CORRECTION OF TRUNCUS ARTERIOSUS WITH AUTOLOGOUS ARTERIAL FLAP IN NEONATES AND SMALL INFANTS

Background. This study describes the results of techniques using the a utologous truncal wall and part of the pulmonary artery for correction in anticipation of the growth of the pulmonary tract in patients with truncus arteriosus. Methods. Seven consecutive patients with truncus arteriosus were reviewed. The posterior wall of the pulmonary tract wa s obtained by anastomosing the lower edge of the truncal arteriotomy t o the upper corner of the ventriculotomy from the truncus in types I a nd II. Anterior translocation of the pulmonary artery was performed in a type III. A pericardial patch with or without a monocusp was placed to complete the right ventricular outflow tract. Results. There were two hospital deaths, one of which was unrelated to a cardiac problem. Postoperative right-to-left ventricular peak pressure ratio was less t han 0.55. There was one left pulmonary stenosis due to monocusp adhere nce in the late postoperative period. The sizes of the pulmonary tract at anastomosis were between 107% and 166% of the normal value between 7 months and 3.8 years of follow-up. Conclusions. The use of autologo us arterial wall instead of a conduit is recommended for the repair of truncus arteriosus to expect growth of the pulmonary tract.