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Staged unifocalization revisited
  • Yuki Nakamura,
  • Harold Burkhart
Yuki Nakamura
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Harold Burkhart
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Centre
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Abstract

Background. A staged thoracotomy unifocalization approach has not been the dominant option over the past 20 years primarily due to the introduction of midline one-stage complete unifocalization. Methods. In this issue of the Journal of Cardiac Surgery, van de Woestijne and colleagues publish their experience over the past 30 years in 39 consecutive patients with “consistent” staged unifocalization through a lateral thoracotomy in patients with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (PA/VSD/MAPCA). Results. They report definitive repair completion in 76.3% of the patients and an overall survival after definitive repair of 96% at 20 years despite the study period ranging from 1989 to the present. Conclusion. Given the multiple variations one could have with PA/VSD/MPACA, a midline unifocalization approach may not always be possible. Surgeons should be familiar with the lateral thoracotomy unifocalization staged approach to PA/VSD/MAPCA.
24 Jan 2022Submitted to Journal of Cardiac Surgery
25 Jan 2022Assigned to Editor
25 Jan 2022Submission Checks Completed
25 Jan 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
09 Feb 2022Published in Journal of Cardiac Surgery. 10.1111/jocs.16296