Outcome of single-stage repair of coarctation with ventricular septal defect

Background: The optimal surgical strategy for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) is controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of a single-stage repair of CoA with VSD. Methods: We reviewed 72 patients who underwent single-stage repair for CoA with VSD between January 1995 and December 2007. There were 43 males and 29 females. The median age of the patients was 28 days (range = 3 to 188) and median weight was 3.7 kg (range = 2.16 to 5.6). Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in 22 patients and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was performed in 43 patients. Results: There were no operative deaths and one late death at a median follow-up of 60 months (range = 16 to 158). Postoperative complications were left main bronchus compression requiring aortopexy in one patient and recoarctation requiring balloon dilatation in one patient. Subaortic stenosis occurred in two patients and surgical repair was performed. Conclusions: One-stage simultaneous repair can be performed with a low risk at an early age.