Staged operation for right isomerism with total anomalous pulmonary venous return: report of a case

A male infant with right isomerism, single ventricle, severe pulmonary stenosis (PS), and total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) underwent successful staged Fontan operation. Pulmonary vein drained into right superior vena cava without a stenotic lesion. Common pulmonary venous chamber was also connected with the atrium by a thin bridging vein. Blalock-Taussig shunt was performed at 2-month-old. Because of progressive pulmonary congestion, an anastomosis between common pulmonary venous chamber and the atrium followed 4 days after the first shunt. Bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt was performed 7 months after the second operation. Because of progressive atrioventricular valve regurgitation, repeated bandings of the shunt were required to regulate the pulmonary flow. Total cavopulmonary connection was completed 9 months after the BCPS. Staged operation is a useful strategy to acquire an appropriate pulmonary blood flow for the isomeric heart with TAPVR and severe PS.     

Current strategy of repair of tetralogy of Fallot in children and adults: emphasis on a new technique to create a monocusp-patch for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract

Abstract Objectives: In older children (>four years) and adults the strategy of repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) should have a low rate of transannular patch to avoid pulmonary insufficiency (PI), and in addition, we developed a new method of reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) to reduce PI. Methods: From 2001 through 2005, 74 patients (50 male, 24 female; mean age of 13.6 ± 0.8 years, ranging from four to 34 years) with TOF (67) or double outlet RV (DORV)‐type‐TOF (seven) underwent complete repair. The resection of RVOT stenosis ± pulmonary valvotomy was principally through RA. A new two‐patch technique to create a folded mono‐cusp valve by using autologous pericardium was applied since August 2004. Results: The repair was through RA in 52 patients and through RA + RVOT/PA in 22 patients (18/4). TAPR was performed in 17 patients (23%, eight non‐valved and nine valved). The aortic cross‐clamp time was 130.1 ± 6.8 min in TAPR group and 85.8 ± 4.6 min in non‐TAPR group (p < 0.0001). The operative mortality was 4.0% (3/74) in all and 2.9% (2/67) in TOF patients (due to low output, uncontrollable bleeding, and repeated bleeding from the pulmonary collateral vessels late) and was similar in TAPR or non‐TAPR. The valved patch‐repaired patients had mild PI and good RV function postoperatively up to eight to 12 months. Conclusions: Repair of TOF in older children/adults should include low rate of TAPR of RVOT. If indicated, the new folded monocusp‐patch technique is recommended. It is an effective and simple way to markedly reduce postoperative PI with no additional cost.     

Palliative right ventricle outflow reconstruction in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and hypoplastic pulmonary artery

The management of small pulmonary artery in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary atresia (PA) is complicated. Our strategy is palliative right ventricle outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR). The aim of this study is to determine whether palliative RVOTR is useful as the first stage operation. Since 1994, 7 patients with TOF, pulmonary atresia and hypoplastic pulmonary arteries underwent palliative RVOTR. All patients survived operation without complication except for 1. He had pseudoaneurysm at right ventricular outflow patch requiring aneurysmectomy and re-RVOTR 1.5 months after the initial RVOTR. Nine months after RVOTR in the average, pulmonary artery index (PAI) increased from 139 +/- 87 to 306 +/- 156 (p < 0.05). No patient had pulmonary high flow or pulmonary hypertension. Two of them had pulmonary coractation due to ductal tissue in the pulmonary artery, necessitating additional modified Blalock-Taussig shunts at 8 and 10 months old. One patient with TOF, PA, major aorto-pulmonary collateral artery (MAPCA) had corrective surgery after 2 additional operations and interventional catheterization. Five patients of this series already have undergone corrective surgery, whereas 1 is waiting for it. RVOTR is a useful method for pulmonary artery growth in patients with TOF, PA and diminutive pulmonary artery.     

