Neo-coarctation after the arterial switch operation.

Neo-coarctation following arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a complication that is not regularly described, but may occur. We describe five patients who developed a neo-coarctation after operation. They were diagnosed with TGA, either with or without ventricular septal defect without signs or symptoms of a coarctation. Except for one patient, all patients were reoperated for a neo-coarctation within one year after the ASO. Several explanations are discussed as a possible cause for this phenomenon.