The Blalock-Hanlon operation: an anachronism?

Some surgeons advocate early correction of dextrotransposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) using hypothermic circulatory arrest when Rashkind balloon atrial septostomy is inadequate. An alternative procedure is a Blalock-Hanlon closed atrial septectomy. From 1971 to 1985, 19 patients underwent the latter procedure for D-TGA at our institution. Three had it as the first procedure, and 16 had undergone Rashkind balloon atrial septostomy, which was unsuccessful. Age at performance of the Blalock-Hanlon closed atrial septectomy ranged from 1 day to 5 months (mean, 2.51 months). There were no operative deaths. Subsequently, 18 children have had a Mustard procedure, and 1, a Rastelli procedure (average age at definitive repair, 25.31 months). One death followed definitive repair (combined mortality, 5%). On room air, average partial pressure of arterial oxygen rose from 23.25 mm Hg prior to closed atrial septectomy to 31.45 mm Hg at discharge. Average hematocrit fell from 58.37% prior to closed atrial septectomy to 53.94% prior to definitive repair. At the time of definitive repair, percentile height ranged from the 3rd to the 95th percentile (mean, 44th percentile) and weight ranged from the 3rd to the 90th percentile (mean, 32.5th percentile). In 1 infant, transient neurological symptoms developed three days following Blalock-Hanlon atrial septectomy. The symptoms were due to multiple cerebral infarctions thought to be caused by emboli. No permanent neurological deficit resulted. We believe that the infant with an inadequate Rashkind balloon atrial septostomy prior to age 6 months should undergo a Blalock-Hanlon septectomy followed by definitive repair timed on the basis of the baby's growth, associated anomalies, and evidence of pulmonary hypertension.