D-Transposition of Great Arteries With Infective Endocarditis and Congestive Cardiac Failure: A Case Report.

Embryological misalignment between the aorta and pulmonary trunk gives rise to the congenital anomaly of the heart known as transposition of the great arteries (TGA). TGA is a type of parallel circulation, where the heart pumps oxygenated blood from the left ventricle into the pulmonary trunk. The deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle is circulated into the body as it pumps blood into the aorta. This type of parallel circulation is not compatible with life unless there is communication between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The presence of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in TGA patients serves as this communication. Cyanosis in the first month of life is the most common presenting feature. We had a five-and-a-half-year-old male child presenting with cyanosis and congestive cardiac failure (CCF), along with infective endocarditis with mitral valve regurgitation, which is an unusual complication of dextro-TGA (d-TGA) with pulmonary stenosis (PS) with VSD.

Handmade Bicuspid Valved Polytetrafluoroethylene Conduit for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction.

Background: Excellent outcomes of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) valves have been reported. The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term results of our handmade PTFE bicuspid valved conduit (VC) for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. Methods: Between September 2019 and May 2023, bicuspid PTFE-VC was implanted in 17 patients at a median age of 2.5 years (range, 3 months to 13.6 years). The PTFE-VC was fashioned from a commercially available PTFE tube graft (14 mm in three patients, 16 mm in three patients, 18 mm in one patient, 20 mm in three patients, and 22 mm in seven patients) and 0.1 mm thick PTFE membrane for the leaflet material. Valve function was assessed by echocardiogram after the implantation. The conduit reoperation and the conduit dysfunction were analyzed. There were no early deaths, but there was one late death. Results: There were no postoperative in-hospital deaths. Follow-up echocardiograms were available for 14 of 17 patients. The median follow-up was 21 months (range, 7-49 months). Conduit stenosis was none or trivial in 11 patients while it was mild in two and moderate in one patient and severe in 0 patients. Conduit insufficiency was mild or trivial in all 14 patients. By the end of the study period, freedom from reoperation/reintervention was 100%. There were no episodes of aneurysmal dilatation of the conduit or endocarditis. Conclusions: Handmade bicuspid PTFE VC shows good short-term outcome, with no significant valve dysfunction and no reintervention. A longer follow-up is necessary to evaluate the long-term advantages of using the handmade bicuspid PTFE VC.

Double root translocation: Early experience on performance of translocated aortic and pulmonary root.

AIM: Transposition of great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis is a complex congenital cardiac malformation with varied treatment options. Double root translocation is one of the described techniques with several advantages over other techniques. Our goal of this study is to report our early experiences on the performance of translocated aortic and pulmonary root. METHODS: From 2016 to 2019, a total of 12 patients (seven boys and five girls) aged from one year to three years underwent double root translocation. All our patients were diagnosed with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA)/double-outlet right ventricle (DORV), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and pulmonary stenosis (PS). One patient (8.33%) presented with (IL 2R CX), remaining 11 patients (91.66%) had (IL CX 2R) as their coronary pattern. Mean follow-up period was two years (1-3 years). RESULTS: At six months follow up, one patient died due to severe MR, one patient had severe TR and was taken back for surgery after two weeks post-surgery. Three patients had trivial aortic regurgitation (AR) and nine had no AR, two patients had trivial mitral regurgitation (MR) and 10 had no MR 11 patients had post-operative sinus rhythm and were in NYHA class 1. One patient with a complete heart block was supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenator followed by tracheostomy. Redo TV repair was done in one patient. Peritoneal dialysis was accomplished in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Double root translocation is a good alternative surgical treatment for TGA/DORV, VSD, and PS, where the pulmonary valve is small, but the leaflets are usable. Although the operation is technically demanding, our early follow-up on translocated root performance shows promising outcomes.

Tetralogy of Fallot with severe ascending aortic enlargement in early childhood.

The Rastelli procedure is indicated for repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary atresia. However, currently, there are no criteria available for concomitant surgical intervention for an enlarged ascending aorta in infancy. We report a rare case of TOF with pulmonary atresia complicated by severe enlargement of the ascending aorta in a girl aged 2 years and 5 months. We performed the Rastelli procedure with ascending aorta replacement. Pathological findings of the ascending aorta included fragmentation of elastic fibers and loss of smooth muscle cells. Postoperatively, the patient remained healthy and asymptomatic. This case indicates that ascending aortic enlargement in conotruncal anomalies may be associated with pathological lesion even in early childhood. Replacement of the diseased aorta could be considered as a concomitant procedure with definitive repair for conotruncal anomalies presenting with severe ascending aortic enlargement.

