Transposition of the great arteries. New technique for anatomical correction.

We describe a new technique for the correction of transposition of the great arteries by "detransposition". An aortopulmonary window is created and a patch placed over this and the coronary ostia so that the coronary arteries arisen from the new aorta. Thus, direct surgery on the coronary arteries is avoided with all the complications which may result from this in neonates and infants. A 4.2 kg infant, with transposition and ventricular septal defect, was successfully operated on using this technique. We discuss the indications for this type of operation and conclude that, until we have more experience, it should be used only in children with a left ventricular pressure at least half systemic.

[Use of a membrane oxygenator in extracorporeal circulation in the child. Preliminary conclusions]. / Emploi de l'oxygénateur a membrane dans la circulation extra-corporelle de l'enfant. Conclusions préliminaires

The comparison of two types of oxygenators, the bubble and membrane oxygenator, in cardiac surgery under ECC, in infants. The results were not subjected to a statistical study. However, it seems that the membrane oxygenator enables one to obtain a satisfactory hematosis in a simpler fashion (the addition of CO2 being avoided) than with the bubble oxygenator and leads to less hemolysis than the latter. In the cases of closed circuit ECC with recirculation, the use of the membrane oxygenator also gives greater security of manipulation of the blood mass.