Truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch: successful correction in a neonate

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Truncus arteriosus (TA) and interrupted aortic arch (IAA) are severe congenital heart defects requiring complex surgical intervention.
• Type II TA with Type B IAA presents unique reconstructive challenges, particularly regarding aortic arch continuity and pulmonary artery (PA) origin.

Observation:

• A novel surgical approach was employed in an 11-day-old infant diagnosed with Type II TA and Type B IAA.
• The procedure involved anterior translocation of the pulmonary arteries, ductus arteriosus resection, and direct anastomosis between the descending aorta and the truncus.

Findings:

• This technique enabled wide reconstruction of the aortic arch, significantly reducing the number of critical suture lines.
• The anterior positioning of the right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit was achieved, potentially facilitating future surgical interventions.

Implications:

• This surgical strategy offers a viable option for complex TA-IAA repairs, potentially improving outcomes.
• The anterior conduit placement may streamline future conduit replacement, reducing operative complexity and risk in pediatric patients.