An Alternative Approach for a High Partially Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection to the Superior Vena Cava: “A Drawbridge Technique”

We present an alternative technique for the repair of a high partially anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava.

Surgical Management of Hearts with Isomeric Atrial Appendages

Background and aim: On the basis of previously published accounts, coupled with our own experience, we have assessed the surgical approaches to patients with isomeric atrial appendages. Methods: We reviewed pertinent published studies on surgical treatment of individuals with isomeric atrial appendages, with the pertinent surgical details provided by most of the manuscripts. Results: Half of patients with right isomerism, and two-thirds of those with left isomerism have bilateral superior caval veins. Azygos extension of the inferior caval vein is reported in three-quarters of those with left isomerism. The coronary sinus is universally absent in right isomerism, along with totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and is absent in two-fifths of those with left isomerism.. Univentricular atrioventricular connections are expected in up to three-quarters of those with right isomerism. Atrioventricular septal defect is reported in up to four-fifths, more frequently in right isomerism, with such patients typically having discordant ventriculoatrial connections or double outlet right ventricle. Reported mortalities extend to 85% for those with right, and 50% for those with left isomerism. In right isomerism, mortality is up to 54% for systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunting, up to 75% for univentricular repair, and up to 95% for repair of totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection itself. No more than one-quarter had undergone Fontan completion, with reported mortalities of 21%. Conclusion: Early surgical results are satisfactory in patients with left isomerism, but disappointing for those with right. Recent advances in cardiac and liver transplantation may offer improved survival.

Results of the early and mid-term postoperative period after correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

<p><strong>Aim.</strong> To compare complications and outcomes in the postoperative period with two different methods for correcting total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.</p><p><strong>Methods. </strong>In this pilot, two-centre, simple, blind, prospective randomised study, the patients’ quality of life after correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in infancy was evaluated using the sutureless (n = 20) and conventional repair methods (n = 20) in 40 patients. The overall mortality and complications in the mid-term were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results.</strong> The average follow-up was 15 (13; 16) months. Mortality was noted only in the conventional repair group, amounting to 5 (25%) patients (p = 0.018). Severe obstruction of the pulmonary veins anastomosis was also noted only in the conventional repair group (n = 8, 40%; p = 0.0013). Infectious endocarditis was observed in one (6.6%) patient in the conventional repair group (p = 0.42). Arrhythmias were present in 4 (26.6%) patients in the conventional repair group (p = 0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> The rates of obstruction of the pulmonary vein anastomosis, arrhythmias and death depend on the method of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection correction. The sutureless repair reduces the incidence of early and mid-term postoperative complications compared to conventional repair.</p><p>Received 16 March 2021. Revised 8 June 2021. Accepted 11 June 2021.</p><p><strong>Funding:</strong> The study did not have sponsorship.</p><p><strong>Conflict of interest:</strong> The authors declare no conflict of interest.</p><p><strong>Contribution of the authors<br /> </strong>Conception and study design: Yu.N. Gorbatykh, A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev, M.V. Plotnikov<br /> Data collection and analysis: M.V. Plotnikov, M.G. Galstyan, D.G. Tarasov<br /> Statistical analysis: M.V. Plotnikov<br /> Drafting the article: M.V. Plotnikov, Yu.N. Gorbatykh<br /> Critical revision of the article: I.A. Soynov<br /> Final approval of the version to be published: M.V. Plotnikov, Yu.N. Gorbatykh, A.N. Аrkhipov, M.G. Galstyan, A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev, D.G. Tarasov, I.A. Soynov</p>