Long-Term Outcomes Following the Ross Procedure in Neonates and Infants: A Multi-Institutional Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: For neonates and infants with aortic valve pathology, the Ross procedure has historically been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Data regarding long-term durability are lacking. METHODS: The international, multi-institutional Ross Collaborative included six tertiary-care centers. Infants who received a Ross operation between 1996-2016 (allowing a minimum five years of follow-up) were retrospectively identified. Serial echocardiograms were examined to study evolution in neoaortic size and function. RESULTS: Primary diagnoses for the 133 patients (n=30 neonates) included isolated aortic stenosis (AS; 14%, n=19), Shone complex (14%, n=19), and AS+other (excluding Shone complex; n=95, 71%) including arch obstruction (n=55), left ventricular hypoplasia (n=9), and mitral disease (>moderate stenosis or regurgitation, n=31). At the time of Ross, median age was 96 (IQR 36-186) days and median weight was 4.4 (3.6-6.5) kg. In-hospital mortality occurred in 13/133 (10%) patients (4/30 [13%] neonates). Post-discharge mortality occurred in 10/120 (8%) patients at a median 298 days post-Ross. Post-Ross neoaortic dilatation occurred, peaking at 4-5 standard deviations above normal at 2-3 years before returning to near-baseline z-score at a median follow-up of 11.5 [6.4-17.4] years. Autograft/LVOT reintervention was required in 5/120 (4%) patients at a median 10.3 [4.1-12.8] years. Freedom from >moderate neoaortic regurgitation (AR) was 86% at 15 years. CONCLUSIONS: Neonates and infants experience excellent post-discharge survival and long-term freedom from autograft reintervention and AR following Ross. Neoaortic dilatation normalizes in this population in the long-term. Increased consideration should be given to Ross in neonates and infants with aortic valve disease.

Contemporary outcomes for functional single ventricle with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

OBJECTIVE: In 2004, we reported improved early survival for patients with functional single ventricle anatomy and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. This study sought to discover if outcomes have been ameliorated in the contemporary era. METHODS: This was a single-center review of patients with single ventricle anatomy and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection who were admitted from 1984 to 2021. The cohort was divided into similarly sized groups by date of admission: Era 1: 1984 to 1992, Era 2: 1993 to 2007, and Era 3: 2008 to 2021. Survival was compared, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the likelihood of mortality. RESULTS: We included 190 patients with single ventricle anatomy and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Unbalanced atrioventricular canal defect (70%) was the most common primary diagnosis. The most common type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection was supracardiac (49%). Approximately one-third (32%) of patients had pulmonary venous obstruction. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics across eras. Early survival after initial palliative operation improved between Eras 1 and 2, and then remained stable in Era 3. Overall survival improved from Era 1 to Eras 2 and 3 (P < .001), but not between Era 2 and 3. Survival to 10 years by Eras 1 to 3 was 15%, 51%, and 54%, respectively. The anatomic features associated with worse survival were hypoplastic left heart syndrome diagnosis (hazard ratio, 1.60; 1.04-2.57) and pulmonary venous obstruction (hazard ratio, 1.80; 1.24-2.69). CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival for patients with single ventricle anatomy and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection has plateaued since the early 2000s. Even in the most recent era, survival to age 10 years remains less than 60%. Risk factors for mortality include the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and pulmonary venous obstruction. Further studies should focus on identification of the pathophysiological factors underlying the increased mortality.

Commentary: Gender differences in payments to cardiothoracic surgeons are unacceptable.

Every effort must be made by the leaders in our field, as well as by every individual cardiothoracic surgeon, to assure equal opportunity for all cardiothoracic surgeons, regardless of race, gender or any other sociodemographic source of bias. Every effort must be made by every surgeon, not just those in particular leadership roles. Opportunities for advancement must be equal in multiple domains, including clinical practice, patient referral, clinical leadership, academic leadership, institutional leadership and leadership in professional medical and surgical societies. Such actions to minimize bias and promote inclusivity will also ensure that cardiothoracic surgical care is provided by a workforce that represents the diversity of patients whom we serve. In the final analysis, it is an absolute fact that gender differences in payments to cardiothoracic surgeons are absolutely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

Congenital Heart Surgery Training Experiences and Perceptions Among Cardiothoracic Surgery Residents.

