INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the alterations in the pulmonary artery (PA) diameters after bilateral cavopulmonary derivation (BCPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients submitted to BCPD in the period from March 1990 to January 1997, with available cineangiographic examinations in the pre- and postoperative period, were included. Measurements in right pulmonary artery (RPA) and left pulmonary artery (LPA) were performed at three sites: at the origin, immediately before bifurcation and at the beginning of the inferior lobe artery. The diameters of each site were indexed with respect to body surface or diameter of the aorta at the level of the diaphragm. Angiographic and oximetric data were submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: On analyzing absolute diameters, it was observed that most suffered a non-significant increase in the postoperative period, while the LPA diameter presented a decrease. The total indexes I e III presented a significant decrease in the postoperative period, this reduction of the total index II being non-significant. Analysis of the postoperative follow-up variable showed a significant reduction in the total indexes in patients with a postoperative follow-up less than 23,6 months. Presence of additional blood flow elicited an increase in RPA I and III indexes and a small reduction in the other. The PA measurements indexed with respect to the diameter of the aorta showed a behavior similar to those with respect to body surface. In the absence of collateral venous circulation (CVC) a significant increase in O2 saturation was observed. On the other hand, its presence elicited a non-significant increase during the period of observation.
Heart defects; Heart defects; Pulmonary artery; Pulmonary artery; Pulmonary artery; Heart bypass; Cardiovascular surgical procedures
