Open-heart repair of ventricular septal defect in infancy by means of surface-induced hypothermia and coronary perfusion

Summary This is a follow-up study of the second consecutive series of 71 infants during the year of 1965 through 1970. Over-all mortality rate was 15.5 per cent. In the last two years, the result has improved markedly as exemplified by only one death occuring in 33 patients (3 per cent) operated. The striking decrease in the mortality rate during this period was mainly due to the intensive care of postoperative respiratory dysfunction and prevention of low cardiac output especially in infants under one year of age. Permanent heart block and complications of the central nervous system have not been observed in this series. In conclusion, patients with VSD and pulmonary hypertension should be advised to undergo radical operation even in early stage of infancy.