Right and left ventricular function after the mustard procedure in transposition of the great arteries

Right and left ventricular function was assessed at cardiac catheterization in 33 asymptomatic patients 0.5 to 11 years (mean 4.6) after the Mustard operation for complete transposition of the great arteries. Ages at operation had ranged from 0.5 to 16 years (mean 4.2 years). Right ventricular function was assessed using videodensitometric determination of ejection fraction and ventricular volume data. Ventricular volumes were obtained by computerized video analysis utilizing Simpson's rule. The right ventricular ejection fraction was 37 ± 11 percent (standard deviation), as assessed with videodensilometry and 42 ± 10 percent as assessed with ventricular volume-both values less than normal (P < 0.001). Right ventricular end-diastolic volume was significantly greater than normal (P < 0.001) and averaged 202 ± 70 percent, but left ventricular enddiastolic volume averaged only 125 ± 53 percent. These observations after the Mustard operation indicate that right ventricular function is seriously decreased with relatively preserved left ventricular function. They support efforts for surgical correction utilizing the left ventricle as the systemic ventricle.