| Abstract: | Left-sided juxtaposition of the right atrial appendage (LJRAA) was seen in 10 patients in a series of 361 consecutive Mustard procedures for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Dextrocardia complicated LJRAA in four cases. Right atrial capacity and free atrial wall size were smaller than normal in all patients, and a Mustard intra-atrial baffle repair was performed in all instances. Direct caval cannulation or cannulation of either atrial appendage facilitated intra-atrial repair. Nine patients in whom the pulmonary venous atrium was enlarged with a patch survived. One child who did not have a right atrial patch died 1 hour postoperatively of pulmonary edema. Two late deaths occurred 1 year postoperatively. Seven children survived and are well. In one child, superior vena caval baffle obstruction is controlled by digoxin and diuretic therapy. TGA associated with juxtaposition of the atrial appendages (JAA) and dextrocardia may be successfully repaired by the Mustard procedure, provided that the tricuspid valve and right ventricle are normal, an adequate superior vena caval channel is created, and patch enlargement of the pulmonary venous atrium is undertaken. |
