Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure: Midterm follow-up and technical considerations

The Damus-Kaye-Stansel operation is useful in the management of complex congenital heart defects. We reviewed our experience with 23 patients who underwent a Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure. The anastomotic technique was individualized depending on the anatomy. The aortic and pulmonary artery incisions were carried into the sinuses of Valsalva in 9 patients, the aorta was transeted in 11 patients, and a patch was used to augment the anastomosis in 13 patients. Concurrent procedures included a Fontan operation (n = 9, mortality = 0), right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit (n = 5, mortality = 0), bidirectional Glenn procedure (n = 6, mortality = 1), and central aortopulmonary shunt (n = 3, mortality = 2; emergency = 1). Survival is 87% with a median follow-up of 7 years (range, 2 months to 9.2 years). Four patients underwent late revision of the Damus-Kaye-Stansel connection. All survivors are asymptomatic. We conclude that the Damus-Kaye-Stansel connection provides excellent midterm results when the proximal anastomosis is adapted to the anatomy of the patient.