Left-Sided Reoperations After Arterial Switch Operation: A European Multicenter Study

Background We sought to report the frequency, types, and outcomes of left-sided reoperations (LSRs) after an arterial switch operation (ASO) for patients with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) and double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) TGA-type. Methods Seventeen centers belonging to the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association (ECHSA) contributed to data collection. We included 111 patients who underwent LSRs after 7,951 ASOs (1.4%) between January 1975 and December 2010. Original diagnoses included D-TGA (n = 99) and DORV TGA-type (n = 12). Main indications for LSR were neoaortic valve insufficiency (n = 52 [47%]) and coronary artery problems (CAPs) (n = 21 [19%]). Results Median age at reoperation was 8.2 years (interquartile range [IQR], 2.9–14 years). Seven patients died early after LSRs (6.3%); 4 patients with D-TGA (5.9%) and 3 patients with DORV TGA-type (25%) (p = 0.02). Median age at last follow-up was 16.1 years (IQR, 9.9–21.8 years). Seventeen patients (16%) required another reoperation, which was more frequent in patients with DORV- TGA type (4 of 9 [45%]) than in patients with D-TGA (13 of 95 [14%]). Late death occurred in 4 patients (4 of 104 [3.8%]). The majority of survivors were asymptomatic at last clinical examination (84 of 100 [84%]). Conclusions Reoperations for residual LSRs are infrequent but may become necessary late after an ASO, predominantly for neoaortic valve insufficiency and CAPs. Risk at reoperation is not negligible, and DORV TGA-type anatomy, as well as procedures on the coronary arteries, were significantly associated with a higher morbidity and a lower overall survival. Recurrent reoperations after LSRs may be required.