The Damus-Stansel-Kaye procedure. Should the aortic valve or subaortic valve region be closed?

Two patients (one with transposition of the great arteries and another with Taussig-Bing anomaly) underwent the Damus-Stansel-Kaye procedure (Group I). Significant aortic valve insufficiency developed postoperatively in both patients. In contrast, seven patients with a univentricular heart and subaortic stenosis from a variety of reasons underwent creation of an aortopulmonary window (Group II), a procedure very similar to the proximal main pulmonary artery-aortic root anastomosis of the Damus-Stansel-Kaye procedure. Aortic valve insufficiency had not developed after up to 7 years of follow-up in this group (average 43 months). Postoperative angiograms suggest that aortic valve incompetence in Group I may have been caused by prolapse of the aortic valve. The valvular structures are subjected to high systolic pressures and face a dilated, low-pressure right ventricle. Aortic root distortion may have contributed, as well. In Group II patients, the aortic valve structures face a small, thick-walled chamber. The orientation of the aortic valve vis-a-vis the right ventricle changed postoperatively in Group I but not in Group II patients. Our experience suggests that the aortic valve or subaortic valve region should be closed at the initial repair in patients with low pulmonary vascular resistance who are undergoing the Damus-Stansel-Kaye procedure, to minimize the need for reoperation for aortic valve insufficiency.