Importance of coronary artery anomalies in operations for congenital heart disease

Abstract

A congenital coronary artery anomaly influenced operative management of 21 children (34 operations) during a recent 8-year interval. This group represented 1.3% of cardiothoracic operations performed. Survivors included 5 of 10 children having correction of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery and 11 children having correction of intracardiac defects associated with major coronary arteries crossing the right ventricular outflow tract. Two children survived primary repair of injured major coronary arteries. Isolated coronary artery anatomy must be considered during management of intracardiac defects. Intraoperative injury to a major coronary artery requires meticulous repair.