[Late results of the subclavian flap repair for aortic coarctation-effects on the left upper limb].

Late results of the subclavian flap repair for the aortic coarctation and effects on the left upper limb were evaluated on 9 patients who were operated on and had been continuously followed up at Hyogo Kenritsu Amagasaki Hospital. Their mean age at operation was 2.3 years (range 9 days-5.7 years), and mean follow-up period 5.9 years (range 3.1 years-8.3 years). Reoperation for restenosis was necessary in one patient and it proved the initial aortotomy and patch angioplasty had not been extended sufficiently beyond the stenotic segment. In the remaining 8 patients, the mean values of arm-to-leg systolic pressure gradient and peak flow velocity at the descending aorta by Doppler echocardiogram were 2.5 mmHg and 1.9 m/sec respectively. Length and arm circumference of the left upper limb were all significantly shorter than those of the right side. The left systolic brachial pressure and core temperature of the hand were also significantly low comparing with those of the right side. No patients, however, complained the ischemic symptoms of the left upper limb. In conclusion, the subclavian flap repair is thought to be a safe and long effective procedure for the aortic coarctation.