Intermediate results of the double-switch operations for atrioventricular discordance

Since 1987, anatomic biventricular repair using the double-switch operations has been our principal choice for patients with atrioventricular discordance. These alternative procedures have the theoretical advantage of using the anatomic left ventricle to support the systemic circulation.

A total of 45 patients underwent the double-switch operation. Their ages ranged from 6 months to 21 years. Associated malformations included pulmonary atresia in 27, pulmonary stenosis in 11, and Ebstein's malformation in 5. An atrial switch plus an arterial switch procedure was performed in 7, and an atrial switch plus a Rastelli-type ventriculoarterial switch procedure in 38. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 15 years.

Early mortality was 8.9% (n = 4). In the latter half of the series (n = 23, since 1994), there was no early death. Six patients died late. Actuarial survival at 5 and 10 years was 83.6% and 77.6%, respectively. Six patients required conduit replacement, and 2 required revision of an intraatrial baffle for pulmonary venous channel obstruction and infection, respectively. Freedom from reoperation was 95.3% at 5 years and 76.2% at 10 years. Freedom from arrhythmia was 88.8% at 5 years and 78.4% at 10 years. The systemic ventricular ejection fraction was 0.568 +/- 0.103 at 1 year (n = 39), 0.555 +/- 0.105 at 5 years (n = 17), and 0.539 +/- 0.098 at 10 years (n = 12).

The surgical results of the double-switch operations have been improving. Intermediate follow-up suggests that these alternative procedures are a reasonable option for patients with atrioventricular discordance.