Surgical Correction of Coarctation of the Main Pulmonary Artery

Abstract

Two cases of pure congenital coarctation of the main pulmonary artery are reported. One case may be unique in that it represents the first report of an anatomically proved constriction located in the middle third of the main trunk. In this patient, successful open correction under hypothermia was carried out with cinematographic documentation. The results of preoperative and postoperative cardiac catheterization are described. A plea is made for the routine use of open operation for correction of "pure pulmonic valvular stenosis." This allows better correction when the diagnosis is confirmed and flexibility for treatment if the unusual coarctation or constriction of the pulmonary artery is encountered.