Anatomical repair of transposition of the great vessels in the neonatal period. 5 years' experience. 246 patients
Planche, C.; Bruniaux, J.; Lacour-Gayet, F.; Binet, J.P.
Chirurgie; Memoires de L'academie de Chirurgie 115(3): 202-8; Discussion 208-9
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-4001 PMID: 2805929 Document Number: 334723
In the period between april 1984 and march 1989, 246 newborn children with transposition of the great vessels benefited from anatomical repair of their heart disease. 221 children had simple transposition with normal interventricular septa. These were aged 2 to 23 days (mean age 7.8 +/- 3.5 standard deviation). 25 had transposition of the great vessels associated with a large interventricular septum defect. These were aged 7 to 30 days (mean age 18 +/- 8.3 S.D.). Associated lesions included a small interventricular septum defect in 20 cases which was not treated at the time of the operation; tricuspid insufficiency in 3 cases; and isthmic coarctation of the aorta in 10 cases. According to Yacoub's classification relative to the anatomical distribution of the coronary arteries, all the children fell into the following groups: type A, 172 cases; type B, 8 cases; type C, 12 cases; type D, 40 cases; type E, 14 cases. Preoperative catheterization was carried out in all the children. 96% benefited from Rashkin's atrioseptostomy, 90% had a prostaglandin infusion continuing through surgery. The surgical technique included the use of continuous extracorporal circulation at 20 degrees C, without circulatory arrest. Protection of the myocardium was ensured during aortic clamping by injecting of a crystalloid cardioplegia-inducing solution. The main steps of surgical repair were repositioning of the coronary arteries onto the ancient aortic stump and reconstruction of a pulmonary shunt. Repositioning of the coronary arteries was carried out in accordance with Yacoub's technique in all cases except for the 10 first patients.