Lecompte Procedure for Relief of Severe Airway Compression in Children With Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Purpose: Children with congenital heart disease may present with severe airway compression prior to any surgical procedure or may develop airway compression following their surgical procedure. This combination of congenital heart defect and airway compression poses a significant management challenge. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with the Lecompte procedure for relief of severe airway compression. Methods: This was a retrospective review of ten patients who underwent a Lecompte procedure for relief of severe airway compression over the past nine years (2010-2018). Three patients with absent pulmonary valve syndrome presented with severe symptoms prior to any surgical procedure. Seven patients presented with symptoms of airway compression following repair of their congenital heart defects (one with absent pulmonary valve syndrome, three patients had repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, and three patients had undergone aortic arch surgery). The median age at presentation was two years (range: one day to seven years). Results: The ten patients underwent a Lecompte procedure without any significant complications or operative mortality. The median interval between the surgical procedure and extubation was 9.5 days. No patients have required any further interventions for relief of airway obstruction. Conclusions: The Lecompte procedure is a surgical option for young children who present with severe airway compression. The patients in this series responded well to the Lecompte procedure as evidenced by clinical relief of airway compression.