Determinants of survival following heart transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Adult patients surviving with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is growing. We examine the factors associated with heart transplant outcomes in this challenging population with complex anatomy requiring redo-surgeries. METHODS: We reviewed the United Network for Organ Sharing-Standard Transplant Analysis and Research database and analyzed 35,952 heart transplants from January 1st, 2000, to September 30th, 2018. We compared transplant characteristics for ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (n = 14,236), nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) (n = 20,676), and ACHD (n = 1040). Mean follow-up was 6.20 ± 4.84 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox-proportional hazards analysis were used to analyze survival data. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis confirmed that ACHD was associated greater in-hospital death compared to ICM (HR = 0.54, P < 0.001) and NICM (HR = 0.46, P < 0.001). Notable factors associated with increased mortality were history of cerebrovascular disease (HR = 1.11, P = 0.026), prior history of malignancy (HR = 1.12, P = 0.006), pre-transplant biventricular support (HR = 1.12, P = 0.069), postoperative stroke (HR = 1.47, P < 0.001) and postoperative dialysis (HR = 1.71, P < 0.001). ACHD transplants had a longer donor heart ischemic time (P < 0.001) and trend towards more deaths from primary graft dysfunction (P = 0.07). In-hospital deaths were more likely with ACHD and use of mechanical support such as use of right ventricular assist device (HR = 2.20, P = 0.049), biventricular support (HR = 1.62, P < 0.001) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (HR = 2.36, P < 0.001). Conditional survival after censoring hospital deaths was significantly higher in ACHD (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Heart transplant in ACHD is associated with a higher post-operative mortality given anatomical complexity but a better long-term conditional survival. Normothermic donor heart perfusion may improve outcomes in the ACHD population by reducing the impact of longer ischemic times.

Long-term impact of anatomic subtype in hypoplastic left heart syndrome after Fontan completion.

BACKGROUND: Aortic atresia (AA)/mitral stenosis (MS) is a well-known risk factor for survival after Norwood; however, the effect of anatomical subtypes in those who survive surgical palliation is unknown. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single-center study of patients with classic hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who underwent Fontan at our center between August 1989 and July 2017. Clinical outcomes, as well as ventricular and atrioventricular-valve (AVV) function, were determined for each patient, and the effects of HLHS subtype were estimated using multivariable statistical analyses. RESULTS: We included 418 patients with HLHS (AA/mitral atresia [MA] 153, AA/MS 100, aortic stenosis [AS]/MS 154, and AS/MA 11). The median follow-up period was 8.6 (interquartile range, 2.9-15.8) years. Overall transplant-free survival, cumulative incidence of AVV failure, and ventricular failure, which were defined by moderate dysfunction or greater or the necessity of surgical interventions, were 70.1%, 35.9%, and 17.9% at 20 years, respectively. Of the 3 major subtypes, AA/MS was associated with lower survival rate (AA/MA 74.6% vs AS/MS 79.1% vs AA/MS 56.1% at 17 years, P = .04). The subanalysis between AA/MA and AA/MS revealed AA/MS tended to have a greater rate of ventricular failure without a significant difference of AVV failure (AA/MA 11.2% vs AA/MS 26.2% at 17 years, P = .053). CONCLUSIONS: The survival risk of the anatomic subtype AA/MS persisted long term after Fontan completion and was likely due to a greater rate of single ventricle rather than AVV failure. These findings suggest that the abnormal pressure overload condition of the hypoplastic left ventricle created by AA/MS has a detrimental effect on single right ventricle function.

Longitudinal Follow-Up of Children With HLHS and Association Between Norwood Shunt Type and Long-Term Outcomes: The SVR III Study.

