Esophageal Compression by the Aorta After Arterial Switch

Extrinsic compression of the esophagus in children most often occurs in the presence of a congenital vascular ring. We recently operated on a patient in whom esophageal compression had developed that was severe enough to require feeding via a gastrostomy tube several years after the arterial switch operation. Aortopexy and extensive mediastinal mobilization were performed twice with transient relief and gradual return of symptoms. Almost 3 years after the first aortopexy, lasting relief was achieved by transposing the esophagus into the right side of the chest.