Recurrent Neoaortic Insufficiency After the Switch Back Operation With Previous Repair of Transposition With Ventricular Septal Defect and Aortic Arch Hypoplasia

Neoaortic insufficiency is not uncommon after the arterial switch operation (ASO) for d-Transposition, yet surgery is rarely required. In a patient with worsening neoaortic regurgitation post-arterial switch and ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure, we performed a successful “switch back” operation with documented aortic valve competence on discharge echocardiography. However, recurrent severe aortic insufficiency required valve replacement, and histopathology of the excised valve indicated abnormal leaflet/vascular wall structure. We question whether the switch back operation is a viable option for neoaortic insufficiency after an ASO in patients with previous d-Transposition and VSD, when the native pulmonary valve may have structural deficiencies.