OBJECTIVE: In the SVR trial (Single Ventricle Reconstruction), newborns with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were randomly assigned to receive a modified Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt (mBTTS) or a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt (RVPAS) at Norwood operation. Transplant-free survival was superior in the RVPAS group at 1 year, but no longer differed by treatment group at 6 years; both treatment groups had accumulated important morbidities. In the third follow-up of this cohort (SVRIII [Long-Term Outcomes of Children With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and the Impact of Norwood Shunt Type]), we measured longitudinal outcomes and their risk factors through 12 years of age. METHODS: Annual medical history was collected through record review and telephone interviews. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), echocardiogram, and cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed at 10 through 14 years of age among participants with Fontan physiology. Differences in transplant-free survival and complication rates (eg, arrhythmias or protein-losing enteropathy) were identified through 12 years of age. The primary study outcome was right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) by CMR, and primary analyses were according to shunt type received. Multivariable linear and Cox regression models were created for RVEF by CMR and post-Fontan transplant-free survival. RESULTS: Among 549 participants enrolled in SVR, 237 of 313 (76%; 60.7% male) transplant-free survivors (mBTTS, 105 of 147; RVPAS, 129 of 161; both, 3 of 5) participated in SVRIII. RVEF by CMR was similar in the shunt groups (RVPAS, 51±9.6 [n=90], and mBTTS, 52±7.4 [n=75]; P=0.43). The RVPAS and mBTTS groups did not differ in transplant-free survival by 12 years of age (163 of 277 [59%] versus 144 of 267 [54%], respectively; P=0.11), percentage predicted peak Vo2 for age and sex (74±18% [n=91] versus 72±18% [n=84]; P=0.71), or percentage predicted work rate for size and sex (65±20% versus 64±19%; P=0.65). The RVPAS versus mBTTS group had a higher cumulative incidence of protein-losing enteropathy (5% versus 2%; P=0.04) and of catheter interventions (14 versus 10 per 100 patient-years; P=0.01), but had similar rates of other complications. CONCLUSIONS: By 12 years after the Norwood operation, shunt type has minimal association with RVEF, peak Vo2, complication rates, and transplant-free survival. RVEF is preserved among the subgroup of survivors who underwent CMR assessment. Low transplant-free survival, poor exercise performance, and accruing morbidities highlight the need for innovative strategies to improve long-term outcomes in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT0245531.

Valve-sparing root replacement after the Ross procedure.

OBJECTIVES: The Ross procedure is a preferred treatment for infants and children with aortic valve disease. Progressive neoaortic root dilation and neoaortic insufficiency can occur after the Ross procedure, and because of the young age of these patients, valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedures have advantages compared with the Bentall procedure. The aim of this study is to describe our experience with different techniques of aortic valve-sparing root replacement in this unique cohort of patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing valve-sparing aortic root replacement with a history of the Ross procedure between January 2001 and March 2021 were identified. A retrospective chart review was performed, and clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed. The results of different types of valve-sparing aortic root replacement were also compared. RESULTS: Forty-two patients who had previously undergone a Ross procedure in childhood presented for reintervention for neoaortic root or valve pathology. Seventeen of these patients were considered for valve-sparing aortic root replacement but underwent bioprosthetic or mechanical valve replacement, and 25 patients underwent successful valve-sparing aortic root replacement. Patients who underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement received a traditional aortic root remodeling procedure with or without suture annuloplasty (Yacoub technique, group 1, n = 7), an aortic root reimplantation procedure (David technique, group 2, n = 11), or a modified root remodeling procedure that also used a geometric annuloplasty ring (group 3, n = 7). Patient demographics and comorbidities were similar between groups. Mean follow-up for these 3 cohorts was 14 years, 4 years, and 1 year, respectively. Overall survival was good, with 1 early death due to hemorrhage in group 2 and 1 death due to malignancy in group 1. Eight patients (7 in group 1; 1 in group 2) required subsequent aortic valve replacements due to neoaortic insufficiency, whereas none in group 3 have required any reintervention. Overall, patients requiring valve replacement after valve-sparing aortic root replacement had lower grades of preoperative neoaortic insufficiency and higher grades of postoperative neoaortic insufficiency. Greater than mild postoperative neoaortic insufficiency was associated with the need for subsequent neoaortic valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Valve-sparing aortic root replacement is safe in patients with a prior Ross procedure. Reimplantation offers superior durability compared with the traditional remodeling procedure. Greater than mild neoaortic insufficiency on postoperative echocardiogram should prompt additional attempts at valve repair. A modified remodeling procedure with geometric ring annuloplasty that is personalized to the patient's individual anatomy is safe with good short-term results, but longer follow-up is needed.

