Direct implantation of scimitar vein to the left atrium via sternotomy: a reappraisal.

OBJECTIVES There is no consensus about optimal surgical technique for the repair of scimitar vein, an anomalous right pulmonary venous connection to the inferior vena cava. Our current experience with a direct anastomosis of the scimitar vein to the left atrium via sternotomy may be shared with other centres, but has not been widely published. METHODS Six consecutive patients (age 6 months to 17 years, mean 5 years) operated on in 2009-12 were retrospectively reviewed. Through median sternotomy and with cardiopulmonary bypass, the mobilized anomalous right pulmonary vein was brought through a large pericardial opening posterior to the right phrenic nerve and anastomosed onto the right side of the posterior left atrium with access via an existing or a surgically created atrial septal defect. RESULTS Five patients had primary venous repair and one had a previous failed repair using an intra-atrial baffle. The median cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 88 and 38 min, respectively. The median ventilator time was 1 day and the median stay at the intensive care unit 3.5 days. There were no deaths within a median follow-up of 28 months (range 8-41 months), nor reoperations or instances of pulmonary venous obstruction. CONCLUSIONS Anatomic repair of the scimitar vein based on reimplantation onto the left atrium via sternotomy is conceptually appealing. The surgery results in a safe and reliable repair in patients with a wide age spectrum. Durability needs on-going assessment in longer-term follow-up.