Aortic root translocation: the Bex-Nikaidoh procedure.

Patients with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction are managed by various techniques. Traditional techniques include intracardiac baffling with a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (Rastelli procedure) and the "reparation a l'etage ventriculaire" (REV) procedure. However, other techniques such as aortic root translocation (Bex-Nikaidoh procedure), pulmonary root translocation, and double root translocation are equivalent or in fact provide better results than the traditional techniques. In this review we will have a detailed discussion about aortic root translocation which allows a more normal and anatomically aligned left ventricular outflow tract. However, the operation is technically demanding, and coronary translocation remains one of the major challenges for successful root translocation.

Combined Rastelli procedure with supra-coronary ascending aorta replacement.

We present a 5-year-old child with pulmonary atresia palliated at infancy with midline shunt now for complete repair with aneurysmally dilated aorta. Patient underwent a combined Rastelli procedure with supra-coronary ascending aorta replacement with hemi-arch repair. Patient was discharged on post-operative day 10 and was asymptomatic on follow-up.

Early and midterm results of the Rastelli operation in Fuwai hospital / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective@#To describe eraly and midterm outcome of the Rastelli repair in Fuwai hospital Patients.@*Methods@#From May 2010 to March 2017, 71 patients with transposition of the great arteries(TGA)with ventricular septal defect(VSD)and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction(RVOTO) or double outlet right ventricle(DORV)with VSD and RVOTO underwent Rastelli repair. 48 cases male , 23 cases female . Age at operation is(4.7±2.7) years. There are 10 TGA cases, 27 DORV cases, 34 CTGA cases in this group. 30 patients(42.3% , 30/71)received palliative operation prior to the Rastelli procedure, including 13 BT shunt and 17 bi-Glenn operation. 31 patients(43.7%, 31/71 )underwent the Rastelli procedure with VSD enlargement. Right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery connection were created with the use of 9 homografts, 56 valved bovine jugular vein, 6 man-made valved Gore-Tex conduit. The overall mean right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit size was(17.9±3.3)mm.@*Results@#CPB time was(209.0±83.4)minutes, aortic crossclamping time was(132.0±71.1)minutes, mechanical ventilation time was(102.6±81.7)h. Early mortality was 1.4%(1/71). morbidity in hospital was 16.9%, 4 patients with Ⅲ AVB implanted permanent pacemaker, Subxiphoid pericardial window drainage in 3 cases, delayed sternal closure in 3 and re-thoratomy for hemaostsis in 2.Follow up is from 4 months to 6.8 years. Overall survival was 97.2% and 97.2% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Freedom from RVOTO was 98.6% and 84.1% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Freedom from reintervention was 98.6% and 90.0% at 1 and 5years, respectively. 1 patients performed a conduit replacement. Seven patients performed 10 times balloon dilatation . Time-related freedom from recurrent LVOTO on echocardiogram in all patients, and the pressure gradient of the LV to the aorta was(10.5±8.8 )mmHg at the most recent follow-up.@*Conclusion@#The Rastelli operation remains the preferred procedure for part of the DORV , CTGA , TGA with VSD and severe fixed valvular or subvalvular PS. The Rastelli procedure can be performed with low early mortality. There is frequent need for late reoperation, especially for conduit replacement.

True aneurysmal dilatation of a valved bovine jugular vein conduit after right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction: a rare complication.

Valved bovine jugular vein conduit is considered a suitable choice for paediatric population with congenital heart defect requiring right ventricle to main pulmonary artery connection. However, complications related to the use of this device have been reported, with conduit failure occurring mainly as a consequence of stenosis, conduit thrombosis, and valve regurgitation. We present a case of aneurysmal conduit failure of a valved bovine jugular vein conduit used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract.

