The Arterial Switch Operation in the Developing World: Risk Factors and Current Outcomes.

Background: Published data on the outcomes of the arterial switch operation in the developing world are limited. We sought to identify the midterm outcomes of and risk factors for mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing the arterial switch operation at a high-volume center in Vietnam.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 608 patients who underwent an arterial switch operation for the treatment of transposition of the great arteries (TGA; n = 509) or double-outlet right ventricle TGA (DORV-TGA; n = 99) at a single center from 2010 to 2021.

Results: Overall early mortality was 5.9%, and late mortality was 1%. Multivariate Cox regression showed weight at operation of <3 kg (P < .001), prolonged aortic cross-clamp time (P < .001), and need for secondary aortic cross-clamp (P = .011) as risk factors for overall mortality. The actuarial 10-year survival rate was 93%. The overall cardiac reoperation rate was significantly higher in patients with DORV-TGA (hazard ratio [HR], 16.43; 95% CI, 4.70-57.43; P < .001). The rate of freedom from cardiac reoperation at 10 years was 94%. Risk factors for outflow tract reoperation were patients with DORV-TGA (HR, 23.28; 95% CI, 2.86-189.66; P = .003), single coronary artery (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.16-14.46; P = .028), and mild aortic valve regurgitation observed in 3.7% of patients.

Conclusions: The outcomes of the arterial switch operation in a low- and middle-income country were satisfactory. Nevertheless, the complexity of the procedure and lower weight of patients are still challenges. Patients with DORV-TGA and single coronary artery need to be closely followed up.