Surgery is essential to correct ALCAPA upon diagnosis. When your child receives an Alcapa Diagnosis, the medical team will thoroughly explain the surgical options available. These procedures aim to restore proper blood flow to the heart by addressing the anomalous left coronary artery. Common surgical treatments include:
- Reimplantation: This involves detaching the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery and carefully attaching it to its correct origin on the aorta. This rerouting ensures oxygen-rich blood flows correctly to the heart muscle after the alcapa diagnosis.
- Tunnel Creation (Intrapulmonary Baffle): Surgeons create a tunnel from the aorta to the anomalous left coronary artery. Subsequently, the connection between the left coronary artery and the pulmonary artery is closed. This method effectively redirects blood flow after the alcapa diagnosis.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): In some cases, the faulty left coronary artery is removed. A vein, often taken from the leg, is then used to create a new left coronary artery, bypassing the anomaly identified through alcapa diagnosis.
- Subclavian Artery to Coronary Artery Connection: This procedure establishes a connection between the left subclavian artery and the left coronary artery. This allows oxygenated blood from the subclavian artery to nourish the left coronary artery and the heart, addressing the issue identified by alcapa diagnosis.
Long-Term Outlook Following Alcapa Diagnosis
Following successful surgery after an alcapa diagnosis, the majority of patients experience a significantly improved quality of life. Many children diagnosed with ALCAPA thrive and face no limitations in their schooling, physical activities, or sports participation. However, lifelong care from a cardiologist is crucial for all individuals post-alcapa diagnosis and treatment. While some patients may require ongoing medication, many can discontinue medication within weeks or months after surgery, depending on their specific condition and recovery after the alcapa diagnosis.
Continuous Follow-up Care Post Alcapa Diagnosis
Monitoring Through Childhood and Adolescence
Regular follow-up appointments with a cardiologist are mandatory after surgery to ensure the child’s heart functions optimally after the alcapa diagnosis has been addressed.
Throughout the child’s growth, consistent cardiac monitoring by a cardiologist is essential. This may involve annual check-ups or more frequent evaluations as needed. Individuals with a history of alcapa diagnosis require lifelong cardiologist care due to an increased risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms.
Transitioning into Adulthood after Alcapa Diagnosis
Upon reaching 18 years of age, patients will transition to an adult cardiologist specializing in congenital heart conditions. The Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center, a collaborative program between The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, specializes in addressing the unique healthcare needs of adults who were born with heart defects, ensuring continued expert care following their alcapa diagnosis and childhood treatment.
