SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF ANOMALOUS ORIGIN OF THE LEFT CORONARY-ARTERY IN INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD - EARLY AND LATE RESULTS IN 20 CONSECUTIVE CASES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 82  (3) , 423-428
Abstract
From 1972 to Sept., 1979, 20 patients underwent transplantation of the anomalous left coronary artery to the aorta, either directly or via a graft. Correction of ischemia-induced mitral insufficiency was associated in 8 patients and a postinfarction left ventricular scar was excised in 12. Operative mortality was high among patients under 1 yr of age (4/5). Among older children it was 15%. There were no late deaths among patients surviving the operation (mean follow-up 3 yr). All but 1 had marked clinical improvement and reduction of cardiomegaly. Eleven patients underwent angiographic control, with a patent graft or anastomosis demonstrated in every case. Operation is advocated for patients over 1 yr of age. The best treatment for symptomatic infants remains controversial.