Surgical management of congenital obstruction of the left main coronary artery with supravalvular aortic stenosis

Abstract

Objective: Stenosis of the left main coronary artery is a recognized complicating feature of supravalvular aortic stenosis. We have retrospectively identified three anatomic subtypes of left main coronary obstruction in patients with supravalvular aortic stenosis, each necessitating a distinct surgical approach.

Methods: From 1991 to 1998, 9 patients underwent surgical repair of supravalvular aortic stenosis and left main coronary stenosis. Five patients (group 1) had obstruction from near-circumferential thickening of the left main ostium, 2 patients (group 2) had restricted coronary flow due to fusion of an aortic valve leaflet to the supravalvular ridge, and 2 patients (group 3) had diffuse narrowing of the left main coronary artery. Group 1 patients were treated with patch aortoplasty encompassing the left main ostium and supravalvular aortic stenosis. Group 2 patients were treated with excision of the fused leaflet from the aortic wall and patch aortoplasty. Group 3 patients were treated with bypass grafting and aortoplasty.

Results: Surgical strategy was determined by coronary angiography and intraoperative assessment of coronary anatomy. There was 1 early death. All surviving patients underwent echocardiography with or without postoperative catheterization. The mean postoperative supravalvular gradient for 7 patients was 8 mm Hg (range 2-15 mm Hg). One patient required reoperation for a residual aortic gradient as a result of aortic arch involvement. No evidence of left main coronary artery stenosis was seen in groups 1 and 2; bypass grafts were patent in group 3 patients at a mean follow-up of 54.8 months.

Conclusion: Three subtypes of left main coronary stenosis with supravalvular aortic stenosis are described. Each anatomic type mandates an individual surgical approach. Favorable surgical outcomes are achievable with each category.