Correction of Aortic Coarctation

Experiments performed in the 1930s demonstrated the results of cross-clamping the aorta in animals. Findings from these experiments permitted cross-clamping of the aorta both above and below the origin of the ductus, in a series of ductus Botalli cases. This experience in turn led to the decision to perform a radical operation for coarctation of the aorta by placing clamps above and below the coarctation, removing the clamps, and sewing the aorta end-to-end. The first coarctation resection was performed on October 19, 1944.A total of 216 operations for aortic coarctation were performed from 1944 to January, 1958. In the last 180 patients, use of a continuous, everting end-to-end suture practically excluded complications from the suture. With this technique there were few complications and a primary mortality not exceeding 6%.