The ROVT Elan Valved Biplex Conduits for the Reconstruction of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract.

The reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) system represents a considerable challenge for both manufacturers and surgeons because the patients requiring this type of devices have a very diverse set of anatomical challenges that can lead to complications and subsequent early device failures. We conducted an indepth investigation of a porcine-valve conduit explanted from a patient following an adverse event. A control device was analyzed as a reference.

Prophylactic atrial arrhythmia surgical procedures with congenital heart operations: review and recommendations.

Specific congenital heart anomalies significantly increase the risk for late atrial arrhythmias, raising the question whether prophylactic arrhythmia operations should be incorporated into reparative open heart procedures. Currently no consensus exists regarding standard prophylactic arrhythmia procedures. Questions remain concerning the arrhythmia-specific lesions to perform, energy sources to use, need for atrial appendectomy, and choosing a right, left, or biatrial Maze procedure.

An observational study of CoSeal for the prevention of adhesions in pediatric cardiac surgery.

We sought to evaluate the utility and safety of CoSeal Surgical Sealant (Baxter) for the prevention of cardiac adhesions in children. Seven cardiac surgery centers in Europe recruited consecutive pediatric patients requiring primary sternotomy for staged repair of congenital heart defects. Exclusion criteria included immune system disorder, unplanned reoperation, or reoperation within three months of primary repair.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage with major aorto-pulmonary collaterals - a diagnostic dilemma.

A term female newborn presented with right atrial isomerism and infra-diaphragmatic total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage associated with complex cardiac anatomy. The repair was performed utilizing circulatory arrest in deep hypothermia. However, in the post-operative period the patient could not be weaned off mechanical ventilation and underwent cardiac catheterisation.

"Asthma": an unusual presentation of cor triatriatum.

We discuss an extremely unusual presentation of a 19-month-old child with cor triatriatum and an intact interatrial septum, who presented for the first time at the age of 16 months with wheezing and repeated lower respiratory tract infections. At surgery, a thick fibromuscular membrane with a 2-3 mm eccentrically placed orifice was identified, and following surgical resection of the membrane the child made an uneventful recovery. This case demonstrates the need for investigating children with "asthma" who do not respond to conventional medical management.

A rare association of major aorto-pulmonary collaterals with right isomerism and totally anomalous pulmonary venous drainage.

A female neonate, born at term, presented with complex cardiac anatomy dominated by right isomerism and infra-diaphragmatic totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Surgical repair was performed using circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia. In the postoperative period, the patient could not be weaned off mechanical ventilation, and underwent cardiac catheterization.

A reusable training circuit for cardiopulmonary bypass.

At the turn of the millennium, perfusion teaching programs are faced with significant difficulties. The number of students in pediatric perfusion training has increased, and more importantly, the number of pediatric open-heart procedures has decreased because of a variety of reasons. Hence, they could barely satisfy the minimum requirements of pediatric cases established by the teaching programs.