Infants with one functional cardiac ventricle often undergo the Norwood procedure which seeks to create unobstructed outflow from the single ventricle to aorta using a complex aortic arch reconstruction. The distal region of the patch used to fashion the neo-aorta terminates near the aortic isthmus, and represents an area of extensive challenge and manipulation for cardiothoracic surgeons. Re-coarctation in this region is common after the Norwood procedure and may be linked with longer-term morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography (TTE) is the primary means of surveillance of the aortic isthmus, though measurements are often difficult due to poor acoustic windows and lack of patient cooperation. To date, there have been no studies that assess how accurately TTE measures the aortic isthmus relative to a computed tomography (CT) derived gold standard. Read More

Meeting name: IPR 2016 Conjoint Meeting & Exhibition , 2016

Authors: Ehrmann Daniel, Dimaria Michael, Fonseca Brian, Younoszai Adel, Browne Lorna

Keywords: Congenital Heart Disease, Single ventricle, Aortic Isthmus, Norwood, Coarctation

Infants with one functional cardiac ventricle undergo operations that yield unobstructed systemic outflow and a controlled source of pulmonary blood flow, often starting with the Norwood operation with Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt. Infants with shunt dependent pulmonary blood flow are at risk for developing proximal pulmonary artery (PA) stenoses, which may result in morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography (TTE) is the primary means of surveillance for PA narrowing, but is limited by acoustic windows, operator experience and patient cooperation. Computed tomography (CT) offers high spatial resolution, rapid acquisition and relatively low radiation exposure. To date, there have been no studies comparing TTE and CT-derived measurements of the proximal PA anatomy in this high-risk population. Read More

Meeting name: IPR 2016 Conjoint Meeting & Exhibition , 2016

Authors: Ehrmann Daniel, Browne Lorna, Fonseca Brian, Younoszai Adel, Dimaria Michael

Keywords: Congenital Heart Disease, Single ventricle, Pulmonary Artery, CT, Echocardiography