patients having common arterial trunks and it emphasizes the principal morphologic determinant of surgical outcome.

The Arterial Switch Operation: 25-Year Experience With 258 Patients

BACKGROUND At our institution, the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries has transitioned from the Gore-Tex patch (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) for pulmonary artery reconstruction to redundant pantaloon pericardial patch (RPPP). The (U-shaped) coronary artery button was used for coronary reimplantation. This study investigates overall mortality and factors for neopulmonary artery, neoaortic, and coronary artery surgical reintervention. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent arterial switch between 1983 and 2007. Our surgical database, operative reports, and cardiology clinic charts were reviewed. Time to event was plotted as Kaplan-Meier curves. Predictors of time-to-event were examined using Cox proportional hazard modeling. RESULTS A total of 258 patients underwent arterial switch during the study. Mortality declined from 15% (era I: 1983 to 1990) to 11% (era II: 1991 to 1998) to 7% (era III: 1999 to 2007). Era III had a significantly later time to death compared with era I (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62, p = 0.04). The RPPP had a lower neopulmonary artery reintervention rate compared with Gore-Tex; 9 of 225 (4%) versus 3 of 21 (14%), p = 0.008. Complex anatomy increased risk for neopulmonary reintervention (HR 3.3, p = 0.03). Surgical reintervention rate for coronary arteries was 2%. Complex coronary anatomy (HR 17.9, p = 0.01) predicted coronary reintervention. Predictors of neoaortic reintervention were prior pulmonary artery band (HR 4.3, p = 0.03), complex anatomy (HR 3.5, p = 0.01), and coronary artery anatomy (HR 3.5, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Arterial switch operation mortality has decreased. Conversion to RPPP reduced neopulmonary artery reintervention. The (U-shaped) coronary artery button technique is associated with low coronary reintervention rates. Complex coronary anatomy increases coronary and aortic reintervention. Prior pulmonary artery banding and complex anatomy increase aortic reintervention.

Extracardiac Versus Intra-Atrial Lateral Tunnel Fontan: Extracardiac is Better

This article was prepared to summarize the points made in a debate that the first author (C.L.B.) had with Dr. Richard Jonas at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery 90th Annual Meeting. The topic of the debate was the optimal surgical approach for functional single-ventricle patients: extracardiac versus intra-atrial lateral tunnel Fontan. My role was to take the viewpoint that the extracardiac Fontan is better. This review summarizes our results at Childrens Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL) with 180 patients undergoing a primary Fontan procedure and 126 patients undergoing an extracardiac Fontan as part of a Fontan conversion. The world literature was reviewed on outcomes following the Fontan procedure, focusing on six main areas supporting the superiority of the extracardiac Fontan: hemodynamics, arrhythmias, applicability to complex anatomy, use of cardiopulmonary bypass, complications of fenestration and thromboembolism, and operative mortality. Based on this review, it is our conclusion that the extracardiac Fontan is the procedure of choice for patients with a functional single ventricle based on a very low operative mortality, a lower incidence of early and late arrhythmias, improved hemodynamics, fewer postoperative complications, and applicability to a wide variety of complex cardiac anatomy.

Primary Resection of Kommerell Diverticulum and Left Subclavian Artery Transfer

BACKGROUND A Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is an aneurysmal remnant of the dorsal fourth aortic arch. This can be an independent cause of tracheoesophageal compression. We previously reported resection of the KD with left subclavian artery transfer to the left carotid artery for recurrent symptoms in patients with a right aortic arch, left ligamentum, and retroesophageal left subclavian artery after prior ligamentum division. In 2001 we began resecting the KD and transferring the left subclavian artery to the left carotid artery in selected patients as a primary operation. METHODS From 2001 to 2011, 20 patients have had primary excision of a Kommerell diverticulum. Diagnosis was with computed tomographic scan (n = 14) or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 6) and bronchoscopy. Sixteen patients had a right aortic arch and 4 had a double aortic arch (right arch dominant). All patients were approached through a left thoracotomy. Fifteen patients had simultaneous division and reimplantation of the left subclavian artery into the left carotid artery. RESULTS Mean age at operation was 9.1 ± 6.5 years (range 1.5 to 29.1 years). Symptoms included cough, wheezing, stridor, dysphagia, and dyspnea on exertion. Selection criteria included KD greater than 1.5 times the size of the left subclavian artery and posterior pulsatile compression of the trachea on bronchoscopy. There were no complications related to subclavian artery transfer. No patient required a blood transfusion. No patient had a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or chylothorax. The mean hospital stay was 4.3 ± 2.5 days. All patients had resolution of their preoperative airway and esophageal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In selected patients with a vascular ring we now recommend resection of the associated Kommerell diverticulum and transfer of the retroesophageal left subclavian artery to the left carotid artery as a primary procedure. This strategy requires comprehensive and precise preoperative imaging with either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Pulmonary artery sling: Current results with cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE We have used cardiopulmonary bypass with left pulmonary artery reimplantation for pulmonary artery sling repair since 1985. This review presents our current results with this technique, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis and treatment of frequently associated tracheal stenosis. METHODS Since 1985, 34 patients have undergone pulmonary artery sling repair using a median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. Age ranged from 9 days to 43 years (mean 2.1 ± 7.5 years, median 0.2 years). Twenty-seven patients (79%) had tracheal stenosis secondary to complete cartilage tracheal rings. All patients had preoperative airway imaging with rigid bronchoscopy, and since 2000 all patients have had computed tomography imaging of the chest with 3-dimensional reconstruction (n = 14). Tracheal repair has included pericardial patch tracheoplasty (n = 7), tracheal autograft (n = 10), tracheal resection (n = 4), and slide tracheoplasty (n = 5). All patients had an echocardiogram, and cardiac lesions repaired simultaneously included atrial septal defect (4), tetralogy of Fallot (2), and ventricular septal defect (1). One patient had a severely hypoplastic right lung, and 3 patients had an absent right lung. In these patients, the left pulmonary artery was translocated anterior to the trachea. In all other patients, the left pulmonary artery was reimplanted into the main pulmonary artery. RESULTS There have been no early deaths or complications related to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Median hospital stay was 24 days. There have been 4 late deaths. Two late deaths were the result of complications of tracheal surgery (1 pericardial patch [6 months postoperatively] and 1 autograft [1.7 years postoperatively]). One child died of biliary atresia (0.2 years postoperatively), and 1 child died of pneumonia (5.8 years postoperatively). All recent tracheal stenosis repairs have been with slide tracheoplasty. All left pulmonary arteries are patent with a mean percent flow by perfusion scan of 41% ± 13%. Older patients (n = 2) have noted a significant improvement in exercise tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary artery sling is best repaired with median sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and left pulmonary artery reimplantation. This resulted in uniformly patent left pulmonary arteries in all patients. Preoperative computed tomography imaging, echocardiography, and bronchoscopy are essential for precise operative planning. The frequently associated tracheal stenosis is best repaired with slide tracheoplasty.