Antegrade palliation for diminutive pulmonary arteries in Tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome following palliative reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with diminutive pulmonary arteries with central and peripheral stenosis. METHODS: Between 1986 and 1999 in 15 children with the diagnosis of TOF palliative reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract without closure of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) was performed. All patients were not suitable for an AP-Shunt because of a diminutive pulmonary vascular bed. Six patients were younger than 1 year at operation. RESULTS: There was one hospital death (6.7%) in a child with additional aortic valve insufficiency in multi-organ failure. Although the postoperative course was prolonged (median duration on ICU: 8 days) and complicated by congestive heart failure, clinically the 14 patients discharged improved significantly. The arterial oxygen saturation increased from 67 to 93% (P<0.001), the hemoglobin decreased from 16.1 to 13.3g/l (P=0.02) and hematocrit from 0.52 to 0.40 (P=0.06). In control angiography, the McGoon Index increased in the average from 1.01 to 1.95 (P<0.001). VSD closure was performed in 12 patients (median: 2.5 years after initial operation) with one perioperative death. A homograft had to be implanted in seven patients and a mechanical prosthesis in the right ventricular outflow tract in one. One late death occurred due to ventricular arrhythmia 12 years after antegrade palliation (11 years after corrective operation). CONCLUSIONS: The antegrade palliation seems to be an adequate strategy for the treatment of selected children with diminutive pulmonary arteries in TOF, who were not candidates for primary correction or an AP-Shunt.     

半旋转动脉干调转术治疗完全性大动脉转位合并室间隔缺损和肺动脉狭窄

目的 报道半旋转动脉干调转术治疗完全大动脉转位(TGA)合并室间隔缺损(VSD)和肺动脉狭窄(PS)的近期疗效.方法 2例病儿男、女各1例,分别为16岁和19个月.均为TGA/VSD/PS.采用半旋转动脉干调转术治疗.结果 2例病儿均生存.女病儿术后发生低心排出量综合征和毛细血管渗漏综合征,治疗后痊愈.男病儿术后恢复良好.术后分别随访10、9个月,心功能Ⅰ级.结论 半旋转动脉干调转术可有效治疗TGA合并VSD和PS.长期效果仍需观察.     

Palliative right ventricular outflow reconstruction in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and aberrant right subclavian artery; report of a case

A 1-month-old girl weighting 3.1 kg was diagnosed as tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary artery atresia (PA) and aberrant right subclavian artery. Before the operation, pulmonary blood flow from a ducus arteriosus was maintained by lipo prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). The patient underwent palliative right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (pRVOTR) because the proximal aberrant right subclavian artery was stenotic and the ductus arteriosus and branch of the left pulmonary artery were so close. Postoperative course was uneventful and pulmonary artery showed good growth. The pRVOTR as 1st procedure is a useful method for hypoplastic pulmonary artery to get equal and good growth. Although there are controversies about the size of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), 5 or 6 mm diameter of RVOT is recommended for the operative repair of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We concluded that the pRVOTR should be one of the options as 1st palliative procedure for TOF with PA and diminutive pulmonary artery.     

Tetralogy of Fallot: perioperative anesthetic management of children and adults

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a common congenital heart defect in children. Perioperative considerations include preoperative preparation for surgery, intraoperative anesthetic management, and common postoperative issues in the intensive care unit. Surgical debates have shifted away from 2-stage versus single-stage repairs to debates of how surgery to limit pulmonary insufficiency (PI) may have significant long-term impact as the child grows. There are many adult survivors of TOF repair in infancy who now present with a unique set of problems related to PI and right ventricular dysfunction. These adults provide new insights into congenital heart disease (CHD) and how management strategies early in life may have significant implications much later in life. Patients with complex CHD should have lifelong follow-up, so our knowledge will continue to improve, and the best possible care can be provided for these patients.     

