Long-term Outcomes of Staged Complete Repair of Pulmonary Atresia With Ventricular Septal Defect

Ann Thorac Surg. 2023 Feb;115(2):445-451. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.09.022. Epub 2022 Sep 23.

Abstract

Background: The optimal strategy for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) without major aortopulmonary collateral arteries is yet to be defined. It remains unclear how primary complete repair compares with staged repair.

Methods: This study reviewed the records of 107 patients with PA-VSD who were managed with systemic-to-pulmonary shunts from February 1989 to November 2019. Tables presenting summary statistics of patient and surgical data and Kaplan-Meier curves showing repair, mortality, and reoperation were created. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for repair, morbidity, and mortality.

Results: A total of 91 (85%) patients achieved complete repair at a median age of 1 year (interquartile range [IQR], 8-20 months). Survival was as follows: 97 (90%) patients at 6 months, 91 (85%) at 20 months, and 87 (81%) at 10 years. A shunt diameter of 3.5 mm or less (P = .006) and shunt after 2009 (P < .001) were associated with earlier progression to complete repair. A shunt diameter of 3.5 mm or less was an independent risk factor for interstage morbidity (hazard ratio, 4.5; IQR, 1.1-18.5; P = .039), but it was not associated with complete repair (P = .75) or mortality (P = .62). The median follow-up period was 10.5 years (IQR, 3.6-18.8 years) from birth.

Conclusions: The complete repair and long-term survival rates of staged PA-VSD repair are high. The use of smaller shunts has resulted in earlier complete repair and is associated with increased risk of morbidity but not mortality.

MeSH terms

  • Collateral Circulation
  • Heart Septal Defects* / surgery
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Pulmonary Artery / surgery
  • Pulmonary Atresia*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Supplementary concepts

  • Pulmonary Atresia With Ventricular Septal Defect