An experience with off pump technique for repair of anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA)

Background: Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery is a very rare disease with incidence of one every 300,000 live births. It has a high mortality of 80% in the first year of life. This observational study summarized our experience using the technique of subclavian arterial bypass without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for treatment of this coronary anomaly in pediatric population. The study aims to revive an earlier technique, with modifications, as an alternative to the existing coronary translocation. Methods: From 2009 till 2015, six consecutive infants were operated by a single surgeon using subclavian artery to left coronary artery bypass done off pump, to establish a two coronary circulation. Results: Five patients had an improvement in their LV ejection fractions at the time of the last follow-up. Angiography done in two cases after 2 and 6 years after surgery revealed good flow in the left coronary artery and good growth in the length of subclavian artery. There was one surgical mortality in this series. Conclusions: The technique of off pump subclavian arterial bypass for anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is a viable alternative to the existing standard technique of coronary translocation. It essentially eliminates extracorporeal circulatory support or a left heart bypass that may be needed after coronary translocation. Also, the advantage of avoiding CPB, both in economic terms and also the adverse effects related to use of bypass in this very sick hearts, cannot be disregarded