The strength of paediatric cardiology is expressed in all facets of cardiology, either in genetics, or in application of new diagnostic tools for foetal diagnosis and the treatment of malformations in utero or in neonatal care including that of premature infant. Today there are more children living to adulthood with malformations that have been completely or partially corrected, with the constant idea of improving to achieve a satisfactory or better quality of life.

The first success in the treatment of the transposition of great arteries was physiological with the confection of intra-auricular derivations. The logic of anatomical correction needed much courage and abnegation in the absence of animal models. Faced with a low mortality rate with the Senning procedure, the high initial mortality rate after arterial switch posed a crucial ethical problem. History has shown that these pioneers gave us the right answer.

Years ago, when dealing with Tetralogy of Fallot repair, we tried to define the optimal date and the best technique, such as the size of the transannular patch to limit right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and disruption of the pulmonary valve. To day, we have to solve the right-ventricular dysfunction which raises the question of pulmonary valve replacement and its timing.

Do we have other options when dealing with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, other than termination? Bayley reported 176 neonatal heart transplantations from 1985 to 1996. In the early 1990s Norwood began a programme of palliative treatment of the hypoplastic left heart, improving progressively the outcome and providing hope for future. To advance in our reflection, our American colleagues will present their experience and results in the care of infants with hypoplastic left heart.

Other subjects considered in this Congress concern the methods of foetal diagnostics, the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in the premature infant, the perinatal care of high-flow arteriovenous fistulas, “hot topics” in interventional catheter procedures, electrophysiology including accessory pathway ablation in neonate, infant pulmonary artery hypertension, surgery of the mitral valve and Fontan operation in adults and intensive care.

This programme, coupled with five workshops, witnesses the strength of our discipline and its contribution to the progress in cardiology.

In spite of the current financial restrictions, we would like to thank all the sponsors whose contributions have made this congress possible.