Intrapulmonary channel for one-stage correction of aortic arch obstruction

There are several methods of surgical repair of aortic coarctation or interruption; the optimal technique is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess a new surgical method: intrapulmonary channel for one-stage repair of aortic coarctation or interruption associated with intracardiac anomalies. Between 1993 and 1995, 4 patients with aortic coarctation or interruption and intracardiac anomalies received one-stage surgical correction. Their ages ranged from 5 to 26 years (mean, 16 years). The aortic arch lesions were preductal coarctation in 2, and type B interruption in 2. Coexisting anomalies consisted of patent ductus arteriosus in 4, ventricular septal defect in 3, and aortopulmonary window in 1. An intrapulmonary channel was constructed in all patients, and co-existing anomalies were corrected simultaneously. There was no hospital death or late mortality. A cerebral complication occurred in one patient because of air embolism. Mean follow-up was 9.5 years (range, 8.5-11.5 years). There was no evidence of recoarctation or late aneurysm formation. For selected patients with aortic coarctation or interruption and intracardiac anomalies, an intrapulmonary channel might be an option for one-stage correction.