Surgical repair of interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect

Background Interrupted aortic arch is often associated with subaortic narrowing and hypoplasia of the aortic orifice. The best surgical strategy for the management of these additional lesions is a matter of current debate. Methods and Results Between 1986 and 1996, 19 patients underwent repair of interrupted aortic arch with closure of ventricular septal defect in a single stage, with no attempt at subaortic resection, irrespective of the dimensions of the left ventricular outflow tract. There was no perioperative hospital mortality, and all patients were alive at 1 year. Follow-up ranges from 0.75 −10 years, with a mean 4.2 ± 3.0 years. Seven patients (37%) have required reintervention for relief of subaortic stenosis, 2 of whom have died. Conclusions Our results suggest that primary one-stage biventricular repair can be accomplished with low perioperative mortality without addressing the subaortic region. Further long-term follow-up will determine whether this is accomplished at the expense of later morbidity and mortality.