Bilateral minithoractomy repair of aortic coarctation with ventricular septal defect and persistent ductus arteriosus

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Aortic coarctation, ventricular septal defect, and persistent ductus arteriosus are common congenital heart defects requiring surgical intervention.
• Surgical repair aims to correct anatomical abnormalities and improve cardiovascular function in pediatric patients.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old female child presented with multiple complex congenital heart defects.
• The patient underwent surgical correction utilizing bilateral minithoracotomies, a minimally invasive approach.

Findings:

• The surgical repair was successful, with the patient demonstrating excellent recovery at 6-month follow-up.
• Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed an intact ventricular septum and no significant residual gradient across the aortic repair site.
• The patient exhibited increased exercise tolerance post-surgery.

Implications:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques can be effective for complex congenital heart disease in children.
• Successful surgical correction leads to improved long-term outcomes, including enhanced quality of life and exercise capacity.
• Early and accurate echocardiographic assessment is crucial for monitoring post-operative recovery and repair integrity.