MAPCAs Unifocalization

Also known as: major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) unifocalization, unifocalization

What is MAPCAs unifocalization?

MAPCAs stands for major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. It’s a rare type of congenital heart disease that causes abnormal branches of the pulmonary arteries to grow, which leads to blood flow problems in the heart and body. Unifocalization is a complex surgical procedure that treats MAPCAs.

What happens during the procedure?

Unifocalization is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia that requires a multi-day hospital stay. It’s a complex procedure performed by a team of cardiac surgeons and can last as long as 20 hours. During the procedure, the cardiac surgeons reconstruct the pulmonary arteries, combining all the MAPCAs into a single, functional pulmonary artery system.

Is any special preparation needed?

Your child will likely need to undergo several diagnostic tests to determine if they are a candidate for unifocalization. Your doctors may have other guidance depending on the specific nature of the procedure or procedures. For example, you may need to avoid food and medication for a period of time before the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

A unifocalization procedure does have risks and may involve multiple surgeries, so it’s important to discuss these risks and potential outcomes with your doctors. Despite the risks, in many cases it’s the best treatment option available for the infant with a congenital heart defect, and many children who have undergone the procedure go on to lead healthy, productive lives.

Reviewed by: David Kalfa, MD

This page was last updated on: June 26, 2026 02:58 PM