The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 29, 317-321, Copyright © 1980 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Palliative reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract in tricuspid atresia: a report of 5 patients
FP Annecchino, F Fontan, A Chauve and J Quaegebeur
Five patients with tricuspid atresia, normally related great arteries, and
decreased pulmonary flow underwent reconstruction of the right ventricular
outflow tract on enlargement of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) (outlet
foramen) or both in order to increase pulmonary blood flow. The age of the
patients ranged from 9 months to 4 years. All patients previously had had a
systemic-pulmonary artery anastomosis. Preoperative mean arterial oxygen
saturation was 67.2%. A restrictive outlet foramen was enlarged in 3
patients. Infundibulectomy and enlargement of the outlet chamber with a
Dacron patch were performed in 4 patients. A pulmonary valve commissurotomy
alone was done in 1 patient. There were no hospital or late deaths (mean
follow- up, 16 months). Four patients out of 5 have obtained symptomatic
and documented (increase in partial pressure of oxygen) benefit. In 1
patient, arterial oxygen saturation failed to rise to a satisfactory level.