Interest and core training in congenital heart surgery (CHS) has not been characterized among current cardiothoracic surgical trainees. This study aimed to evaluate perceptions, interest, exposure, and experience among current trainees. A 22 question survey was distributed to all cardiothoracic surgical trainees in ACGME-accredited thoracic surgery residencies. Questions included demographics, exposure to CHS during, perceptions of, participation in and quality assessment of CHS training. There were 106 responses (20.1% response rate) of which 31 (29.0%) were female and 87 (81.3%) were cardiothoracic track. While 69 (64.5%) reported having an interest in CHS at some point during training, only 24 (22.4%) were actively pursuing CHS. All but 7 (6.5%) residents reported having easy access to congenital mentorship, with 35 (32.7%) actively participating in CHS research. Three months was the median duration of congenital rotations. Residents reported less operative participation on CHS compared to adult cardiac surgery. Several residents noted the need for earlier exposure and increased technical/operative experience as areas in need of improvement. The most cited primary influences to pursue CHS included: mentorship, breadth of pathology, and technical nature of the specialty. Lack of consistent job availability and length of additional training were reported as negative influences. Cardiothoracic residents report adequate exposure to obtain case requirements and knowledge for board examinations in CHS but highly variable operative involvement. Mentorship and early exposure remain important for those interested in CHS, while additional training time and limited job availability remain hurdles to CHS.

High-Risk Anatomic Subsets in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Despite overall improvements in outcomes for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, there remain anatomic features that can place these patients at higher risk throughout their treatment course. These include severe preoperative obstruction to pulmonary venous return, restrictive atrial septum, coronary fistulae, severe tricuspid regurgitation, smaller ascending aorta diameter (especially if <2 mm), and poor ventricular function. The risk of traditional staged palliation has led to the development of alternative strategies for such patients. To further improve the outcomes, we must continue to diligently examine and study anatomic details in HLHS patients.

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: Intended strategies.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal interventional strategies for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are based on tricuspid valve hypoplasia and right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation. We sought to evaluate long-term outcomes comparing biventricular (BiV) versus single-ventricle (SV) strategies. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of 119 patients diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum from 1995 to 2018. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics and a multivariable Cox survival model was used to compare treatment strategies. RESULTS: Of 119 patients, 62 (52.1%) were male and 13 (10.9%) had a chromosomal abnormality. BiV was pursued in 53.8% (64 out of 119) and SV in 46.2% (55 out of 119) with median tricuspid valve z scores of -1.59 (interquartile range, -3.03 to 0.21) and -5.12 (interquartile range, -5.60 to -4.06), respectively. The median follow-up was 6 years (interquartile range, 2-15 years). Overall survival at 1, 3, and 10 years was 82.4% (98 out of 119), 80.6% (96 out of 119) and 79.8% (95 out of 119), respectively. End states include 36 (30.3%) BiV, 33 (27.7%) SV, 22 (18.5%) alive without definitive end state, 21 (17.6%) death before end state, 4 (3.4%) 1-and-a-half ventricle, and 3 (2.5%) transplants. No SV were converted to BiV, whereas 4 out of 64 (6.3%) BiV were converted to SV. After adjusting for gender, chromosomal abnormalities, gestational age, and birth weight, SV patients had a significantly higher hazard of mortality (hazard ratio, 9.0; 95% CI, 2.65-30.69; P < .001). Mortality was higher in those with right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation (41.9% [13 out of 31]) compared with those without right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation (7.3% [6 out of 82]) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum remains a challenging lesion for those patients on the SV pathway, particularly with right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation.