合并异常冠状动脉法洛四联症和右心室双出口一期根治术

目的 总结合并异常冠状动脉的法洛四联症和右心室双出口一期根治术的经验，探讨有关外科技术的改进。方法1995年6月至2002年6月完成该类一期根治术12例，其中2例采取了肺动脉移位、3例在游离的左前降支下加宽右室流出道、5例改变右室切口并在冠状动脉下缝合、2例经肺动脉和右房疏通流出道。结果无手术死亡。随访3个月～6年，无晚期死亡和并发症发生。结论合并异常冠状动脉的法洛四联症和右心室双出口的一期根治手术是可行的，且效果良好，但必须采用适当的外科技术以保护异常的冠状动脉。     

婴儿早期法洛四联症的外科治疗

目的总结婴儿早期法洛四联症（TOF）外科治疗经验,探讨TOF早期根治术的相关问题。方法回顾性分析上海市儿童医院2008年6月至2010年8月收治21例婴儿早期（〈6个月）TOF患者的临床资料,其中男14例,女7例;年龄4.86±1.15个月;体重6.84±1.33 kg。均经心脏彩色超声心动图确诊,有4例行CT或磁共振成像（MRI）或右心导管造影术。McGoon比值1.86±0.41,肺动脉指数（PAI）142.54±59.46 mm2/m2。经右心房（19例）或右心室（2例）自体心包补片连续缝合修补室间隔缺损;对肺动脉瓣环Z值〈-1者采用心包补片跨瓣扩大成形（18例）;对接近或基本达到正常Z值者保留瓣环,用心包补片分别扩大右心室流出道（RVOT）和肺总动脉（3例）。结果术后第15 d因心力衰竭死亡1例;1例术后第2 d拔除气管内插管后出现喉头水肿,再插管辅助通气,3 d后顺利撤机;其余患者术后均顺利恢复。18例获得随访,随访9.89±6.47个月,心功能改善（Ross分级Ⅰ~Ⅱ级）;随访心脏超声心动图提示：RVOT压差为21.20±12.27 mm Hg（8.10~45.14 mm Hg）;肺动脉瓣反流（PI）轻度10例,中度5例,无重度患者;2例早期残余室间隔缺损已闭合。与术后早期相比,RVOT压差和PI程度差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,右心功能良好。结论婴儿早期行TOF根治术可取得良好的手术效果;经右心房矫正心内畸形,并保留肺动脉瓣环有利于术后心功能保护。     

Right transatrial approach to relieve pulmonary stenosis in patients with corrected transposition of the great vessels: a new operation without use of an extracardiac conduit.

BACKGROUND: A new operation to relieve pulmonary obstruction is proposed for patients with corrected transposition of the great vessels and pulmonary stenosis (PS). A right transatrial approach involves excising or detaching the right-sided atrioventricular valve (AV). Next, the pulmonary outflow tract is opened wide with an incision extending from the right-sided ventricle upward across the AV valve annulus. This incision extends into the main trunk of the pulmonary artery located behind the right atrium. A patch, with or without implantation of a pulmonary valve prosthesis, widens the outflow tract, thus avoiding use of an extracardiac conduit. METHOD: We describe this operation performed in a 51-year-old man who had previously undergone correction with an extracardiac conduit that had become obstructed. The patient had severe right-sided AV valve insufficiency and complete heart block with a functioning transvenous pacemaker. We replaced the right-sided AV valve and positioned the permanent pacemaker lead outside of the prosthetic skirt. The PS was corrected as described above and a pulmonary prosthetic valve implanted. Use of an extracardiac conduit was avoided altogether. CONCLUSION: This technique may be applicable even without excising the right-sided AV valve. The clinical result for our patient is still optimal 4 years after surgery.     

164例法洛四联症的外科治疗

目的总结164例法洛四联症(tetralogyofFallot,TOF)患者手术治疗的经验,探讨手术时机、危险因素和围术期处理等。方法对164例TOF患者行根治手术,其中单纯右心室流出道漏斗部狭窄37例,漏斗部及肺动脉瓣狭窄14例,主肺动脉及左右肺动脉狭窄113例。合并肺动脉闭锁5例。分别给予自体心包片或自体心包卷成心外管道加宽右心室流出道、同种带瓣血管行右心室-肺动脉连接等处理;合并的心脏畸形作相应的矫正。结果全组手术死亡6例,手术死亡率为3.66%(6/164)。死亡原因严重低心排血量综合征2例,冠状动脉移植后不能脱离体外循环机1例,发生室性心律失常1例,术后发生急性呼吸窘迫综合征2例。术后发生心肺并发症55例,均经治疗后恢复。结论行TOF根治术患者年龄应减小,低心排血量综合征已不是导致术后并发症和死亡的主要原因,术中、术后处理的重点应为预防肺动脉残余梗阻和肺部并发症。     

