The objective of this study was to describe the institutional experience with interventional treatment of atrial sequelae late after atrial correction for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). A retrospective observational study identified 13 long-term survivors of atrial correction for TGA (median age, 20.5 years; range, 13.8-33.0) with atrial inflow obstruction and/or interatrial defects. Balloon-expandable stents were used for relief of atrial inflow obstructions and interatrial defects closed with devices. Feasibility, periprocedural complications, residual or new obstructions or leaks at follow-up were investigated. Fourteen successful procedures were performed in 12 patients; one procedure failed. Five stents were placed for obstruction of the superior caval vein, three for obstruction of the inferior caval vein, and one for obstruction of the pulmonary venous return. Five septal occluders were implanted. Localization of the interatrial defects required atypical implantation techniques and resulted in atypical device positions. No complications occurred with stent or device implantation. There were no residual shunts through or around the septal occluders. None of the patients had new implant-related obstruction or leakage during a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 6-45). Stent implantation for obstruction of the pulmonary or systemic venous return in patients after atrial redirection for TGA is safe and effective. Follow-up suggests excellent maintenance of patency. Interatrial defects can be closed with septal occluders despite atypical defect positions in these patients. Combined use of both devices in adjacent positions is feasible. These interventions help to avoid high-risk surgery.
Copyright 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.