Mortality and Reoperation Risk After Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement in Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

Bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (bAVR) in patients with congenital heart disease is challenging due to age, size and complexity. Our objective was to assess survival and identify predictors of re-operation. Data were retrospectively collected for 314 patients undergoing bAVR at 8 centers from 2000-2014. Kaplan-Meier estimation of time to re-operation and Cox regression were utilized. Average age was 45.2 years (IQR 17.8-71.1) and 30% were <21. Indications were stenosis (48%), regurgitation (28%) and mixed (18%). Twenty-eight (9%) underwent prior AVR. Median valve size was 23mm (IQR 21, 25). Implanted valves included CE (Carpentier-Edwards) Perimount (47%), CE Magna/Magna Ease (29%), Sorin Mitroflow (9%), St Jude (2%) and other (13%). Median follow-up was 2.9 (IQR 1.2, 5.7) years. Overall, 11% required re-operation, 35% of whom had a Mitroflow and 65% were <21 years old. Time to re-operation varied among valve type (p=0.020). Crude 3-year rate was 20% in patients ≤21. Smaller valve size indexed to BSA was associated with re-operation (21.7 vs. 23.5 mm/m2). Predictors of reintervention by multivariable analysis were younger age (29% increase in hazard per 5-year decrease, p<0.001), Mitroflow (HR=4 to 8 versus other valves), and smaller valve size (20% increase in hazard per 1 mm decrease, p=0.002). The overall 1, 3 and 5-year survival rates were 94%, 90% and 85% without differences by valve (p=0.19). A concerning reduction in 5-year survival after bAVR is shown. Re-operation is common and varies by age and valve type. Further research is needed to guide valve choice and improve survival.

Attrition between the superior cavopulmonary connection and the Fontan procedure in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the incidence and predictors of failure to undergo the Fontan in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who survived superior cavopulmonary connection. METHODS: The cohort consists of all patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who survived to hospital discharge after superior cavopulmonary connection between 1988 and 2017. The primary outcome was attrition, which was defined as death, nonsuitability for the Fontan, or cardiac transplantation before the Fontan. Subjects were excluded if they were awaiting the Fontan, were lost to follow-up, or underwent biventricular repair. The study period was divided into 4 eras based on changes in operative or medical management. Attrition was estimated with 95% confidence intervals, and predictors were identified using adjusted, logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of the 856 hospital survivors after superior cavopulmonary connection, 52 died, 7 were deemed unsuitable for Fontan, and 12 underwent or were awaiting heart transplant. Overall attrition was 8.3% (71/856). Attrition rate did not change significantly across eras. A best-fitting multiple logistic regression model was used, adjusting for superior cavopulmonary connection year and other influential covariates: right ventricle to pulmonary artery shunt at Norwood (P < .01), total support time at superior cavopulmonary connection (P < .01), atrioventricular valve reconstruction at superior cavopulmonary connection (P = .02), performance of other procedures at superior cavopulmonary connection (P = .01), and length of stay after superior cavopulmonary connection (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In this study spanning more than 3 decades, 8.3% of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome failed to undergo the Fontan after superior cavopulmonary connection. This attrition rate has not decreased over 30 years. Use of a right ventricle to pulmonary artery shunt at the Norwood procedure was associated with increased attrition.

Reintervention rates after bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement in patients younger than 30 years of age: A multicenter analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the difference in time to and predictors of reintervention according to valve type in surgical bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients younger than 30 years of age from multiple centers. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected for 1278 patients <30 years of age undergoing PVR at 8 centers between 1996 and 2015. RESULTS: Mean age at PVR was 19.3 ± 12.8 years, with 719 (56.3%) patients ≤18 years of age. Diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot in 626 patients (50.5%) and 165 (12.9%) had previous PVR. Median follow-up was 3.9 years (interquartile range, 1.2, 6.4). Multiple valve types were used, most commonly CE PERIMOUNT, 488 (38.2%), CE Magna/Magna Ease, 361 (28.2%), and Sorin Mitroflow 322 (25.2). Reintervention occurred in 12.7% and was most commonly due to pulmonary stenosis (68.8%), with most reinterventions occurring in children (85.2%) and with smaller valve sizes (P < .001) Among adults aged 18 to 30 years, younger age was not a significant risk factor for reintervention. Surgical indication of isolated pulmonary regurgitation was associated with a lower risk of reintervention (P < .001). Overall, 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year freedom from reintervention rates were 99%, 97%, 92%, and 65%. The only independent risk factors for reintervention after controlling for age and valve size were lack of a concomitant tricuspid valve procedure (P = .02) and valve type (P < .001); Sorin and St Jude valves were associated with similar time to reintervention, and deteriorated more rapidly than other valve types. CONCLUSIONS: In this large multicenter study, 8% of patients have undergone reintervention by 5 years. Importantly, independent of age and valve size, reintervention rates vary by valve type.

