Taussig-Bing anomaly and coarctation of the aorta in infancy: surgical options

The coexistence of the Taussig-Bing anomaly and coarctation of the aorta is a highly complex situation carrying a dismal prognosis. Through our experience and a review, we have observed that neonates requiring coarctation repair, pulmonary artery banding, and patent ductus ligation are at high risk of expiring before reaching an age at which a difficult total repair is feasible. It appears that patients presenting beyond the neonatal period have a better chance of surviving an initial surgical procedure and the definitive repair. A surgical management protocol has been suggested. Although associated with an uncertain late prognosis, arterial level repairs are the most physiologic, and their results to date are encouraging.