AORTIC IMPLANTATION OF ANOMALOUS LEFT CORONARY-ARTERY - AN IMPROVED SURGICAL APPROACH

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery may present a technical challenge. Direct implantation of the anomalous left coronary artery into the aorta to provide a two coronary artery system is the preferred surgical approach. We describe a modification of this technique to allow anastomosis of the anomalous left coronary artery with the excised button of pulmonary artery from within the lumen of the aorta. We have used this procedure in six children and one adult with anomalous left coronary artery with favorable outcome. The potential benefits of this modified technique are (1) improved operative exposure, (2) ability to implant the anomalous left coronary artery in the appropriate sinus, (3) avoidance of aortic valve damage or distortion because of improved exposure, and (4) applicability to patients of all ages.