Surgical correction of truncus arteriosus type I

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Surgery
• Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

• Truncus arteriosus type I is a complex congenital heart defect requiring surgical intervention.
• Previous pulmonary artery banding was performed in two patients prior to corrective surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of corrective operations for truncus arteriosus type I.
• To determine the optimal timing for surgical correction to prevent complications.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients with truncus arteriosus type I underwent intracardiac correction between 1976 and 1981.
• Correction involved VSD closure, aortic-pulmonary trunk disconnection, and RV outflow tract reconstruction with a valved conduit.

Main Results:

• Seven of eight patients survived the corrective surgery with good condition and faultless conduit function postoperatively.
• One patient died due to right heart failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension, despite prior pulmonary artery banding.
• Pulmonary hypertension persisted in one survivor, highlighting the risk of delayed intervention.

Conclusions:

• Primary correction of truncus arteriosus should be performed in early infancy.
• Early surgical intervention is essential to prevent the development of irreversible pulmonary vascular disease and improve patient outcomes.