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2022 Expert Consensus Document: Management of infants and neonates with tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVE: Despite decades of experience, aspects of the management of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis (TOF) remain controversial. Practitioners must consider newer, evolving treatment strategies with limited data to guide decision making. Therefore, the TOF Clinical Practice Standards Committee was commissioned by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery to provide a framework on this topic, focused on timing and types of interventions, management of high-risk patients, technical considerations during interventions, and best practices for assessment of outcomes of the interventions. In addition, the group was tasked with identifying pertinent research questions for future investigations. It is recognized that variability in institutional experience could influence the application of this framework to clinical practice. METHODS: The TOF Clinical Practice Standards Committee is a multinational, multidisciplinary group of cardiologists and surgeons with expertise in TOF. With the assistance of a medical librarian, a citation search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed using key words related to TOF and its management; the search was restricted to the English language and the year 2000 or later. Articles pertaining to pulmonary atresia, absent pulmonary valve, atrioventricular septal defects, and adult patients with TOF were excluded, as well as nonprimary sources such as review articles. This yielded nearly 20,000 results, of which 163 were included. Greater consideration was given to more recent studies, larger studies, and those using comparison groups with randomization or propensity score matching. Expert consensus statements with class of recommendation and level of evidence were developed using a modified Delphi method, requiring 80% of the member votes with 75% agreement on each statement. RESULTS: In asymptomatic infants, complete surgical correction between age 3 and 6 months is reasonable to reduce the length of stay, rate of adverse events, and need for a transannular patch. In the majority of symptomatic neonates, both palliation and primary complete surgical correction are useful treatment options. It is reasonable to consider those with low birth weight or prematurity, small or discontinuous pulmonary arteries, chromosomal anomalies, other congenital anomalies, or other comorbidities such as intracranial hemorrhage, sepsis, or other end-organ compromise as high-risk patients. In these high-risk patients, palliation may be preferred; and, in patients with amenable anatomy, catheter-based procedures may prove favorable over surgical palliation. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing research will provide further insight into the role of catheter-based interventions. For complete surgical correction, both transatrial and transventricular approaches are effective; however, the smallest possible ventriculotomy should be utilized. When possible, the pulmonary valve should be spared; and if unsalvageable, reconstruction can be considered. At the conclusion of the operation, adequate relief of the right ventricular outflow obstruction should be confirmed, and identification of a significant fixed anatomical obstruction should prompt further intervention. Given our current knowledge and the gaps identified, we propose several key questions to be answered by future research and potentially by a TOF registry: When to palliate or proceed with complete surgical correction, as well as the ideal type of palliation; the optimal surgical approach for complete repair for the best long-term preservation of right ventricular function; and the utility, efficacy, and durability of various pulmonary valve preservation and reconstruction techniques.

Aortic valve repair using geometric ring annuloplasty in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: Existing replacement options for the aortic valve have significant drawbacks, especially in children. A geometric annuloplasty ring can help to achieve consistently successful aortic valve repair, but only limited experience with use of this device has been reported in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients. METHODS: All pediatric and adult congenital patients at our institution who underwent aortic valve repair with placement of a geometric annuloplasty ring were reviewed. The study period spanned from July 2018 to April 2022. Hemodynamic outcomes were evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: The study included 36 subjects. The median age was 17.4 years (range, 8-30 years). Twenty-one subjects were younger than age 18 years. The most common primary diagnoses were neoaortic valve insufficiency or neoaortic root dilation, and congenital aortic stenosis with bicuspid or functionally unicuspid aortic valve. Of the 34 subjects with procedural success, 31 (91%) had use of additional valve repair techniques and 26 (76%) had an additional concomitant procedure performed. Operative mortality was 0% (0/33), and major complication rate was 6% (2/33). The median follow-up time was 1.9 years (maximum, 3.8 years). The mean grade of aortic insufficiency was signific antly reduced after repair, with no change in mean gradients. Freedom from reoperation over the follow-up period was 97% (33/34), and freedom from ≥3+ recurrent aortic insufficiency was 94% (32/34). CONCLUSIONS: A geometric annuloplasty ring can be used to help achieve consistently successful aortic valve repair with excellent perioperative and follow-up outcomes, even in pediatric and complex congenital heart disease patients.

The pediatric heart network's study on long-term outcomes of children with HLHS and the impact of Norwood Shunt type in the single ventricle reconstruction trial cohort (SVRIII): Design and adaptations.