Rastelli Operation for D-Transposition of the Great Arteries, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Pulmonary Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Our preferred approach for the surgical treatment of patients with D-transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis has been the Rastelli operation. We herein evaluate our 30-year experience with this procedure. METHODS: Clinical records for patients who underwent the Rastelli operation between 1988 and 2017 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes included freedom from death or cardiac transplantation and freedom from conduit reintervention. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 11.7 ± 6.8 years. Forty-three (91.5%) patients received a palliative systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt and/or atrial septostomy prior to the Rastelli procedure. Five (10.6%) patients required ventricular septal defect enlargement at the time of the Rastelli procedure. The overall mean right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit size was 17.0 mm. Mortalities included one early and three late deaths. Freedom from death or cardiac transplantation was 93% and 84% at 5 and 25 years, respectively. Seven patients required pacemaker placement, two immediately postoperatively and five late. Freedom from conduit replacement was 85% and 25% at 5 and 15 years, respectively. Seven (14.9%) patients required a second conduit intervention. Forty-one (87.2%) patients were New York Heart Association class I or II at the most recent follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The Rastelli operation for D-transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis offers excellent mid- to long-term survival. The need for conduit replacement remains the most common indication for reintervention, and further study of the optimal choice of conduit will be useful.

Outcomes of Surgical Repair of Complex D-Transposition of the Great Arteries.

BACKGROUND: D-transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or TGA-type double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) may be treated with the arterial switch operation (ASO), Rastelli, Réparation à l'Etage Ventriculaire (REV), or Nikaidoh procedures. We evaluated midterm results of these techniques. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 42 cases of anatomic repair from 2005 to 2014 at our institution for TGA (n = 29) or TGA-type DORV (n = 13) with VSD and LVOTO. We analyzed outcomes (mortality, reoperation, residual/recurrent LVOT peak gradient ≥20 mm Hg, right ventricular outflow tract [RVOT] peak gradient ≥40 mm Hg) and performed a risk analysis. Mean follow-up was 5.77 ± 3.08 years. RESULTS: Seventeen (40.5%) patients had an ASO with (n = 4) or without (n = 13) LVOTO resection. The Rastelli, REV, and Nikaidoh procedures were used in 14 (33%), 5 (12%), and 6 (14%) patients, respectively. There were no mortalities or moderate aortic insufficiency at last follow-up. Three (9%) patients developed LVOT gradient ≥20 mm Hg, while nine (21.4%) patients had RVOT obstruction. Reoperations included RVOT/pulmonary artery reoperation (n = 10; 23.8%) and LVOT reoperation (n = 1; 2.5%). Freedom from reoperation was 84% ± 6% and 75% ± 9% at one and three years, respectively, for the entire cohort with no differences between groups by type of operation (log-rank P = .64). The Nikaidoh procedure compared favorably to all other techniques in terms of reoperation (n = 0/6; 0% vs n = 13/36; 36%; P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Midterm outcomes after anatomic repair for TGA or TGA-type DORV with LVOTO and VSD are excellent but vary by surgical technique. The Nikaidoh procedure seems to compare favorably to the other techniques.

Long-term Effect of Enlargement of a Ventricular Septal Defect in the Rastelli Procedure.

We investigated the effect of ventricular septal defect (VSD) enlargement on long-term surgical results, late arrhythmia, and left ventricular (LV) function in the Rastelli procedure for D-transposition of the great arteries with LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). From 1979 to 2001, 74 patients (D-transposition of the great arteries, n = 56; double outlet right ventricle, n = 18) underwent the Rastelli procedure. In group A, 46 patients underwent the Rastelli procedure with VSD enlargement, and in group B, 28 patients underwent the Rastelli procedure without enlargement. There were no hospital deaths. Actuarial survival at 20 years was 80% in group A and 91% in group B (P = 0.50). Freedom from reoperations at 20 years was 40.1% in group A and 52.0% in group B. Reoperations for LVOTO were performed in 2 patients in both groups. In postoperative catheterization, LV ejection fraction in group A was 57.1% ± 8.7% vs 57.2% ± 8.1% in group B (P = 0.97); LV end-diastolic volume, 150.0% ± 47.2% vs 142.0% ± 36.9% of the normal volume (P = 0.97). In long-term postoperative echocardiography, the pressure gradient of the LV to the aorta was 12.0 ± 12.8 vs 17.7 ± 26.0 mm Hg in groups A and B (P = 0.31). There were no differences between the groups regarding basal rhythms, anti-arrhythmic agents, and pacemaker implantation rate. VSD enlargement in the Rastelli procedure can be safely performed without early mortality and with long-term low mortality and morbidity regarding arrhythmia, LV function, and reoperation for late LVOTO. VSD enlargement should be considered as an option for avoiding long-term LVOTO.

