Retrograde Catheterization of the Pulmonary Veins Following Surgical Correction of Transposition of the Great Vessels

Abstract

Prior to a Mustard repair for transposition of the great vessels, complete physiologic data of the pulmonary bed can be obtained by catheterization of the pulmonary artery with a "J" formed wire, and direct catheterization of the pulmonary veins via an atrial septal defect. Following "physiologic" repair ready access to the pulmonary veins is denied. Evaluation of the pulmonary venous pressure is of great importance, however, in differentiating pulmonary vascular disease from pulmonary hypertension secondary to patch obstruction of pulmonary venous return. This paper describes a technique of catheterization of the pulmonary veins following a Mustard repair for TGV. Key words: Transposition of great arteries, cardiac catheterization, Mustard procedure