Tetralogy of Fallot: surgical management individualized to the patient

BACKGROUND: Over the past four decades, the surgical trend has been toward early, complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Many centers currently promote all neonates for total correction irrespective of anatomy and symptoms, with some surgeons advocating hypothermic circulatory arrest for repair in small infants. We believe this approach increases morbidity. METHODS: Based on approximately 40 years' experience in 2,175 patients, we developed a management protocol focused on patient size, systemic arterial saturations, and anatomy. Symptomatic patients (hypercyanotic spells, ductal dependent pulmonary circulation) weighing less than 4 kg undergo palliative modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) followed by complete repair at 6 to 12 months. Asymptomatic patients, weighing less than 4 kg who have threatened pulmonary artery isolation, undergo BTS and repair at 6 to 12 months. All other patients undergo complete repair after 6 months. RESULTS: From July 1, 1995, to December 1, 1999, 144 patients underwent operation for TOF (129 patients) or TOF with atrioventricular septal defect (TOF/AVSD, 15 patients). Ninety-four patients underwent one stage complete repair (88 TOF, 6 TOF/AVSD). Thirty-nine patients underwent repair after initial BTS (32 TOF, 7 TOF/AVSD). Ten patients are awaiting repair after BTS. The mean age and weight at complete repair were 18 months and 9 kg. There were no operative deaths. There have been 3 late deaths with complete follow-up (mortality 3 of 144 [2.1%]). Four of 133 patients (3%) have required reoperation after total correction. CONCLUSIONS: This management strategy optimizes outcomes by individualizing the operation to the patient. Advantages include avoidance of circulatory arrest, low morbidity and mortality, and low incidence of reoperation after complete repair.     

First pulmonary valve replacement with Freedom Solo stentless valve in an adolescent. A case report

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a common form of cyanotic heart disease. Complete surgical correction in younger age group offers good long-term results with reasonable morbidity and improved prognosis in patients with TOF. However, following corrective surgery pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) might be required for residual pulmonary regurgitation in order to avoid irreversible right ventricular remodeling. Otherwise, residual uncorrected pulmonary regurgitation may lead to right ventricular dilatation, impaired biventricular function, ventricular arrhythmias and limited exercise capacity. We report the first case of Freedom Solo stentless valve (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy) implantation in the pulmonary position in an adolescent with severe pulmonary insufficiency 12 years after the repair of TOF. Pericardial stentless valves may be an alternative choice for pulmonary valve replacement to improve right ventricular contractile recovery and remodeling after PVR and may have impact on long-term survival.     

大鼠烟雾吸入伤后肺表面活性物质磷脂组分含量的变化及意义

为探讨烟雾吸入后肺表面活性物质（ＰＳ）磷脂组分含量的变化和可能机理及其与ＰＳ活性抑制和肺功能损害的关系，采用大鼠烟雾吸入伤模型，分别检测了正常对照及致伤２，６，１２和２４小时大鼠静态肺顺应性（Ｃｓｔ）、支气管肺泡灌洗液（ＰＡＬＦ）表面张力活性、ＢＡＬＦ和肺匀浆总磷脂（ＴＰＬ）、磷脂酰胆碱（ＰＣ）、磷脂酰肌醇（ＰＩ）、磷脂酰丝氨酸（Ｐｈｓ）、磷脂酰乙醇（ＰＥ）含量、ＢＡＬＦ和肺匀浆中磷脂酶Ａ２（ＰＬＡ２）活性。结果表明动物伤后Ｃｓｔ显著降低；ＢＡＬＦ最小表面张力（ＳＴｍｉｎ）进行性升高；ＢＡＬＦ中ＴＰＬ增加，但ＰＣ（％ＴＰＬ）明显降低，且与Ｃｓｔ和ＳＴｍｉｎ的变化相关显著；肺组织内ＴＰＬ及ＰＣ均下降，并与其中ＰＬＡ２活性升高明显相关。结论：烟雾吸入伤早期肺内ＰＳ磷脂组分含量明显改变，ＰＣ相对含量减少是引起ＰＳ活性抑制及肺功能障碍的主要原因之一，ＰＬＡ２可能在ＰＳ组分异常和（或）含量减少中起重要作用。     

