Coronary artery to pulmonary artery communications in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect

Abstract

Coronary artery to pulmonary artery communications (CAPAC) are an important source of pulmonary blood flow in approximately 10% of patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD). A diligent look for these abnormal communications is important to prevent perioperative complications and achieve a complete repair. We present two cases of PA-VSD with CAPAC, one in a 7-year-old child and the other in a 33-year-old adult. The method of occlusion of these communications could be either surgical or catheter based.

Keywords

• Coronary artery
• Pulmonary artery
• Fistula
• Collateral
• Pulmonary atresia