D-Transposition of the Great Arteries with Ventricular Septal Defect and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction (D-TGA/VSD/LVOTO): A Survey of Perceptions, Preferences, and Experience

Abstract

Several procedures have been introduced to manage this complex congenital heart malformation. It is not clear that any one approach is best for all patients. Decision-making for a given patient may be influenced by multiple patient factors. There is little doubt that surgeon and institutional experience and preference also play a role. We have focused our survey on three procedures, i.e., the Rastelli, Nikaidoh (aortic root translocation), and réparation à l’étageventriculaire (REV) procedures. The questionnaire was directed to all Congenital Heart Surgeon Society member surgeons. A total of 61 clinical practitioners responded to our survey. Of them, 45 (73.8 %) were staff congenital heart surgeons, 11 (18 %) were staff pediatric cardiologists, 1 (1.6 %) was a staff adult congenital cardiologist, 1 (1.6 %) was a fellow pediatric cardiologist, 2 (3.3 %) were fellow or resident congenital heart surgeons, and 1 (1.6 %) was a nurse practitioner. Most respondents believe that the Rastelli procedure should be considered the first option (n = 28, 45.9 %), while 24 (39.3 %) respondents believe that the Nikaidoh procedure should be considered the first option. Asked “To which surgeon do you prefer to refer your patient” (one who will perform Rastelli, Nikaidoh, or REV), all staff cardiologists (n = 12, 100 %) responded “doesn’t matter.” This survey revealed a wide diversity among clinical practitioners in terms of management of patients with TGA/VSD/LVOTO and preferred surgical approaches. A multi-institutional study of surgical management of TGA/VSD/LVOTO may help to define principles for optimal matching of procedures to patients.