Bilateral Coronary-Pulmonary Artery Fistulas in Pulmonary Atresia With Ventricular Septal Defect.

We present a very rare case of bilateral coronary to pulmonary artery fistulas associated with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. The courses of coronary to pulmonary artery fistulas have to be clearly delineated by detailed angiography prior to corrective surgery.

Late Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction Following the Rastelli Operation: Expectations Out to 20 Years.

BACKGROUND: Consensus is lacking regarding the optimal operation for transposition, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis. METHODS: Between 1968 and 2012, a total of 76 patients underwent the Rastelli procedure, with 52 mid- or long-term survivors. A bracketing analysis was used to estimate the likelihood of late left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). RESULTS: Early mortality decreased over the period of study, with no hospital mortality since 2000. Among one year survivors, 10- and 20-year survival was 90% and 72%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation for LVOTO was 87% at 20 years, with no increase in risk among patients having the procedure before 5 years of age. Available late echocardiographic or catheterization data indicated mild or no LVOTO at a median of 14.3 years in a subset of 38 patients. Estimated freedom from major LVOTO at 20 years is bracketed between the estimate of 87% freedom from reoperation for LVOTO at 20 years and the 78% freedom from reoperation for LVOTO or cardiac death by 20 years. CONCLUSION: The Rastelli operation can be performed in the current era with an early mortality that approaches 0% and with 20-year survival that exceeds 70%. The late risk of important LVOTO appears to range from about 13% to 22% at 20 years, with no increase in risk among patients operated upon before the age of 5 years.

Current mid-term outcome with an integrated surgical strategy for correction of d-transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal surgical treatment strategy for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) leading to the best long-term outcome has not been established yet. The wide range of anatomical variability has led to the development of different surgical treatment options. In a retrospective single-centre review, we aimed to report the long-term outcome in patients who underwent biventricular repair. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2015, 49 patients underwent biventricular repair for TGA with VSD and LVOTO. On the basis of anatomical substrate, the type of repair was chosen. According to the type of repair, the patients were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 30 patients) includes all patients who underwent intraventricular rerouting (Rastelli, n = 22; réparation à l'étage ventriculaire, n = 8); Group B patients (n = 14) had repair on an arterial level (arterial switch operation + VSD closure + LVOTO resection, n = 10; Bex-Nikaidoh, n = 4). RESULTS: The follow-up was completed in 90% with a median follow-up of 12.3 years (17.1-17.7 years). There was no difference in survival (Group A: 97% at 5, 10 and 15 years; Group B: 92% at 5, 10 and 15 years) and functional outcome between the groups. All patients were in New York Heart Association class I, having sinus rhythm and normal left ventricular (LV) function. Neurological and educational development was adequate for age in all but one who suffered from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Group A exhibited significantly less freedom from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reoperations/reintervention (79, 48 and 21% at 5, 10 and 15 years) (P = 0.008) due to RVOT dysfunction and endocarditis. Event-free LVOTO survival in Group A at 5, 10 and 15 years amounted to 96, 91 and 91% and was similar to Group B with event-free LVOTO survival at 5, 10 and 15 years of 100, 88 and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LV function is well preserved irrespective of the type of procedure. Patients who had undergone intraventricular rerouting (Group A) suffered from recurrent RVOT interventions due to RVOT dysfunction and endocarditis. The neurological outcome and the educational level were adequate for age in both groups. Executing the appropriate type of surgery for the individual patient's anatomy provides excellent functional and event-free outcome.

Effects of surgical en bloc rotation of the arterial trunk on the conduction system in children with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The standard surgical management of patients with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis is the Rastelli operation. Recently, en bloc rotation of the arterial trunk, by cutting out the aortic and the pulmonary root in one block and by rotating it 180°, has been introduced as a new option for anatomical repair. METHODS: To evaluate the effects of this surgical method on the conduction system, pre-operative, post-operative, and follow-up electrocardiograms as well as patient charts were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 16 consecutive patients with transposition of the great arteries and left outflow tract obstruction were treated with en bloc rotation. RESULTS: During the post-operative period, there were two patients with complete atrio-ventricular block, one with junctional ectopic tachycardia, one with ventricular tachycardia, and one with supraventricular tachycardia. None of the patients had a typical right bundle branch block pattern before surgery; however, this pattern was detectable after surgery in eight out of 16 patients (50%), which persisted during the follow-up. All patients without typical right bundle branch block pattern showed a median QRS duration of 65 ms (54-112 ms) before surgery, 62 ms (54-122 ms) after surgery, and 84 ms (66-128 ms) at the last follow-up visit. This compares well with a similar Rastelli cohort, where a right bundle branch block prevalence of 77% was reported. Out of 16 patients, 12 showed non-specific ST changes and negative T-waves, which persisted during follow-up with an unknown significance for the future. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that en bloc rotation of the arterial trunk seems not to have more negative effects on the conduction system than the Rastelli operation.

