title: Minimally invasive management of transposition of the great arteries in the newborn period.
abstract: This study reports on a predominantly noninvasive management program for neonatal transposition of the great arteries [TGA] incorporating balloon atrial septostomy [BAS] under echocardiographic control. BAS was performed in 25 consecutive patients presenting with TGA between April 1988 and April 1990. Structural and coronary anatomy was evaluated echocardiographically with angiographic supplementation only when additional data were required. This information was correlated, where possible, with direct anatomic findings and subsequent course. BAS was performed through the umbilicus in 17 patients (85% of patients in whom this approach was attempted). Thirteen patients did not require ventilation during BAS. There were minimal complications and satisfactory septostomies in all cases. Coronary anatomy was correctly predicted in all patients where anatomic correlation was available. Without invasive investigation 9 patients underwent neonatal arterial switch procedures and 2 underwent palliative procedures. BAS under echocardiographic control proved safe, effective, minimally traumatic and mostly possible via the umbilical vein. The umbilical vein, where patent, permitted rapid safe access for BAS. Echocardiographic diagnosis of the coronary artery, and structural and functional anatomy was reliable and allowed minimally invasive preoperative management in many patients.
authors.affiliation: Adolph Basser Institute of Cardiology, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Hawker
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brieger
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nunn
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Cartmill
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Celermajer
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Sholler
mesh_terms: D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D014188:Transposition of Great Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*