Incidence and Risk Factors for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction after the Arterial Switch Operation

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019 Jan;67(1):37-43. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1645877. Epub 2018 May 1.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for the development of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) after the arterial switch operation (ASO).

Methods: Between 1983 and 2014, a total of 688 patients underwent ASO. RVOTO was defined as any obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) requiring reintervention.

Results: RVOTO developed in 79 patients (11%) at a median time of 3.8 years (range, 1 day-23.6 years) after ASO. Freedom from RVOT reintervention was 96 ± 1, 89 ± 1, and 83 ± 2% at 1, 10, and 25 years, respectively. Independent risk factors for the development of RVOTO in a Cox's regression model were side-by-side great arteries (p < 0.001), aortic arch anomalies (p < 0.001), use of a pericardial patch for augmentation of the coronary buttons (p < 0.001), and a peak gradient more than 20 mm Hg over the RVOT at discharge (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The incidence of RVOTO after ASO is not negligible. Complex morphology, such as side-by-side great arteries and aortic arch anomalies influences the development of RVOTO.

MeSH terms

  • Arterial Switch Operation / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / diagnosis
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / epidemiology
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / physiopathology
  • Transposition of Great Vessels / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Outflow Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Outflow Obstruction / epidemiology*
  • Ventricular Outflow Obstruction / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Outflow Obstruction / therapy