The ostium of the anomalous left main coronary artery may be located anywhere in the main pulmonary artery or the proximal right or left pulmonary artery. Most commonly, it is found leftward in the posterior sinus of the pulmonary root (the sinus facing the aortic sinus, which normally gives rise to the left main coronary artery).

An anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is best approached through a median sternotomy with standard cardiopulmonary bypass.

Before commencing cardiopulmonary bypass, the right and left pulmonary arteries are dissected and encircled with snares. High cannulation of the ascending aorta is performed and a single venous cannula is used. Immediately after starting cardiopulmonary bypass, the snares around the pulmonary arteries are tightened. A vent is placed into the left ventricle through the right superior pulmonary vein (see Chapter 4). Cooling to 28°C is carried out, and antegrade cardioplegic solution is delivered into the aortic root after the cross-clamp is applied.

A transverse incision is made on the pulmonary artery just above the sinotubular ridge. Snares around the right and left pulmonary arteries are removed. The ostium of the anomalous coronary artery is identified. It is often possible to administer cardioplegic solution directly into this vessel with an appropriately sized olive-tipped catheter for optimal myocardial protection. The main pulmonary artery is now transected, and the ostium of the anomalous left coronary artery is excised with a generous margin of tissue as a button or a U-shaped flap from within the pulmonary sinus (Fig. 32.1).

The anterior edge of the pulmonary artery root is pulled downward with a traction suture. This maneuver will improve visualization of the anomalous left coronary artery. It is mobilized and dissected free from the surrounding tissues with a low-current electrocautery. The coronary artery, now well mobilized, is brought up toward the left posterior aspect of the ascending aorta (Fig. 32.2). A small vertical or transverse incision is made on the aorta to identify the precise location of the aortic leaflets and commissures. Under direct vision, a slit is made on the posterior aspect of the aortic wall, taking meticulous care not to injure the aortic valve components. The opening is then enlarged appropriately to accommodate the left coronary using a 4-mm coronary aortic punch. The left coronary button or flap is then anastomosed to the aortic opening with 6-0 or 7-0 Prolene suture. The aortotomy is closed with continuous 6-0 Prolene suture. The defect in the pulmonary root is patched with a piece of autologous pericardium using a running 6-0 or 7-0 Prolene suture. The pulmonary root is then reattached to the pulmonary artery confluence with a continuous suture of 5-0 Prolene (Fig. 32.3).