Thoracic Key

Introduction In recent years the volume and variety of pediatric cardiovascular data captured across various sources have continued to expand. These datasets are increasingly being integrated and used for a…

Introduction An understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and alternative treatment strategies for congenital heart defects is essential to provide the appropriate patient care. This includes an understanding of the guideline…

Surgical Approaches to the Heart A variety of incisions are used in cardiac surgery. The majority of pediatric cardiac surgeries are performed through two incisions: the median sternotomy and the…

Introduction Appreciation of complex intracardiac anatomy and spatial relationships is inherent to the diagnosis of congenitally malformed hearts. Until recently, the ability of the clinician to image the heart by…

On average, up to 12% of liveborn infants in the developed world are born prior to term. These rates have increased as a consequence of assisted reproductive technology and earlier…

Introduction Examination of the frequency of congenital cardiac disease, either as a rate or as a proportion, has important implications for the study of congenital cardiac malformations, as well as…

In developed countries, the last few decades have heralded many advances in the diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease (CHD). These include surgery in neonates and infants; the establishment…

Introduction The placenta is one of the most important and least understood organs in the human body. It is a complex, highly organized structure that—amazingly—can be grown, discarded, and fully…

Introduction The heart is the first organ to become fully functional in the developing embryo, providing the circulatory system necessary for embryogenesis and subsequent fetal development when growth cannot be…