Proximal Arch in Left Thoracotomy Repair of Neonatal and Infant Coarctation—How Small Is Too Small?

Abstract

In our cohort of patients with left thoracotomy and extended end-to-end repair of coarctation, proximal arch hypoplasia, defined by various weight-based or <i>z</i>-score thresholds, was not associated with reintervention. While this may imply value to a more liberal use of thoracotomy, confirmation requires longer term follow-up with a more comprehensive evaluation of the patients and their arches.