Anterior Translocation of the Right Pulmonary Artery for Relief of Airway Compression in the Repair of Distal Aortopulmonary Window and Interrupted Aortic Arch

Airway compression by dilated right pulmonary artery (RPA) in infants with congenital heart disease can cause severe respiratory insufficiency and increase postoperative morbidity. Anterior aortopexy can be a good solution. However, in a case in which aortic arch repair is required, anterior aortopexy might not be effective or can be dangerous. Anterior translocation of the RPA can be a good option to avoid postoperative airway obstruction. We adopted this technique in a one-stage complete repair of distal aortopulmonary window, aortic origin of the RPA, interrupted aortic arch, and ventricular septal defect in a neonate with compression of both main bronchi. After 37 months of follow-up, no problem was encountered with her airway or RPA. We describe the technique used and the results obtained. (Ann Thorac Surg 2012;93:e159-61) (c) 2012 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons