Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defects and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries: Unifocalization brings no long-term benefits

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the contribution of unifocalization procedures in the management of patients with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. Methods: From 1975 through 1995, 82 consecutive patients were entered in a multistage approach and had 189 sternotomies and thoracotomies to perform 119 shunts, 130 major aortopulmonary collateral artery transplantations, and 76 major aortopulmonary collateral artery ligations. The serial angiographies and the follow-up of these patients were reviewed. Results: The concurrent follow-up rate was 80%. The hospital mortality of the preliminary procedures was 4% (7/189). Fifty-three (65%) pa..