Right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction for tetralogy of fallot with abnormal coronary artery: experience with 35 patients

BACKGROUND: An abnormal coronary artery crossing the right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) complicates complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We have evaluated surgical options for RVOT reconstruction for this group of patients. METHODS: Between 1984 and 2002, 35 TOF patients with abnormality of coronary arteries underwent total correction. Age of these patients ranged from 1 to 14 years (mean 5.8 +/- 2.8 years). All patients were diagnosed by echocardiography and 25 patients had cardiac catheterization. All the abnormal coronary arteries were spared at the operation. In 24 patients a transannular patch was applied for RVOT reconstruction. In three patients with an adequate pulmonary annulus, oblique ventriculotomy incisions, and in two patients, transatrial approaches were performed. "Two-patch" technique was chosen for two patients. In four patients placement of an extracardiac conduit was necessary. RESULTS: Mortality was observed in four patients, in two of them due to suspected myocardial ischemia. None of the surviving patients needed reoperation. All of them were in NYHA class I. The follow-up period for patients without extracardiac conduit was between 14 and 96 months (mean 50.2 months) and for the patients with extracardiac conduit ranged 36 to 98 months (63.5 months). The mean gradients measured by echocardiography were, respectively, 5 mmHg (range 0 to 35 mmHg) and 23.75 mmHg (range 20 to 25 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Definitive repair of TOF patients with abnormal coronary arteries can be performed in early childhood, but care should be taken to leave at least 1 cm of myocardium between the sutureline and the abnormal coronary artery. Detailed evaluation of the patients preoperatively is mandatory to identify the strategy and timing of the operation.     

Pulmonary valve insertion late after repair of Fallot's tetralogy.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the results of pulmonary valve insertion late after initial repair of Fallot's tetralogy. Pulmonary insufficiency (PI) after correction of Fallot's tetralogy is usually well tolerated in the short term, but is associated with symptomatic right ventricular dilatation and an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias over longer periods of time. METHODS: From 1993 to July 2000, 51 patients were reoperated for PI at a mean age of 25.7+/-11.9 years. The mean age at initial repair was 6.4+/-7.2 years. Patients with a conduit inserted at initial operation, with absent pulmonary valve syndrome or with a more than moderate ventricular septal defect at reoperation were excluded from the study. A cryopreserved pulmonary (96%) or aortic (4%) homograft was implanted in the orthotopic position with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass 19.3+/-9.1 years (2.7-40.3 years) after initial correction. Preoperative symptoms (New York Heart Association, NYHA class), degree of PI (echo-Doppler, MRI), right ventricular dimensions (MRI) and QRS duration were compared to findings at last follow-up. RESULTS: Follow-up is complete and had a mean duration of 1.7+/-1.4 years. Hospital mortality was 2%. No serious morbidity occurred. Severe PI was present preoperatively in all patients. At last follow-up echo-Doppler studies showed PI to be absent or trivial in 96% and mild in 4% of patients. In 13 patients MRI studies were performed both pre- and postoperatively: in this group PI was reduced from a mean of 48 to 4%. After 6 months NYHA capacity class had improved significantly from 2.3+/-0.6 to 1.4+/-0.5. After 1 year end-diastolic and end-systolic right ventricular volumes were reduced significantly. Right ventricular ejection fraction and QRS duration remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: PI late after correction of Fallot's tetralogy may lead to serious symptomatic right ventricle dilatation. After pulmonary homograft insertion right ventricular dimensions decrease rapidly and functional improvement is observed in almost all patients.     

两种术式矫治法洛四联症术后肺动脉和左心室发育的对比研究

目的:对比保留瓣环与跨瓣环补片矫治法洛四联症(TOF)术后肺动脉和左心室发育速度。方法:回顾本院2015年1月至2020年10月收治的TOF患婴临床资料,根据右心室流出道狭窄的解除方式分为：保留瓣环组和跨瓣环组。采用独立样本 t检验或非参数检验比较两组间术前、末次随访时肺动脉和左心室发育指标,术前与术后指标...     

