Outcomes after aortic arch reconstruction for infants: deep hypothermic circulatory arrest versus moderate hypothermia with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion.

Objectives: Optimal cerebral and visceral protection is crucial in aortic arch surgery. The main method for this protection has traditionally been deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Recently, antegrade cerebral perfusion with moderate hypothermia has become the preferred strategy for adult patients and some children undergoing aortic arch surgery.

Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect using a video-assisted thoracoscopic approach.

We describe a new technique of perventricular closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect on a beating heart using transesophageal echocardiography guidance and video-assisted thoracoscopy. Ventricular septal defects were closed successfully, and no shunts, rhythm disorders, or valve incompetence developed during the short hospital stay. This procedure is safe and effective for selected patients.

Surgical off-pump closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects.

Objective: To present our first experience in perventricular closure of ventricular septal defect, which is in our opinion, an important adjunct to current ventricular septal defect treatment options.

Background: Surgical closure under cardiopulmonary bypass is the treatment of choice for a perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Percutaneous techniques have technical limitations.