Outcome of aortic arch reconstruction in infants with coarctation: Importance of operative approach

Objectives: Coarctation with hypoplastic aortic arch can be treated with resection and extended end-to-end anastomosis (REEEA) as well as end-to-side anastomosis (ESA). The aim of the study was to review our experience with these techniques in newborns and infants and to assess mid-term outcome with regards to morbidity, mortality, and reintervention rate in relation to operative access and technique. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of hospital charts and surgical reports from 183 consecutive newborns and infants with coarctation and hypoplastic aortic arch with or without ventricular septal defect between 1996 and 2013. Median age at surgery was 15 days (0-345). Lateral thoracotomy was used as operative access in 111 patients; 72 patients had a median sternotomy, 71 of them with cardiopulmonary bypass (ESA n = 30, REEEA n = 41). Fifty-two patients (28.4%) had an additional ventricular septal defect closure. Follow-up data were available for 75.96% with a median follow-up of 6.3 years (0.2-18.16 years). Results: Thirty-day mortality was 0.54% with no late mortality occurring during follow-up. There was 1 severe complication: paraplegia and cerebral hypoxemia after REEEA. Freedom from mortality and reintervention at 10 years was 99.27% and 90.12%, respectively. Lateral thoracotomy as operative access was a risk factor for recurrent obstruction (P = .03). Conclusions: REEEA and ESA were safe and effective treatments in newborns and infants. In borderline cases, aortic arch reconstruction should be performed through a median sternotomy on bypass.