Abnormal origin of the right subclavian artery from the right pulmonary artery in a patient with D-transposition of the great vessels and left juxtaposition of the right atrial appendage: an unusual anatomical variant.

Isolation of the left subclavian artery (LSCA) or its anomalous origin from the pulmonary artery (PA) has been documented in several cases, especially in association with a right-sided aortic arch. Similar anomalies involving the right subclavian artery (RSCA) are less frequent. Anomalous origin of the RSCA from the PA in association with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) is exceedingly rare and only two cases have been reported so far.

Restrictive interatrial communication in hypoplastic left heart syndrome after modified Fontan repair.

The occurrence of pulmonary venous obstruction after total cavopulmonary connection with intraatrial lateral tunnel is a rare occurrence. We present two cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome with restrictive interatrial communication presenting late after this type of modified Fontan repair. This occurred even after complete excision of the atrial septum at the time of Stage 1 Norwood in both cases.

Abrupt aortic root dilation after the Ross procedure--is this a progressive phenomenon?

This study provides evidence of aortic root dilation in children, adolescents, and young adults who have undergone the Ross procedure. Several mechanisms are described.

Chronic performance of steroid-eluting epicardial leads in a growing pediatric population: a 10-year comparison.

Patient size and congenital heart defects complicate pacemaker therapy in children favoring an initial epicardial approach. Steroid-eluting (SE) epicardial (EPI) leads maintain stable, low pacing thresholds in the short-term when compared to the nonsteroid (NSE) epicardial (EPI) leads. The purpose of this study was to evaluate chronic, 10-year performance of SE leads in growing children compared with NSE EPI leads implanted during the same time interval.