Long-term results after correction of persistent truncus arteriosus in 83 patients

Abstract

Truncus arteriosus remains a challenging heart disease. With growing experience, the early mortality decreased to 4%, but numerous re-interventions for conduit obstruction, pulmonary branch stenosis and truncal valve insufficiency are required. Surgery before 1997 and prolonged cross-clamping were risk factors of death. Pulmonary homografts had the best re-intervention-free survival. Statistically, however, the difference between conduits was not significant. Dysplastic valve and truncal valve insufficiency represent risk factors presenting the need for truncal valve replacement.