Single-stage arterial switch with aortic arch enlargement for transposition complexes with aortic arch obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Patients with transposition complexes and aortic arch obstruction are a surgical challenge with significant mortality. We have adopted an aggressive approach of concurrent aortic arch repair and arterial switch operation with excellent results.

METHODS: Since 1989, 12 of 13 patients with aortic arch obstruction and transposition of the great arteries or double-outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary ventricular septal defect have undergone complete single-stage repair. One patient underwent a two-stage repair because of hemodynamic instability. The median age of repair was 27 days and the median weight was 3.5 kg. Surgical technique involved the arterial switch operation and ventricular septal defect closure when present in 12 patients. One patient with severe subaortic stenosis underwent a modified Damus-Kaye-Stansel operation with concomitant aortic arch enlargement. The aortic arch was enlarged in 12 of 13 patients with a pulmonary homograft patch.

RESULTS: There have been no early deaths and only one late death at 39 months postoperatively from hepatoblastoma. The mean follow-up is 42 months. There have been no reoperations for recurrent aortic arch obstruction. All survivors are currently well from a cardiac point of view.

CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant single-stage repair for transposition complexes with aortic arch obstruction achieves excellent survival and should be the surgical procedure of choice.