Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect in Neonates: Indications and Outcomes

Background:The optimal surgical timing and clinical outcomes of ventricular septal defect(VSD)closure in neo-nates remain unclear.We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of VSD closure in neonates(age≤30 days).Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive neonates who underwent VSD closure for isolated VSDs between August 2003 and June 2021.Indications for the procedure included congestive heart failure/failure to thrive and pulmonary hypertension.Major adverse events(MAEs)were defined as the composite of all-cause mortality,reoperation,persistent atrioventricular block,and significant(≥grade 2)valvular dysfunction.Results:The median age and body weight at operation were 26.0 days(interquartile range[IQR],18.8–28.3)and 3.7 kg(IQR,3.3–4.2),respectively.The median follow-up duration was 110.4 months(IQR,56.8–165.0).Seven patients required preoperative respiratory support,andfive had significant(≥grade 2)preoperative valvular dysfunction.One early mortality occurred due to irreversible cardiogenic shock;no late mortality was observed.One reopera-tion was due to hemodynamically significant residual VSD at 103.8 months postoperatively.The overall survival,freedom from reoperation,and freedom from MAE at 15-years were 98.0%,96.3%,and 94.4%,respectively.Pre-operative mechanical ventilation was associated with a longer duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation(p<0.001)and a longer length of intensive care unit stay(p<0.001).Conclusions:VSD closure with favorable outcomes without morbidities is feasible even in neonates.However,neonates requiring preoperative respiratory support may require careful postoperative management considering the long-term postoperative risks.Overall,surgical VSD closure might be indicated earlier in neonates with respiratory compromise.

Long-Term Outcome and Risk Factor Analysis of Surgical Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Congenital Heart Disease

Objectives:To establish long-term outcome of surgical pulmonary valve replacement(PVR)in congenital heart disease(CHD)and to identify risk factors for overall mortality,operative mortality,and repetitive PVR.Methods:This is a retrospective study of 375 surgical PVR in 293 patients who underwent surgical PVR for CHD between January 2000 and May 2020.We only included patients with index PVR with previous open-heart surgery regardless of the number of PVRs.The previous surgical history of patients who underwent PVR during the study period was also included.Patients who underwent the Rastelli operation,and those who underwent single PVR without previous open-heart surgery were excluded.Results:The median age of the patients at the time of surgical PVR was 14.9 years(Interquartile range,IQR,11.0–22.0).The median follow-up duration was 10.5 years(IQR,5.5–14.8 years).There were 3 patients with operative mortality(1.0%)and 15 patients with overall mortality(5.1%).The survival rate was 95.1%over 20 years follow-up period.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that more than 3 times of previous open-heart surgeries before surgical PVR,older age at the first operation,longer cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)time and longer intensive care unit(ICU)stay were predictors for overall mortality.Patients who underwent surgical PVR after more than 3 times of previous open-heart surgeries had significantly higher mortality than those who underwent open-heart surgeries less than 3 times(P<0.001).Age younger than 10 years,male,multiple valve problems and longer ICU stay were significant predictors for repetitive PVR by multivariate analysis.Conclusions:Though surgical PVR has excellent long-term outcome,it should be performed with caution for those who previously underwent multiple open-heart surgeries,especially if patient received more than 3 times of open-heart surgeries.

Concordant Atrioventricular Connection to L-Looped Ventricles with the Left Ventricle on Top of the Right Ventricle in Situs Solitus:A Case Report with 3D Modelling and Printing

We report the case of a rare complex cardiac anomaly involving situs solitus,concordant atrioventricular connection with left-hand ventricular topology,and L-looped ventricles.The ventricles had a superior-inferior relationship with an inferiorly located right ventricle,which had a double outlet with far posteriorly located great arteries.The left atrium was elongated,with juxta-positioned atrial appendages on the right side.The 3D-printed model using a computed tomography scan taken on the fourth day of birth demonstrated the anatomy clearly and helped us decide on the surgical management.

Coronary Artery Complications after Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction Surgery

Background:Mechanisms and clinical manifestations of coronary artery complications after right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction surgery are not well known.Methods:Patients who had coronary artery complications after pulmonary valve replacement or the Rastelli procedure at a single tertiary centre were retrospectively analysed.Results:Coronary artery complications were identified in 20 patients who underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction surgery.The median age at diagnosis of coronary artery complication was 21 years(interquartile range:13–25 years).Mechanisms of coronary artery complications were compression by adjacent materials in 12 patients,dynamic compression of intramural course of coronary artery in two patients,and intraoperative injury in six patients.Congenital coronary artery anomalies were identified in 50%(10/20)of patients.Four patients presented with early postoperative haemodynamic instability.Fourteen patients showed late onset symptoms or signs of coronary insufficiency,including chest pain,ventricular dysfunction,or ventricular arrhythmias.Coronary artery stenosis was incidentally found on cardiac computed tomography angiography in two asymptomatic patients.Four patients underwent surgical interventions,and one patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary stenosis.One patient with recurrent ventricular tachycardia required an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.There were two deaths in patients with intraoperative coronary injury.Conclusion:Preoperative coronary evaluation and long-term follow-up for the development of coronary artery complications are required in patients undergoing right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction surgery to prevent ventricular dysfunction,arrhythmias,and death,especially among those with congenital coronary anomalies.