Midterm Assessment of the Reconstructed Arteries After the Arterial Switch Operation

After arterial switch operation, the neoaortic root is usually enlarged, but with a growth pattern comparable to that of a normal population. The association of a VSD and major arterial root size discrepancy predisposes to both neoaortic valve dysfunction and root enlargement. Severe root dilation appears to be closely related to significant neoaortic valve regurgitation, mainly as a result of a time-depending and reciprocal process. Neopulmonary stenosis is a frequent finding, but rarely has clinical consequences. Because the factor “time” is the principal determinant of late neoaortic valve dysfunction and root dilation, strict serial surveillance after arterial switch operation is mandatory.