Taussig-Bing anomaly and arterial switch: aortic arch obstruction does not influence outcome.

OBJECTIVE Aortic arch obstruction is a commonly associated problem in the Taussig-Bing anomaly. Between 1983 and 1995, 28 consecutive patients with Taussig-Bing anomaly underwent arterial switch operation with baffling of the left ventricle to neoaorta. Group A: 11/28 had associated aortic arch obstruction. Group B: 17/28 had isolated Taussig-Bing anomaly. We assessed whether the coexistence of subpulmonary ventricular septal defect and aortic arch obstruction pose an incremental risk factor. PATIENTS AND RESULTS Group A: Mean age and weight were 1.4+/-1.3 months and 3.5+/-0.4 kg. The aortic arch obstruction included: hypoplasia (5/11), interruption (4/11) and discrete coarctation (2/11). Seven patients had a one-stage correction, and four had initial arch repair followed by arterial switch operation. There were no hospital deaths (CL 0-28%). Over a follow-up of 638 patient-months (mean 64+/-39), there have been no late deaths, and all patients are in New York Heart Association class 1. There have been three cases of recurrent aortic arch obstruction (two requiring reoperation, and one requiring balloon dilation). One patient has been reoperated upon for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The actuarial survival and freedom from reoperation rates at 6 years were 100% (CL = 66-100%) and 72.9% (CL=38-92%) respectively. Group B: Mean age and weight were 5.9+/-8.4 months and 5+/-2.1 kg. All patients had a one-stage operation. There were two early deaths (11.8%, CL = 1-36%) and one late death over a follow-up of 678 patient-months (mean 52+/-31). All survivors are in New York Heart Association class 1 and there have been no reoperations. The actuarial survival and freedom from reoperation rates at 6 years were 81% (CL = 56-93%) and 100% (CL = 76-100%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS 1. Aortic arch obstruction has not adversely affected early or late survival (P>.05) or late functional class. 2. Patients with Taussig-Bing anomaly and aortic arch obstruction may have a higher reoperation rate than those with normal arch anatomy. 3. Taussing-Bing anomaly, with or without aortic arch obstruction, can be repaired with arterial switch operation during the neonatal period with good outcome.