BACKGROUND: The Single Ventricle Reconstruction (SVR) Trial was the first randomized clinical trial of a surgical approach for treatment of congenital heart disease. Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other single right ventricle (RV) anomalies were randomized to a modified Blalock Taussig Thomas shunt (mBTTS) or a right-ventricular-to-pulmonary-artery shunt (RVPAS) at the time of the Norwood procedure. The aim of the Long-term Outcomes of Children with HLHS and the Impact of Norwood Shunt Type (SVR III) study is to compare early adolescent outcomes including measures of cardiac function, transplant-free survival, and neurodevelopment, between those who received a mBTTS and those who received an RVPAS. METHODS: Transplant-free survivors of the SVR cohort were enrolled at 10 to 15 years of age for multifaceted in-person evaluation of cardiac function (cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR], echocardiogram and exercise test) and neurodevelopmental evaluation. Right ventricular ejection fraction measured by CMR served as the primary outcome. Development of arrhythmias, protein losing enteropathy, and other comorbidities were assessed through annual medical history interview. Through the course of SVR III, protocol modifications to engage SVR trial participants were designed to enhance recruitment and retention. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of long-term outcomes will provide important data to inform decisions about the shunt type placed at the Norwood operation and will improve the understanding of cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental outcomes for early adolescents with HLHS.

Early Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Neoaortic Valve Repair Incorporating Geometric Ring Annuloplasty.

OBJECTIVES: During congenital heart surgery, the pulmonary valve and root may be placed into the systemic position, yielding a "neoaortic" valve. With the stress of systemic pressure, the pulmonary roots can dilate, creating aneurysms and/or neoaortic insufficiency (neoAI). This report analyzes the early outcomes of patients undergoing neoaortic valve repair incorporating geometric ring annuloplasty. METHODS: Twenty-one patients underwent intended repair at six centers and formed the study cohort. Thirteen had previous Ross procedures, five had arterial switch operations, and three Fontan physiology. Average age was 21.7 ± 12.8 years (mean ± SD), 80% were male, and 11 (55%) had symptomatic heart failure. Preoperative neoAI Grade was 3.1 ± 1.1, and annular diameter was 30.7 ± 6.5 mm. RESULTS: Valve repair was accomplished in 20/21, using geometric annuloplasty rings and leaflet plication (n = 13) and/or nodular release (n = 7). Fourteen had neoaortic aneurysm replacement (13 with root remodeling). Two underwent bicuspid valve repair. Six had pulmonary conduit changes, one insertion of an artificial Nodulus Arantius, and one resection of a subaortic membrane. Ring size averaged 21.9 ± 2.3 mm, and aortic clamp time was 171 ± 54 minutes. No operative mortality or major morbidity occurred, and postoperative hospitalization was 4.3 ± 1.4 days. At discharge, neoAI grade was 0.2 ± 0.4 (P < .0001), and valve mean gradient was ≤20 mm Hg. At average 18.0 ± 9.1 months of follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic with stable valve function. CONCLUSIONS: Neoaortic aneurysms and neoAI are occasionally seen late following Ross, arterial switch, or Fontan procedures. Neoaortic valve repair using geometric ring annuloplasty, leaflet reconstruction, and root remodeling provides a patient-specific approach with favorable early outcomes.

Challenges to Randomized Trials in Adult and Congenital Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery.

Randomized trials in surgery face additional challenges compared with those in medicine. Some of the challenges are intrinsic to the nature of the field (eg, issues with blinding, learning curve and surgeons' experience, and difficulties in defining the appropriate timing for comparative trials). Other issues are related to the surgical culture, the attitude of surgeons toward randomized trials, and the lack of support by professional and national bodies. In this review, a group of investigators with experience in trials in congenital and adult cardiac and thoracic surgery discusses the key issues with surgical trials and suggests potential solutions.

Periscopic technique in Norwood operation is associated with better preservation of early ventricular function.

