Double-decker repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return into the superior vena cava

Conventional procedures for partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) to the superior vena cava (SVC) still have serious complications, such as late SVC and/or pulmonary venous obstruction and supraventricular arrhythmia. We aimed to introduce our newly developed surgical technique with minimum right atriotomy and double-barreled arrangement of systemic and pulmonary venous channels (double-decker technique).

From 1998 to 2018, 21 consecutive patients with PAPVR to the SVC underwent this new procedure. The patients' median age and body weight were 4.4 years and 16.5 kg, respectively. Two female patients underwent lateral thoracotomy. Postoperative hemodynamics of both venous channels were assessed using time-resolved 3-dimensional magnetic resonance phase contrast imaging in 6 patients.

The median follow-up period was 11.0 years. There was no early mortality and late death. No patient required reoperation and/or intervention. All patients maintained normal sinus rhythm, and supraventricular arrhythmia did not occur. The median blood flow velocity of the neo-SVC and neopulmonary venous channel was 0.40 and 0.30 m/s, respectively. Using time-resolved 3-dimensional magnetic resonance phase contrast imaging, the straight and nonrestrictive flow and low wall shear stress were visualized in both venous channels.

Our newly developed double-decker technique is a useful alternative surgical procedure for PAPVR to the SVC. Late complications can be completely avoided using this method. Growth potential of both channels is also maintained.