Pericardial single-patch repair of right coronary artery from aorto-left ventricular tunnel
Victor Bautista-Hernandez1, Francisco Portela, Sonia Marcos-Alonso
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Pediatric and Congenital Heart Unit, Hospital Teresa Herrera, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, Xubias de Arribas #84. 2 feminine Planta, La Coruña, 15006, Spain. victor.bautista.hernandez@sergas.es
Abstract:
Aortico-left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is a rare congenital paravalvar communication between the aorta and the left ventricle. This anomaly has been associated with the right coronary artery (RCA) arising directly from the tunnel. Surgical repair of this later condition is challenging and is usually undertaken by closure of the ventricular and aortic ends of the tunnel and transfer of the RCA. Regardless of the surgical technique, development of early and late aortic regurgitation (AR) remains a concern. We report a neonate with ALVT and the RCA coming off the tunnel that was successfully managed by closure of both ends of the tunnel, reinforcement of the annulus with autologous pericardium, and leaving the RCA perfused by way of the tunnel. After 6 months of follow-up, no AR has been shown on echocardiography.
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