Mechanical aortic and mitral valve replacement in infants and children.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate early and late outcomes after mechanical systemic heart valve replacement in pediatric patients.

Methods: Between October 1981 and December 2003, 32 children (mean age 7.2 +/- 5.

Challenging venous reconstruction and heart transplantation in a patient with viscero-atrial situs inversus and complex congenital heart disease with Fontan circulation.

Heart transplantation represents a valuable therapeutic option for patients with congenital heart disease and end-stage heart failure. We report the case of a 15-year-old patient with situs inversus and additional complex congenital malformations of the heart who underwent several previous palliative operations. Orthotopic cardiac transplantation with several technical modifications was performed successfully.

Efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a congenital heart surgery program.

Background: To report our experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a congenital heart surgery program.

Methods: Since 12/1996, 24 patients (8 newborns, 9 infants, 3 children, 4 adolescents/ adults 17-23 years), mean age 4.0+/-7.

Systemic mechanical heart valve replacement in children under 16 years of age.

Unlabelled: We report the early and late outcome following left-sided mechanical heart valve replacement in children. Between 10/1981 and 02/2001, 27 children (13 male, mean age 7.2 +/- 5.

Results of pediatric cardiac transplantation -- long-term results of a 15-year experience.

Introduction: Heart transplantation (HTx) has increasingly become a therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure of any origin in children. Short- and mid-term results are promising. However, long-term outcome has been a matter of concern because of acute or chronic rejection and side effects of immunosuppression.