OBJECTIVE: Although the right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery conduit in stage 1 Norwood operation results in improved interstage survival, the long-term effects of the ventriculotomy used in the traditional technique remain a concern. The periscopic technique (PT) of RV to pulmonary artery conduit placement has been described as an alternative technique to minimize RV injury. A retrospective study was performed to compare the effects of traditional technique and PT on ventricular function following Norwood operation. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent Norwood operation from 2012 to 2019 was performed. Patients with baseline RV dysfunction and significant tricuspid valve regurgitation were excluded. Prestage 2 echocardiograms were reviewed by a blinded experienced imager for quantification of RV function (sinus and infundibular RV fractional area change) as well as for regional conduit site wall dysfunction (normal or abnormal, including hypokinesia, akinesia, or dyskinesia). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to assess differences in RV infundibular and RV sinus ejection fraction and the Fisher exact test was used to assess differences in regional wall dysfunction. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Eight underwent traditional technique and 14 underwent PT. Median infundibular RV fractional area change was 49% and 37% (P = .02) and sinus RV fractional area change was 50% and 41% for PT and traditional technique (P = .007) respectively. Similarly qualitative regional RV wall function was better preserved in PT (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The PT for RV to pulmonary artery conduit in Norwood operation results in better preservation of early RV global and regional systolic function. Whether or not this benefit translates to improved clinical outcome still needs to be studied.

Advanced Therapies for Severe Tracheobronchomalacia: A Review of the Use of 3D-Printed, Patient-Specific, Externally Implanted, Bioresorbable Airway Splints.

Tracheobronchomalacia is a condition of dynamic collapse of the trachea and mainstem bronchi. The clinical significance of tracheobronchomalacia depends on its severity. Mild cases may be medically managed with limited symptomology, while severe cases require advanced therapies, lengthy hospital stays, and carry significant morbidity and mortality. Current therapies for severe tracheobronchomalacia include tracheostomy with prolonged mechanical ventilation, aortopexy, tracheobronchopexy, and intraluminal metallic, silicone, or bioresorbable stents. Three-dimensional (3D)-printed, patient-specific, bioresorbable airway splinting is a novel treatment option that is undergoing investigation in a cohort of critically ill children with severe tracheobronchomalacia. At the time of our last review of our data, 29 splints had been implanted in 15 children with intrathoracic tracheobronchomalacia. The median follow-up was 8.5 months. There were 12 long-term survivors, and all but one lived at home. This article discusses the details of our institution's development and use of 3D-printed, patient-specific, bioresorbable splints for treatment of severe tracheobronchomalacia in the pediatric population.

Venogram before long-interval repeat cannulation for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

It is rare for children to receive more than one course of support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and in those who do undergo multiple episodes, the interval is usually days to weeks between events. Little data exists on re-cannulation years after an initial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run, and late repeat cannulation can pose unique challenges. We report the case of a 10-year-old male patient with right jugular vein occlusion due to a previous course of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a neonate, who was successfully supported via central cannulation. This case demonstrates the importance of adequate imaging of target vasculature prior to attempting re-cannulation of a previously used vessel. Establishing a thoughtful strategy for late repeat cannulation is essential to achieve safe access in unusual and challenging situations.

Impact of trisomy 13 and 18 on airway anomalies and pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and influence of clinically significant airway and/or respiratory abnormalities in patients with trisomy 13 and 18 undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, case-control cohort study of all patients with known trisomy 13 or 18 who underwent cardiac operations at our institution from 1994 to 2014. Cases were matched 3:1 by age, surgical date, and cardiac lesion with nontrisomy 13/18 patients. Baseline clinical characteristics and patient outcomes, including postoperative course and management were compared. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank-sum test or Fisher exact test as appropriate were used to determine significant differences. RESULTS: In the 14 trisomy 13/18 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, there was an increased incidence of postoperative complications. Specifically, 93% had airway or pulmonary complications, including prolonged mechanical ventilation (n = 8), prolonged noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (n = 6), re-intubation (n = 7), tracheitis/pneumonia (n = 6), and tracheostomy (n = 2). The duration of intubation was longer (7.5 vs 2 days; P < .0001) as was the duration of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (8 vs 2 days; P < .04) with longer hospital length of stay in the trisomy 13/18 cohort. There was 1 in-hospital mortality, with none in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Although most trisomy 13/18 patients survive cardiac surgery, these patients have an increased incidence of airway complications, requiring longer intensive respiratory support postoperatively that contributes to longer length of stay. Parental guidance before cardiac surgery should include a discussion about postoperative airway management.

