Pentalogy of Cantrell With a Left Ventricular Diverticulum and Muscular VSD.

Pentalogy of Cantrell (POC) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by defects of the anterior diaphragm, midline supraumbilical abdominal wall, diaphragmatic pericardium, lower sternum, and heart. The low incidence and significant heterogeneity of POC make it difficult for most surgeons to gain consistent experience in treating these congenital heart defects. Here, we describe the treatment of a patient with POC, tetralogy of Fallot, left ventricular diverticulum, and a muscular ventricular septal defect.

Immune Privilege of Heart Valves.

Immune privilege is an evolutionary adaptation that protects vital tissues with limited regenerative capacity from collateral damage by the immune response. Classical examples include the anterior chamber of the eye and the brain. More recently, the placenta, testes and articular cartilage were found to have similar immune privilege.

Cellular Viability of Partial Heart Transplant Grafts in Cold Storage.

Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects in humans. Children with congenital heart defects frequently require heart valve replacement with an implant. Unfortunately, conventional heart valve implants do not grow.