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Persistent truncus arteriosus operated during infancy: long-term follow-up
Z Slavik1, B R Keeton, A P Salmon
1Wessex Cardiac and Thoracic Centre, Southampton General Hospital, U.K.
Pediatric Cardiology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Surgical correction for persistent truncus arteriosus using antibiotic-sterilized aortic homografts demonstrated low early mortality and excellent long-term outcomes. Most survivors achieved good functional status, with homograft durability supporting favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Engineering
Background:
- Persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA) is a complex congenital heart defect requiring surgical intervention.
- Early surgical correction is crucial for infant survival and long-term health.
- The use of homografts in pediatric cardiac surgery presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of using antibiotic-sterilized aortic homografts for surgical correction of persistent truncus arteriosus in infants.
- To assess the durability of homografts and the need for reintervention.
- To identify factors influencing outcomes, such as preoperative truncal valve function.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 19 infants undergoing surgical correction for PTA between 1974 and 1988.
- Surgical technique involved right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery continuity with an aortic homograft and ventricular septal defect closure.
- Long-term follow-up assessed mortality, reinterventions, functional status (NYHA class), and homograft performance.
Main Results:
- Low early postoperative mortality (16%) with 3 deaths related to severe aortic regurgitation or preoperative cardiac arrest.
- The 16 survivors were followed for a mean of 7.8 years, with 15 in NYHA class I.
- Four patients required homograft or aortic valve replacement, but 9 of 13 without aortic valve surgery had no significant stenosis or regurgitation at follow-up.
- Median residual peak gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract was 15 mmHg, with no severe homograft regurgitation at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Surgical repair of persistent truncus arteriosus using antibiotic-sterilized aortic homografts offers low early mortality and excellent long-term survival.
- The homograft demonstrates durable function, with a low incidence of severe regurgitation or stenosis at long-term follow-up.
- Good preoperative truncal valve function is associated with a lower likelihood of requiring subsequent aortic valve surgery.