Side-to-side aorto-GoreTex central shunt warrants central shunt patency and pulmonary arteries growth

Central shunts may be associated with a high rate of thrombosis and pulmonary artery distortion.

Between January 2000 and April 2010, 68 consecutive patients underwent side-to-side aorto-Gore-Tex central shunts (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). Median age at surgery was 31 days (8 to 122). Cardiac morphologies were tetralogy of Fallot (33), pulmonary atresia with collateral dependent lung circulation (20), and other (15). Shunt sizes ranged from 3 to 6 mm. The procedure was performed on cardiopulmonary bypass in 43 patients (63%).

Six patients died during hospital stay (9%) of low output syndrome (3), sepsis (2), and stroke (1). Only one shunt needed early redo. Follow-up was 100% complete. After a median follow-up of 236 days (116 to 340), there were 7 late deaths related to sudden death (3), sepsis (2), reoperation (1), and lack of growth of pulmonary arteries with a patent shunt (1). Repair was completed in 42 patients and still pending in 12. Only one patient needed a late redo shunt (221 days). A larger shunt was performed in 5 patients after a median of 139 days (130 to 258). In the 45 patients who had serial assessment of pulmonary arteries sizes, Nakata index increased from 83 ± 62 mm(2)/m(2) to 153 ± 83 mm(2)/m(2) over a median period of 227 days (146 to 330), with equal growth observed in both pulmonary arteries (p < 0.001).

Central shunts can be performed in neonates and children with minimal risk of shunt occlusion. Side-to-side aorto-Gore-Tex anastomosis seems to reliably warrant shunt patency and harmonious growth of pulmonary arteries.