Aortic Coarctation Associated with Distal Aortic Arch Hypoplasia in Neonates Can Be Effectively Repaired through Left Thoracotomy

Objectives. Aortic coarctation in neonates remains a clinical challenge. Low weight, arch hypoplasia and ductal dependence have been identified as risk factors for recurrent coarctation. We hypothesized that a tailored surgical technique may prevent recurrence. Methods. Retrospective evaluation of neonates treated for coarctation through thoracotomy was done. No primary percutaneous procedure was performed and repairs through sternotomy were excluded. Aortic hypoplasia was defined as a ratio arch diameter (mm)/patient’s weight (kg) < 1. Extended end-to-end anastomosis (EEEA), subclavian flap (Waldhausen) and Amato aortoplasty were performed. Mortality and recurrent obstruction requiring re-intervention were assessed. Results. Records of 340 consecutive patients (2003–2019) were analyzed. Preoperative median age and weight were, respectively, 10 days (1–30) and 3080 grams (1400–5180). Arch hypoplasia was documented in 31 patients (9.1%). Prostaglandin was infused in 220 (65.3%). Critical preoperative status was documented in 35 (10.8%). EEEA repair was performed in 273 (80.3%), Waldhausen was performed in 42 (12.4%), and Amato was performed in 25 (7.4%). The last two were more likely to be performed in the presence of arch hypoplasia ( $p$  < 0.0001). Hospital mortality occurred in 2 patients (0.6%). Thirty-six procedures (31 percutaneous/5 surgical) were performed for recurrent arch obstruction in 33 patients. Three late deaths occurred. Low-weight, hypoplastic arch, and ductal dependency did not influence the outcome. All survivors were free from residual coarctation at a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 3.4 years postoperatively. Conclusions. Surgical repair remains the procedure of choice for neonatal coarctation. A tailored approach using alternative techniques seemed to offer comparable results even in presence of associated risk factors.