Abstract

Objectives: To assess survival and long term arch patency rates in a consecutive group of children after extended arch repair for coarctation of the aorta.

Methods: Review of 191 consecutive children (154 (81%) under 1 year of age) operated on between 1990 and 2002 by a single surgeon using extended arch reconstructive techniques. For assessment of survival patients were divided into three groups: 1, coarctation alone, n  =  104; 2, coarctation and ventricular septal defect, n  =  38; and 3, coarctation in association with complex intracardiac anomalies, n  =  49. A prospective and systematic clinical and echocardiographic evaluation of the aortic arch was undertaken.

Results: Median time to follow up was 4.2 years (range 1–10.6 years). Overall actuarial survival was 92%, 88%, and 88% at two, five, and 10 years. Mortality was significantly higher in those patients with complex intracardiac anatomy. Arch obstruction recurred in seven of 165 (4.2%) patients: four of 139 (2.9%) term and three of 10 (30%) premature infants (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Survival after extended arch reconstruction for coarctation is excellent. At long follow up recurrent arch obstruction is rare, with prematurity the only risk factor.