Improved Surgical Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease and Decompensated Heart Failure: The Role of Perioperative Medical Optimization

Case series Patients: Male, 49-year-old • Female, 45-year-old • Female, 32-year-old • Female, 49-year-old • Male, 62-year-old Final Diagnosis: Congenital heart disease and heart failure Symptoms: Peripheral edema • dyspnea • tachycardia Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Anesthesiology • Cardiac Surgery • Cardiology • Radiology • Transplantology OBJECTIVE: Congenital defects/diseases BACKGROUND: Decompensated heart failure (HF) is recognized as a significant prognostic factor for unfavorable outcomes in both the general population and adults with congenital heart diseases (ACHD). Among ACHD patients, those with advanced heart failure may be candidates for heart transplantation. However, in ACHD patients requiring heart surgery, even with reduced ejection fraction, the administration of appropriate medications can result in improved circulatory parameters, functional class, and surgical outcomes. CASE REPORTS: We present 5 patients who exhibited indications for open-heart surgery, advanced heart failure (HF) accompanied by congestion, and significant physical activity limitations or symptoms at rest (NYHA class III–IV). Among the patients, 40% were male, with a mean age of 47.4 years (ranging from 32 to 62 years). Three patients displayed reduced systemic ventricular ejection fraction, while 4 patients experienced arrhythmia. Congenital heart diseases (CHD) observed in the patients included repaired double-outlet right ventricle, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, repaired tetralogy of Fallot, partial anomalous right pulmonary venous return, and atrial septal defect. Comprehensive heart failure medications were administered, including an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, levosimendan, beta-blockers, phosphocreatine, and diuretics. The preoperative period ranged from 8 days to 2 months. Notably, significant clinical and hemodynamic improvements were observed in all cases, and all open-heart surgeries were successfully completed. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced and decompensated HF has a high impact on surgical outcomes. Preoperative care with prescribed medical management for ACHD patients is possible and provides good early and mid-term postoperative results.