Work

Short-term outcomes of the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit “NeoCor” in Syria: A case series

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) reconstruction often requires a valved conduit; however, no single option is ideal across ages and anatomical variations. We report early outcomes of a bovine pericardial xenograft conduit (NeoCor) as a practical solution in a resource-limited setting. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective series, eight pediatric patients (1-14 years) underwent RV-PA reconstruction (2019-2024) using a bovine pericardial xenograft conduit sized by nomogram (10-21 mm). A single surgical team performed all procedures under standardized perioperative protocols with intraoperative echocardiography. Complications were graded using standardized criteria. The primary outcome was clean follow-up (no mortality, no reintervention on the conduit/RVOT, no ≥moderate conduit regurgitation, peak Doppler gradient ≤30 mmHg, and no echogenic calcification). RESULTS: Indications included TGA/VSD/PS (n = 4), tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve (n = 2), VSD-PA with confluent PAs/PDA (n = 1), and truncus arteriosus redo (n = 1). Follow-up ranged 6 months-5 years (mean 2 years). All patients met the clean follow-up definition. Conduit Doppler gradients were 5-8 mmHg perioperatively and 8-12 mmHg at follow-up; no calcification or ≥ moderate regurgitation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A bovine pericardial xenograft conduit is a feasible, accessible option for RV-PA reconstruction with promising short-term hemodynamics in this context. Larger prospective studies and/or registry participation are warranted to evaluate durability, reintervention rates, and cost-effectiveness.

Source: International Journal of Surgery Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.111980

Authors: Rahaf Massoud, Sarah Massoud, Yaman Al-Mkaky, Yaman Wazir, Yahya Ibrahim, Alwaleed Al-Dairy

Institution: Damascus University

Language: English

Topic: Congenital Heart Disease Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090