Mortality While Waiting for Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with high mortality without intervention. The impact of waiting time for aortic valve replacement (AVR), either surgically or transcatheter, has not been reported. METHODS From January 2008 to December 2012, we identified 1,005 patients with severe symptomatic AS. AVR was recommended for 823 patients (82%). Of these 823 patients, 721 (87.6%) underwent AVR. We modeled overall survival (OS) since AVR recommendation or intervention date using Cox and multistate models. RESULTS Overall, the median (first, third quartiles) waiting time until operation was 2.9 (1.3, 5.1) weeks. Mortality at these times was lower (p<0.001) in the AVR group (1.2%, 0.3%, 1.7%, respectively) than in the group that did not receive AVR (6.9%, 2.9%, 9.8%, respectively). Thirty-day mortality after AVR was 3.9% (3.2% surgical AVR [SAVR] and 7.0% transcatheter AVR [TAVR]). In patients receiving AVR, waiting time was not associated with increased mortality. Mortality while waiting for AVR was 3.7% and 11.6% at 1 and 6 months, respectively. Mortality while waiting for TAVR was higher than that for SAVR (1-, 6-, and 12-month mortality of 3.7%, 8.0%, and 9.6%, respectively, in SAVR group and 3.8%, 23.3%, and 27.5%, respectively, in TAVR group; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Some patients do not receive AVR in a timely fashion, and prolonged waiting time for AVR is associated with mortality greater than the AVR operative mortality. Although waiting time was not associated with poor operative outcomes after AVR, many patients may die while waiting for AVR. Patients should receive AVR on a semiurgent, not elective, basis.

Outcomes of Radial Incision of the Tricuspid Valve for Ventricular Septal Defect Closure

BACKGROUND Adequate exposure of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is critically important to obtaining a satisfactory repair. Some surgeons have advocated a circumferential incision on the tricuspid valve. For 20 years we have used a radial incision of the tricuspid valve when added exposure is required. METHODS All patients undergoing VSD repair at Childrens Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL) were identified from our database. Operative records were reviewed to determine details of exposure. Follow-up patient and echocardiography data were obtained from the medical record. RESULTS Between January 1995 and March 2010, 366 isolated VSDs were repaired, including 341 perimembranous, 15 muscular, 5 inlet, and 5 inlet-muscular VSDs. A radial tricuspid valve incision was used in 230 patients (63%). Mean times (minutes) were 97±24 for cardiopulmonary bypass and 66±18 for cross-clamp, with no significant difference between groups (p=0.59 and p=0.96, respectively). No operative deaths occurred. Follow-up echocardiograms were available for 150 patients at a mean of 3.5 years. Tricuspid regurgitation was rated as none or trivial in 97 (65%), mild in 45 (30%), and moderate in 8 (5%). The degree of tricuspid regurgitation was similar between patients whose tricuspid valve was and was not incised. CONCLUSIONS Radial incision of the tricuspid valve enhances exposure for safe VSD closure and adds little complexity to the case. Its use in our series did not lead to increased tricuspid valve dysfunction, and it was durable at midterm echocardiographic assessment.

Paravalvular regurgitation after conventional aortic and mitral valve replacement: A benchmark for alternative approaches.

OBJECTIVE Paravalvular regurgitation is a known complication after transcatheter and sutureless aortic valve replacement. Paravalvular regurgitation also may develop in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve replacement. There are few studies on contemporary surgical valve replacement for comparison. We sought to determine the contemporary occurrence of paravalvular regurgitation after conventional surgical valve replacement. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective database review involving 1774 patients who underwent valve replacement surgery from April 2004 to December 2012: aortic in 1244, mitral in 386, and combined aortic and mitral in 144. Follow-up echocardiography was performed in 73% of patients. Patients with endocarditis were analyzed separately from noninfectious paravalvular leaks. Statistical comparisons were performed to determine differences in paravalvular regurgitation incidence and survival. RESULTS During follow-up, 1+ or greater (mild or more) paravalvular regurgitation occurred in 2.2% of aortic cases and 2.9% of mitral cases. There was 2+ or greater (moderate or more) paravalvular regurgitation in 0.9% of aortic and 2.2% of mitral cases (P = .10). After excluding endocarditis, late noninfectious regurgitation 2+ or greater was detected in 0.5% of aortic and 0.4% of mitral cases (P = .93); there were no reoperations or percutaneous closures for noninfectious paravalvular regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS In an academic medical center, the overall rate of paravalvular regurgitation is low, and late clinically significant noninfectious paravalvular regurgitation is rare. The benchmark for paravalvular regurgitation after conventional valve replacement is high and should be considered when evaluating patients for transcatheter or sutureless valve replacement.