Anatomic repair of complex transposition with en bloc rotation of the truncus arteriosus: 10-year experience†.

OBJECTIVES: Transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction are commonly called complex transposition. The traditional method of repair is the Rastelli procedure. Aortic translocation (Nikaidoh 1984) provides a more anatomic repair of this malformation. En bloc rotation of the truncus arteriosus (double root translocation, half turn truncal switch procedure) was introduced in 2003 (Yamagishi), and offers a complete anatomic repair with growth potential in all tubular structures. The aim of this study was to analyse our general experience with this method and the mid-term results concerning growth of the tubular structures as well as the function of the semilunar valves, if preserved. METHODS: Nineteen patients with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or similar cases of double outlet right ventricle (DORV) have been treated by an en bloc rotation of the truncus arteriosus in our centre since 2003. Patient age ranged between 4 days and 6.46 years. The median age was 0.39 [0.1; 2.25] years. Weight ranged between 3.1 and 18.8 kg. Median weight was 5.6 [3.6; 9] kg. Five patients had received between 1 and 4 palliative procedures prior to the definitive repair. The pulmonary valve could be preserved in 15 cases, whereas a transannular patch was necessary in 4 cases. RESULTS: One patient died of chronic left ventricular failure during the hospital stay. One patient acquired a severe cerebral haemorrhage 3 weeks after the operation. She was discharged and died 6 months later. One patient is not in a follow-up programme. Sixteen patients are now followed over a period of 153 days to 9.96 years. Aortic and pulmonary valves showed proportional growth during the follow-up period. The preserved pulmonary valves were small for age, but kept their competence satisfactorily. Three patients required a reoperation: one aortic valve repair, 1 permanent pacemaker, VSD closure. CONCLUSIONS: Up to now, reoperations had been caused by technical issues. The reoperation rate can be kept low, by understanding some important features of this procedure and avoiding these problems. Complete anatomic repair with growth potential and satisfactory preserved pulmonary valve function is possible.

Damus anastomosis associated with REV/Rastelli procedure allows to extend indications for anatomical repair in complex transposition of great arteries.

We report here the indications and the results of a surgical option associating a Damus procedure with a 'Réparation à l'Etage Ventriculaire' (REV)/Rastelli procedure, for anatomical repair of patients presenting with complex transposition of great arteries (TGA), restrictive/remote ventricular septal defect (VSD) and pulmonary stenosis (PS). Five consecutive patients (median age: 11 months (range: 20 days to 15 years)) presenting with complex TGA-VSD-PS and anatomical lesions resulting in a contraindication to a Nikaidoh procedure were included. Two of them presented with a postoperative restrictive left ventricle-to-aorta baffle and secondarily underwent a modified Damus procedure a few days after the REV or Rastelli procedure. In the other 3 patients, the Damus procedure was primarily performed at the time of the REV or Rastelli procedure. No death occurred. At the last follow-up (mean: 31 ± 37 months), all patients displayed an excellent functional status and an unobstructed left ventricular outflow tract in echocardiography. Associating a Damus procedure with a REV/Rastelli procedure can be considered as an effective and low-risk surgical option to extend the indications for anatomical repair in patients with complex TGA-VSD-PS and anatomical findings precluding other surgical options.

Aneurysmal dilatation without distal obstruction: a rare complication of valved bovine jugular vein conduit.

Valved bovine jugular vein (Contegra) conduit is considered a suitable choice for pediatric population with congenital heart defect requiring right ventricle to main pulmonary artery connection. Intermediate follow-up studies have shown the propensity of developing distal conduit stenosis and valve thrombosis. We present a rare case of aneurysmal dilatation of the conduit leading to valve failure requiring conduit explantation.