Open transarterial pulmonary valvulotomy for pulmonic stenosis utilizing hypothermia (preliminary report of two cases with notes on clinical features)

Two cases of pulmonic valvular stenosis were performed under hypothermia utilizing a media sternotomy. The stenosed valves were incised in one and finger-fractured in the other under direct vision through an anterior pulmonary arteriotomy. Complete circulatory occlusion during the procedure averaged one to two minutes. Recovery was rapid in both and clinical improvement was evident from the second week up. There were no serious complications except for a transient hypotension in the younger patientThe clinical features, the technical aspects, as well as the merits and pitfalls of the procedures are discussed. (Summary)