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Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals is a complex congenital heart defect that includes a heterogeneous subgroup of patients. Variation in the sources of pulmonary blood flow contributes to the complexity of the lesion and the diversity of approaches to its management. Unifocalization and rehabilitation focus on mobilization of collateral arteries and growth of native pulmonary arteries, respectively, with the ultimate surgical goal of achieving separated systemic and pulmonary circulations with the lowest possible right ventricular pressure. Regardless of the strategy, outcomes have altered the natural history of the disease, with a complete repair rate of approximately 80% and low early and late mortality rates. Given this heterogeneity of pulmonary vasculature, a tailored approach should be adopted for each patient, using all diagnostic methods currently offered by technical developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To correlate anatomic and genetic features of paediatric patients with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect (VSD) and multiple aortopulmonary collateral arteries with surgical outcome. Methods: 44 consecutive patients aged 33±40 mo underwent either primary one-stage unifocalization ( n =32) or palliative right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction ( n =12) followed by secondary unifocalization and repair ( n =10) based on preoperative morphometric and functional evaluation of pulmonary blood sources. Chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion occurred in 41% of cases. Combined VSD closure during one-stage procedures was guided by an intraoperative pulmonary flow study. Complete repair was accomplished in 35 cases (83%, 95% CI 72–95%). Variables examined included occurrence of confluent intrapericardial pulmonary arteries, central pulmonary arteries, confluent intraparenchymal pulmonary arteries, dominant collateral or pulmonary arteries, and chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion. The sensitivity and specificity of the pulmonary flow study in predicting postoperative pulmonary haemodynamics were also tested. Results: Eight-year actuarial survival and freedom from reoperation were 85% and 63%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the pulmonary flow study were 94% and 100%, respectively. None of the anatomical variables examined was significantly related to the outcome of treatment. The only statistically relevant association was detected between survival and occurrence of 22q11.2 microdeletion ( p <0.003). Logistic analysis showed an increased likelihood of positive outcome in relation to first- ( p <0.02) or second-stage ( p <0.04) complete correction. Conclusion: Morphology of pulmonary blood supply has no major impact on surgical outcome. Pulmonary flow study is a highly specific and sensitive intraoperative test. Chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion remains the only variable significantly affecting survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To validate the preliminary surgical results of ‘integrated approach’ to pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and multiple aortopulmonary collateral arteries by retrospective analysis of our center experience. Methods: Between 01/94 and 03/02, 37 patients aged 22 days to 13 years underwent surgery for pulmonary atresia, VSD, and multiple aortopulmonary collaterals. Case selection was based on preoperative calculation of total neopulmonary arterial index (TNPAI), pulmonary arterial index (PAI), and pulmonary arteries-to-collateral arteries lung segment perfusion ratio (Spa:Sca). The decision for a possible VSD closure during one-stage procedures was based on an intraoperative pulmonary flow study. Twenty-five patients with a TNPAI equal to or greater than 150 mm2/m2 underwent primary unifocalization, irrespective of PAI and Spa:Sca. Conversely, 12 patients with a TNPAI less than 150 mm2/m2 and hypoplastic (PAI less than 100 mm2/m2) dominant (Spa:Sca greater than 1) pulmonary arteries received a first-stage right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction, followed by unifocalization and repair (i.e. VSD closure) in nine cases. Results: Among 34 patients who received total unifocalization, the overall repairability rate was 85% (first instance repairs: n=27; delayed VSD closure: n=2; 95% confidence interval, CI: 73–97%), with a survival rate at 7 years of 81%. Repaired survivors (n=26) are asymptomatic (n=22) or mildly symptomatic (n=4) at a follow-up interval of 43±28 months, with a 0.48±0.2 mean haemodynamic right ventricular/left ventricular pressure ratio, whereas palliated ones are waiting for either repair (n=3) or catheter study (n=2). Analysis of results has shown the following: (1) 100% (34/34 cases) feasibility of one-stage unifocalization in patients with a preoperative TNPAI equal to or greater than 150 mm2/m2, whereas combined repairability rate was 79% only (95% CI: 65–93%); (2) 100% (12/12 cases) fulfillment of criteria for second-stage repairability (acquired TNPAI greater than 150 mm2/m2) in all patients treated with right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction; and (3) 93% (95% CI: 83–100%) overall accuracy of intraoperative flow study in predicting either postrepair mean pulmonary arterial pressure (VSD closed: n=23) or balanced pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (VSD left open: n=4). Conclusions: Increasing experience with ‘integrated approach’ to pulmonary atresia, VSD, and multiple aortopulmonaty collaterals has confirmed the preliminary results of our surgical series. The pulmonary flow study remains the most accurate intraoperative test for successful management of VSD during unifocalization procedures [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article evaluates morphological vessel analysis efficiency on pulmonary vascular physiology in patients with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. It mentions shortcomings of the preoperative morphometric evaluation of the pulmonary blood sources. It also mentions preoperative morphometric evaluations of the pulmonary circulation.