The authors report a case of type A interruption of the aortic arch with the subclavian arteries arising from the descending aorta which was of special interest because of the absence of a patent ductus arteriosus. Therefore, the systemic circulation was assured from the carotid arteries which perfused the vertebral arteries retrogradely via the circle of Willis. The association of a partial endocardial cushion defect and hypoplasia of the ventricle explained the surgical failure. A review of the literature of interruption of the aortic arch without a ductus confirmed that this was a rare condition and, paradoxically, well tolerated in the absence of associated malformations. On the other hand, the left ventricular lesions, usually present in the classical forms with patent ductus arteriosus, operated in the neonatal period, increase the operative risk.