Objective: Biventricular repair of aortic atresia (or severe aortic hypoplasia) is possible in the presence of a ventricular septal defect and normal left ventricle. We considered whether primary biventricular repair was a safe alternative in all cases, even in the presence of interrupted aortic arch.
Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent primary biventricular repair consisting of a combination Norwood-type reconstruction of the aortic arch, baffle of the left ventricle to both semilunar roots, and conduit placement from the right ventricle to pulmonary arteries.
Results: Between January 1995 and January 2005, a total of 21 patients underwent primary biventricular repair at a median age of 5 days and a median weight of 3.0 kg. Aortic atresia was present in 7 and aortic stenosis in 14; 6 had interrupted aortic arch. All patients with aortic stenosis had annular diameters 3 mm or smaller. Median circulatory arrest time was 55 minutes, aortic crossclamp time was 56 minutes, and total support time was 99 minutes. In-hospital survival was 100%. Postoperative echocardiography in 19 patients demonstrated no significant outflow tract obstruction. Total stay was a median of 17 days. At midterm follow-up, there has been 1 late death, and reoperation has been necessary in 10 cases.
Conclusion: Primary biventricular repair is a safe alternative to staged repair in all cases of aortic hypoplasia with ventricular septal defect and normal left ventricle.