Intermediate-term results after surgery for anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.

Purpose: Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is optimally treated by creating a dual coronary system. Our aim was to review the results of operations performed in these patients and determine the intermediate-term outcomes for left ventricular function and mitral regurgitation.

Methods: Between July 2004 and January 2009 seven patients (5 boys, 2 girls) aged between 4 months and 12 years (median, 4.5 years) were operated for anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. The surgical correction was either performed by direct implantation (58%) or restoration of a composite tunnel (42%). Simultaneous mitral annuloplasty was performed in one patient with severe mitral regurgitation and simultaneous total correction of tetralogy of Fallot was performed in another.

Results: There was no hospital or late deaths. Postoperative echocardiograms demonstrated a significant improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction (52% ± 6% versus 39% ± 8%, P = 0.02) and mitral regurgitation (11% mild versus 48% moderate, P = 0.02) compared to those obtained preoperatively.

Conclusion: Direct re implantation of the left coronary artery to the aorta and restoration of a composite tunnel from aortic and pulmonary artery walls are equally effective techniques with an acceptable operative mortality, excellent cardiac recovery, and intermediate survival.