Early prophylactic pulmonary artery banding in isolated congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.

OBJECTIVE: Mid-term evaluation of an aggressive surgical management of isolated congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) by pulmonary artery (PA) banding in early infancy.

METHODS: Between 2001 and 2009, 11 asymptomatic patients (seven neonates and four infants) underwent a dilatable, partially adjustable, homemade PA banding for ccTGA with intact ventricular septum. PA band circumference was correlated to body weight (22 mm+1 mm kg(-1)) and ideally adjusted to obtain flat septal geometry. Mean age at operation was 1.5±1.4 months.

RESULTS: There was no hospital mortality. Mean ventilation time and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were 20±9 h and 2.6±1.5 days, respectively. Five patients required postoperative inotropic support. One late death occurred suddenly at 4 months; normal biventricular function and no tricuspid regurgitation were noted at last follow-up, 1 week before death. Mean follow-up was 21.5±26 months. Mean band velocity increased over time from 2.65±0.7 m s(-1) postoperatively to 3.7±0.3 at 6 months and 4.5±0.4 m s(-1) at 2 years. Tricuspid regurgitation remained stable in seven patients, decreased in three and worsened in one. Flat septal geometry was obtained in all patients after the third postoperative month. One patient underwent a double-switch procedure at 7 years due to suprasystemic morphologically left ventricular pressure. The postoperative course was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS: In neonates with isolated ccTGA, prophylactic PA banding is safe and carries a low morbidity. At mid-term evaluation, tricuspid valve function is stabilised or improved and systemic competence of the left ventricle is maintained, thus allowing double switch if indicated.