If a<unk>  aortic arch is associated with a left<unk>  arterial ductal ligament (a remnant from the foetal circulation which forms a ligament after birth) then a vascular ring is formed around the trachea. Studies show that around 1:4 children show symptoms of a vascular ring. This requires further investigation by specialists. Many children are well. There is evidence to show that symptoms of a vascular ring do not correlate with the appearance of the trachea in these patients so further assessment may be required. This could be in the form of a specialist CT scan which is timed with inspiration and expiration or a free breathing bronchoscopy. If required, repairing a vascular ring formed by a<unk>  usually involves dividing the left<unk>  arterial ductal ligament (this is not a structure that is necessary for the heart circulation as it is not a vessel after birth). This is usually performed by cardiothoracic surgeons from the<unk> of the chest (thoracotomy incision) and does not require the heart to be stopped like many heart surgeries. Some people may have an aberrant left subclavian artery (the artery to the left arm) and this may also require re-implantation as it adds to the complexity of the vascular ring.
Right-sided aortic arch
Interrupted aortic arch
Double aortic arch
Situs ambiguus
Tracheal agenesis
Persistent left superior vena cava
Double inlet left ventricle
Iniencephaly