Outcomes of swing-back aortic arch repair in arterial switch and Norwood operations

The outcomes of the swing-back technique for aortic arch repair during the arterial switch and Norwood operations are not well reported. Between May 2004 and January 2011, we performed this technique during the arterial switch and Norwood operations in 2 and 4 patients, respectively. The median (range) patient age and body weight were 17 (12–147) days and 3.4 (2.2–6.1) kg, respectively. All patients survived the procedures. The median follow-up duration was 4 (1–8) years. One patient showed recoarctation in the early postoperative period, which was successfully repaired by a single-catheter intervention. The latest median pressure gradient across the neoaortic arch was 0 (0–6) mmHg. Neoaortic valve regurgitation was found to be minimal by echocardiography. During the follow-up period, the Fontan operation was performed in all the patients who underwent the Norwood operation. These results suggest that the swing-back technique yields satisfactory mid-term outcomes.