Surgical management of infants with isolated supravalvular pulmonary stenosis: case reports

Pulmonary stenosis (PS) can be seen from the right ventricular outflow tract to the peripheral pulmonary arteries. Most frequently, the obstruction occurs at the level of the pulmonary valve; however, it occurs less frequently at the infindibular level within the trabecular component of the right ventricle or within the pulmonary arterial pathways. Lesions at any of these levels can occur as part of more congenital cardiac malformations such as tetralogy of Fallot, complete transposition of great arteries, or atrial septal defect. Isolated supravalvular pulmonary stenosis (iSPS) is less common than other types of PS. In this study, we present our experience with 4 patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass operation for iSPS. In one patient, the circular stenotic area was noted on the touch point of the pulmonary valve. Right ventricular pressures ranged from 70 to 90 mmHg, and the pulmonary artery mean pressures ranged from 14 to 17 mmHg. In all patients, the left ventricular and aortic systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures were moderately increased. Pulmonary artery stenosis was treated successfully using a pericardial or Dacron patch on cardiopulmonary bypass. Various techniques such as balloon dilation have been proposed to deal with this problem, but these may often be unsuccessful because of the elasticity and recoil of the pulmonary artery constrictive ring. Even though endovascular stenting and/or balloon angioplasty have been recently proposed as an initial treatment strategy, they may be associated with some severe complications including pulmonary artery thrombosis or stent migration. Our study, even though it consists of a limited number of cases, suggests that open heart surgery using an oval-shaped patch may be a used as the other main choice for the treatment of iSPS.     

Tetralogy of Fallot correction with transannular patch reconstruction in a patient with an anomalous right coronary artery and an unusual course of the right ventricular branch

Anomalous coronary arteries occur in as many as 12% of patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). In patients with this condition, pulmonary hypoplasia can be prohibitive in performing a valve-sparing repair, subsequently resulting in various techniques to preserve the anomalous coronary artery. The management strategy is often complex in such a situation. We report on a case of TOF with an anomalous right coronary artery crossing the right ventricular outflow tract, with an unusual course of the right ventricular (RV) branch, which precluded placement of a valved conduit. In this case, we performed a successful repair with mobilization of the anomalous coronary artery and reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a limited transannular patch.     

Changes in plasma free and sulfoconjugated dopamine in patients with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac operation

It has been suggested that plasma sulfoconjugated dopamine (DA) may serve as a source or reservoir for free DA in plasma. Moreover, it has also been reported that the plasma levels of conjugated DA may be used as an index predicting heart failure in patients with heart disease. Therefore, in the present study, we have measured the plasma levels of free and sulfoconjugated DA in patients with congenital heart disease who underwent total corrective operations. The patients were divided into two groups with (6 patients with tetralogy of Fallot, TOF) or without (5 patients with ventricular septal defect without pulmonary hypertension, VSD) cyanosis (mean age of 2.11 years). Blood samples were collected before and after operation from the patients, and plasma free and sulfoconjugated DA levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Preoperative levels of free DA in patients in both groups were higher than the level in age matched control subjects. The plasma level of conjugated DA in TOF was higher than that in the controls and was the highest in VSD before operation. DA infusion early after operation caused a rise in plasma free and conjugated DA, however, the levels of increased free DA were lower in the VSD than in the TOF group. After discontinuing DA infusion, the plasma levels of free DA remained higher, while those of conjugated DA decreased to a level lower than the preoperative values in both groups. As the plasma levels of free and sulfoconjugated DA vary with hemodynamics, it was assumed that the difference in the plasma sulfoconjugated DA level between the groups before operation was due to the influence of pulminary blood flow on catecholamine homeostasis. Since the decrease in conjugated DA has been postulated to be an index of sustained heart failure, it is conceivable that it takes a long time for patients who underwent cardiac operations in infancy to recover from heart failure.