Decreasing Interstage Mortality After the Norwood Procedure: A 30-Year Experience.

Background The superior cavo-pulmonary connection was introduced at our institution in 1988 for infants undergoing surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome remain at high risk for mortality in the time period between the Norwood procedure and the superior cavo-pulmonary connection. The primary objectives of this study were to compare interstage mortality across 4 eras and analyze factors that may impact interstage mortality. Methods and Results Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who underwent the Norwood procedure, were discharged from the hospital, and were eligible for superior cavo-pulmonary connection between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 2017, were included. The study period was divided into 4 eras based on changes in operative or medical management. Mortality rates were estimated with 95% CIs. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for mortality. There were 1111 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Overall, interstage mortality was 120/1111 (10.8%). Interstage mortality was significantly lower in era 4 relative to era 1 (4.6% versus 13.4%; P=0.02) during the time that age at the superior cavo-pulmonary connection was the lowest (135 days; P<0.01) and the interstage monitoring program was introduced. In addition, use of the right ventricle to pulmonary artery shunt was associated with decreased interstage mortality (P=0.02) and was more routinely practiced in era 4. Conclusions During this 30-year experience, the risk of interstage mortality decreased significantly in the most recent era. Factors that coincide with this finding include younger age at superior cavo-pulmonary connection, introduction of an interstage monitoring program, and increased use of the right ventricle to pulmonary artery shunt.

Outcomes for the superior cavopulmonary connection in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a 30-year experience.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to estimate hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS) for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome undergoing superior cavopulmonary connection (SCPC). METHODS: All hypoplastic left heart syndrome interstage survivors who underwent SCPC between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 2017 were included. The study period was divided into 4 eras based on changes in operative or medical management. Mortality rates were estimated using standard binomial proportions. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for mortality and LOS. RESULTS: The most common procedures for the cohort (n = 958) were Hemi-Fontan (57.3%) or Bidrectional Glenn shunt (35.7%). The mortality was 4.1% overall and decreased in all 3 later eras compared to era 1. Factors associated with mortality in a multiple covariate model included longer total support time, earlier gestational age, longer LOS at the Norwood Procedure and need for additional procedures. Overall, the median LOS was 7.0 days with a decrease from eras 1 to 2 and plateaued in eras 3 and 4. Predictors of longer LOS included genetic anomaly, longer Norwood LOS, additional procedures, lower weight at surgery and longer total support time. The type of SCPC was not associated with mortality or LOS. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome undergoing SCPC, hospital mortality has decreased significantly. LOS initially declined but plateaued in recent eras. The risk factors for mortality and longer LOS are related to patient and procedural complexity, especially the need for additional procedures at the time of SCPC.

Left Valvar Morphology Is Associated With Late Regurgitation in Atrioventricular Canal Defect.

BACKGROUND: Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) after atrioventricular canal (AVC) repair remains a significant cause of morbidity. Papillary muscle arrangement may be important. To investigate the implications of left mural leaflet morphology, we examined anatomic characteristics of the LAVV to determine possible associations with postoperative LAVVR. METHODS: All patients with biventricular AVC repair at our institution between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2016, with necessary imaging were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed papillary muscle structure and novel measures of the left mural leaflet from preoperative echocardiograms and the degree of LAVVR from the first and last available follow-up echocardiograms. Associations with degree of early and late postoperative LAVVR were assessed with t tests, analysis of variance, or χ2 or Fisher exact tests, and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 58 of 156 patients (37%) with significant (moderate or severe) early postoperative LAVVR, and 30 of 93 (32%) had significant LAVVR after 6 or more months. Fewer patients with closely spaced or asymmetric papillary muscles had moderate or severe late LAVVR vs those with widely spaced papillary muscles (17% vs 40%, P = .019). Controlling for weight at operation, genetic syndromes, and bypass time, widely spaced papillary muscles increased the odds ratio for late LAVVR to 3.6 (P = .026). Larger mural leaflet area was also associated with late LAVVR on univariable (P = .019) and multivariable (P = .023) analyses. One-third of patients with significant late LAVVR had no significant early postoperative regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Mural leaflet and papillary muscle anatomy are associated with late LAVVR after AVC repair. Late regurgitation can develop in the absence of early LAVVR, suggesting different mechanisms.

