Revisiting subclavian flap repair for neonates and small infants

Kir M, Ugurlu B, Unal N, Metin K, Yilmaz N, Kizilca O.Pak J Med Sci. 2015 Jan-Feb;31(1):131-5. doi: 10.12669/pjms.311.5531.

Abstract

Objective: We have utilized subclavian flap angioplasty (SFA) frequently in infants with coarctation particularly in patients with arch hypoplasia which is quite frequent. We have followed these patients with serial echocardiography and have analyzed our results in this study to determine recoartation rates, recurrent hypertension and left arm development.

Methods: Thirty eight infants less than 3 months age (22 boys and 16 girls, mean age was 28±22.6 days) operated at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital between August 2007 – December 2013. Twelve (32%) patients with pulmonary banding due to accompanying VSD or AVSD were included to the study, those infants with complex pathologies such as transposition of great arteries or single ventricle, while the patients less than 1000 gram in weight were excluded.

Results: The mean follow-up time was 21 months (1-76 months). Twelve (32%) patients had aortic arch hypoplasia proximal to the left subclavian artery. Operative mortality was found 7.7% for isolated coarctation, 16% for coarctation repair with pulmonary banding. In 5 patients, a residual gradient was detected and re intervention was required in 7.8% patients with balloon angioplasty.

Conclusion: Subclavian flap angioplasty is a safe repair technique in small infants and neonates. High gradients and intervention more likely depends on the anatomy of the aortic arch rather than the subclavian flap angioplasty technique.

Keywords: Aortic coarctation; Children; Subclavian flap angioplasty.

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Uzman Dr. Nuh YILMAZ

Specialist Dr. Nuh Yılmaz, after his medical education at Ege University Faculty of Medicine, he completed his residency in Pediatrics at İzmir Dr. Behçet Uz Pediatric Diseases and Surgery Training and Research Hospital. He completed his subspecialty training in Pediatric Cardiology at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine. After working as a Pediatric Cardiology Specialist at Liv Hospital Vadi Istanbul Hospital and Istanbul Medical Park Bahçeşehir Hospital, he started accepting patients at İskenderun Gelişim Hospital.