Evaluation of Explanted CorMatrix Tyke Extracardiac Patches in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Animal data demonstrate that intracardiac patches of decellularized porcine small intestine submucosa (CorMatrix; CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Atlanta, GA) become repopulated with native cells, suggesting the possibility of a substrate for regenerative tissue in humans. Although human studies have not demonstrated this regenerative property with intracardiac patches, it is possible that other environments may better promote native cell repopulation. We report a prospective series of explanted CorMatrix extracardiac patches placed in infants with congenital heart disease. METHODS: CorMatrix Tyke patches were used in pulmonary artery patch closure during the Norwood procedure. The patch material was explanted as part of the hemi-Fontan procedure. Specimens were analyzed with the use of hematoxylin and eosin, Movat pentachrome, and trichrome stains. RESULTS: Of the 11 implantations, 9 specimens were explanted. One patient did not survive to hemi-Fontan procedure. One patient's patch was removed, but not analyzed. Acellular material, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and foreign body giant cell reaction was seen in all explanted patches. No explanted CorMatrix Tyke material demonstrated evidence of ingrowth of native endothelial tissue at a median of 4.9 months in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: CorMatrix Tyke patch material, placed as a pulmonary artery patch in an extracardiac position, remained pliable and mostly free of calcification. However, these patches did not show evidence of native endothelial tissue at a median of 4.9 months in vivo.

Relationship of Ventricular Morphology and Atrioventricular Valve Function to Long-Term Outcomes Following Fontan Procedures.

BACKGROUND: The influence of ventricular morphology on Fontan outcomes is controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study hypothesized that dysfunction of the single right ventricle (RV) and right atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) increases over time and adversely impacts late outcomes following a Fontan operation. A single-center retrospective study was performed. METHODS: From 1985 through 2018, 1,162 patients underwent the Fontan procedure at our center and were included in this study. Transplant and takedown free survival, ventricular, and atrioventricular valve dysfunction after Fontan were analyzed. Death or heart transplantation information was obtained from the National Death Index and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 99%. Morphologic RV was present in 58% of patients. Transplant and takedown free survival were 91%, 75%, and 71% at 10 years, 20 years, and 25 years, respectively. Morphologic RV was an independent risk factor for transplant, takedown free survival (hazard ratio: 2.4; p = 0.008). The AVVR, which preceded ventricular dysfunction in most cases, was associated with the development of ventricular dysfunction after Fontan (odds ratio: 4.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.7 to 6.7; p < 0.001). Furthermore, AVVR and ventricular dysfunction progressed over time after Fontan, especially in the RV (AVVR: p < 0.0001, ventricular dysfunction: p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Morphologic RV is negatively associated with the long-term survival following the Fontan, possibly due to a tendency toward progressive AVVR and deterioration of the single ventricle function. Additional volume overload caused by AVVR may be one of the main factors accelerating the dysfunction of the single RV, implying that early valve intervention may be warranted.

Novel Suture Technique for Slide Tracheoplasty for the Treatment of Long-Segment Tracheal Stenosis.

Long-segment tracheal stenosis is a rare, life-threatening condition. Slide tracheoplasty is the surgical treatment of choice but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We examined our institutional outcomes utilizing a running, everting horizontal mattress suture technique. From August 2012 to January 2019, 7 infants and children underwent slide tracheoplasty with a single surgeon utilizing a running, everting horizontal mattress suture technique. Demographics and patient clinical data were obtained through chart review, and a retrospective analysis was performed. Median age was 7 months (range, 4 days-19 months) and median weight was 5.5 kg (range, 2.8-9.4). All patients underwent slide tracheoplasty using a running, everting horizontal mattress suture technique. One patient died on postoperative day 45 of multisystem organ failure, unrelated to his patent airway. Length of postoperative ventilation in survivors was 7 days (range, 0-20 days). Average follow-up was 3 years. There were no instances of significant postoperative airway stenosis, anastomotic leak, granulation tissue formation, or figure-of eight deformity. A running, everting horizontal mattress suture technique is safe and efficacious for slide tracheoplasty, prevents figure-of-eight deformity, and may decrease the incidence of tracheal stenosis, airway granulation tissue formation, and anastomotic leak.