Early elective senning repair: optimal operative strategy for simple transposition of the great arteries

After the inception of a new pediatric cardiovascular service, we reviewed the management of the first eight consecutive neonatal patients with simple transposition of the great arteries who underwent successful balloon atrial septostomy. Immediate cardiac catheterization and septostomy were performed, and all were discharged in good condition. Each returned at about 6 months of age for elective Senning repair in which the hypothermic arrest technique was used. All survived and are doing well at follow-up that now averages 20 months, and is over 1 year in every instance. While late follow-up is not yet available, it appears that this approach of early, elective repair of simple transposition can give optimal results, even within the context of a new clinical program.