Complications of extra-anatomic aortic bypass for complex coarctation and aortic arch hypoplasia

Background: We have adopted the extra-anatomic bypass graft as the procedure of choice for the treatment of coarctation and aortic arch hypoplasia in the adult-sized patient. However, we have experienced prolonged chest drainage and have decided to investigate this complication and the morbidity related to this procedure.

Methods: Between 1996 and 2010, 15 extra-anatomic bypass grafts of the aorta were performed in 14 patients. Their hospital records and follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed and compared with those of 14 consecutive patients operated with other conventional techniques over the same time period.

Results: There was no hospital mortality. After the extra-anatomic bypass procedure, patients had longer hospital stay because of prolonged pleural effusions. Four patients developed complications related to persistent effusions leading to reinterventions, which led to mediastinitis in 2 instances. At last follow-up, 2 of 14 patients with extra-anatomic bypass remained hypertensive, while 8 of the 14 patients who underwent other types of repair had arch obstruction, were hypertensive, or both.

Conclusions: In the adult-sized patient extra-anatomic bypass of the aortic arch relieves arch obstruction more effectively than conventional techniques. However, this technique is fraught with complications related to prolonged effusion drainage that may lead to mediastinitis and reintervention. Its indication should be weighted carefully.