One-stage repair of aortopulmonary window and interrupted aortic arch

  • Dr Pier Lombardi, Clínica General del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
  • Dr Lupo Méndez, Clínica General del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
  • Dr Rafael Echeverría, Clínica General del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
  • Dr Francisco De la Hoz, Clínica General del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia

    • Aortopulmonary window (APW) with interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare association, and represent a risk factor for death. Few cases have been reported. We report a case of a 10 days old baby operated on successfully.

    A 10 days old boy was referred to our institution with a diagnosis of APW and aortic coarctation. Cardiac catheterization showed discontinuity at the aortic isthmus level (IAA type B). Prompted repair was indicated.

    One-stage repair was performed with a single arterial cannula and bicaval cannulation. During a short period of circulatory arrest, the distal aorta was anastomosed to the aortic arch, and a polytetrafluoroethylene patch was sewn into the window. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was sent home after 20 days. Follow-up is 9 months. Echocardiogram showed no residual shunts and no gradient between the ascending and descending aorta. Cardiac catheterization is to be performed.

    APW with IAA is a rare association that must be corrected early in life. This can be done safely.