Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Atrioventricular Septal Defect This anatomic complex has been referred to as an atrioventricular canal. The septal defect includes the inferior segment of the atrial septum and the superior segment or…
Atrial Septal Defect
Atrial Septal Defect Defects in the atrial septum are relatively common. They appear at various sites in the septum and can be associated with other congenital abnormalities. In addition, there…
Systemic Pulmonary Shunting
Systemic Pulmonary Shunting Because most congenital heart defects are managed by total correction, shunting procedures are now performed in select patient populations. Systemic to pulmonary artery shunts offer excellent palliation…
Aortopulmonary Window
Aortopulmonary Window An aortopulmonary window is a relatively rare anomaly that can occur either as an isolated defect or in association with other congenital lesions, such as ventricular septal defect,…
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection In a total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, there is no direct continuity between the pulmonary veins and left atrium. For the neonate to survive, there…
Surgery of the Aortic Valve
Surgery of the Aortic Valve Aortic stenosis secondary to degenerative calcification, congenital bicuspid aortic valve disease, or rheumatic fever is the most common indication for aortic valve replacement. Acute aortic…
Coarctation of the Aorta
Coarctation of the Aorta More than 50% of infants with a coarctation of the aorta become symptomatic during the first month of life. Associated cardiac anomalies accompany this lesion in…
Surgery of the Aorta
Surgery of the Aorta ACUTE AORTIC DISSECTION Acute aortic dissection has a sudden onset and is a true surgical emergency. It is usually initiated by a transverse tear in the…
Surgery of the Mitral Valve
Surgery of the Mitral Valve Degenerative and myxomatous changes are the most common cause of mitral valve disease in North America and Western Europe today. These changes affect the leaflets…
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent Ductus Arteriosus INCISION The ductus arteriosus can be adequately exposed through a small left anterior thoracotomy. A limited left posterolateral thoracotomy through the third or fourth intercostal space partially…