Slide tracheoplasty: Predictors of outcomes and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Determine preoperative comorbidities and intraoperative parameters associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective case series at a single tertiary care children's hospital from 2010 through 2017. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with median age of 6 months and median weight of 7.1 kg underwent slide tracheoplasty. Median time to extubation, length of intensive care unit admission, and length of hospitalization were 7, 27, and 30 days, respectively. Twenty-two (85%) required no additional intervention. Overall success was 87%. One (4%) patient required open revision, and 3 (11%) required tracheostomy. Concomitant cardiac surgery was associated with postoperative tracheostomy (p = 0.04). Age and weight at surgery were inversely correlated with length of intubation (p = 0.03) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.001, p = 0.002) respectively. Hospital stay was 2.2 times longer if preoperative mechanical ventilation was required (p = 0.01) and 39% longer for every 1 mm decrease in airway diameter at the narrowest portion of the stenosis (p = 0.005). There were no deaths related to persistent tracheal stenosis with a median follow-up of 24 months. CONCLUSION: Slide tracheoplasty is safe and effective. Concomitant cardiac surgery was associated with postoperative tracheostomy. Lower age and weight at surgery were correlated with longer length of intubation and hospital stay. Preoperative mechanical ventilation and smaller airway diameter were associated with longer hospital stay. This information may be helpful in counseling families and planning future prospective studies.

Thirty years and 1663 consecutive Norwood procedures: Has survival plateaued?

OBJECTIVE: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is one of the most common and challenging lesions requiring surgical intervention in the neonatal period. The Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome was first reported in 1983. The objective of this study was to describe early outcomes after the Norwood procedure at a single institution over 30 years. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (and variants) who underwent the Norwood procedure between January 1984 and May 2014 at a single institution. The study period was divided into 6 eras: era 1, 1984 to 1988; era 2, 1989 to 1993; era 3, 1994 to 1998; era 4, 1999 to 2003; era 5, 2004 to 2008; and era 6, 2009 to 2014. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality after the Norwood procedure. Binomial point estimates complete with 95% confidence intervals (CL0.95) were computed for the entire cohort and by era. RESULTS: During the study period, 1663 infants underwent the Norwood procedure. Overall in-hospital mortality was 25.9% (CL0.95, 23.8-28.0). Mortality by chronologic era was 40.4% (CL0.95, 34.9-45.9), 33.6% (CL0.95, 29.2-37.9), 28.7% (CL0.95, 22.8-34.6), 14.9% (CL0.95, 10.4-19.3), 11.2% (CL0.95, 7.4-15.0), and 15.7% (CL0.95, 10.3-21.1). Survival was improved in eras 4 to 6 compared with eras 1 to 3 (P all < .03). Anomalous pulmonary drainage, moderate to severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation, lower birth weight, earlier era, younger gestational age, genetic anomaly, preterm birth, race other than white or African-American, and lower weight at the Norwood procedure were associated with increased mortality. Mortality was greatest in patients with 3 or more risk factors. In the best-fitting multiple covariate model, anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, gestational age in weeks, genetic anomaly, and race other than white and African American were statistically significant contributors, after adjusting for era. CONCLUSIONS: Survival after the Norwood procedure has plateaued despite improvements in diagnosis, perioperative care, and surgical techniques. Nonmodifiable patient characteristics are important determinants of the risk of mortality.

Emerging Research Directions in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: A Report From an NHLBI/ACHA Working Group.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting about 0.8% of live births. Advances in recent decades have allowed >85% of children with CHD to survive to adulthood, creating a growing population of adults with CHD. Little information exists regarding survival, demographics, late outcomes, and comorbidities in this emerging group, and multiple barriers impede research in adult CHD. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Adult Congenital Heart Association convened a multidisciplinary working group to identify high-impact research questions in adult CHD. This report summarizes the meeting discussions in the broad areas of CHD-related heart failure, vascular disease, and multisystem complications. High-priority subtopics identified included heart failure in tetralogy of Fallot, mechanical circulatory support/transplantation, sudden cardiac death, vascular outcomes in coarctation of the aorta, late outcomes in single-ventricle disease, cognitive and psychiatric issues, and pregnancy.