LeCompte maneuver

LeCompte maneuver is a surgical technique used in cardiac surgery, specifically in the treatment of congenital heart defects. Named after its developer, American pediatric cardiac surgeon Roger LeCompte, the maneuver involves the translocation of the pulmonary artery in front of the aorta to correct certain types of heart malformations.

History

The LeCompte maneuver was first described in 1981 by Roger LeCompte, a pioneer in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery. LeCompte's work focused on the development of surgical techniques to correct congenital heart defects, particularly those involving the great arteries.

Procedure

The LeCompte maneuver is performed during open-heart surgery. The patient is placed under general anesthesia, and the chest is opened to expose the heart. The pulmonary artery, which carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, is carefully dissected away from the aorta and moved in front of it. This repositioning allows for the correction of certain types of heart malformations, such as transposition of the great arteries and double outlet right ventricle.

Indications

The LeCompte maneuver is indicated in the surgical treatment of several congenital heart defects, including:

• Transposition of the great arteries: a condition in which the aorta and the pulmonary artery, the two main arteries carrying blood away from the heart, are switched in position.
• Double outlet right ventricle: a condition in which both the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected to the right ventricle, instead of one to the right and one to the left.
• Tetralogy of Fallot: a combination of four congenital heart defects, one of which can be corrected by the LeCompte maneuver.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, the LeCompte maneuver carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific to this procedure, there is a risk of damage to the heart or great vessels, which can lead to serious complications such as heart failure or cardiac arrest.

See Also

• Cardiac surgery
• Congenital heart defect
• Roger LeCompte
• Transposition of the great arteries
• Double outlet right ventricle
• Tetralogy of Fallot