Experts in Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction
Children born with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) require intensive treatment at birth to ensure the right conditions for surgical repairs later in infancy. Our MAPCAs experts and a team of other specialists bring extensive experience recognizing and managing all related conditions.
To develop a care plan, we complete a comprehensive evaluation of your child. We examine any associated conditions, including developmental, genetic, neurologic or pulmonary abnormalities.
Ongoing Management for Congenital Heart Conditions
Different types of congenital heart defects are associated with MAPCAs. At Cincinnati Children’s, we provide lifelong treatment for children with MAPCAs and congenital heart defects.
Congenital heart defects that most commonly occur with MAPCAs include:
- Pulmonary atresia. An abnormal heart valve sits between the right ventricle and main pulmonary artery. This prevents oxygen-poor blood from flowing from the heart into the lungs.
- Ventricular septal defect. A hole in the wall between the right and left pumping chambers (ventricles) increases blood flow from the heart into the lungs.
When pulmonary atresia occurs with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD), MAPCAs is highly likely to develop.
We may also find MAPCAs alongside other heart abnormalities, such as:
- Tetralogy of Fallot. This congenital condition refers to four heart defects that occur together: overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy and ventricular septal defect.
- Transposition of the great arteries. The aorta and the pulmonary artery are not in their normal positions. Instead of starting from the left ventricle, the aorta leaves the heart from the right ventricle. It carries oxygen-poor blood to the body, bypassing the lungs. The pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle, carrying oxygen-rich blood into the lungs. The body’s cells do not get the oxygen they need.
In rare cases, MAPCAs can develop without other diagnosed congenital heart defects.
