FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY CONSECUTIVE OPEN HEART OPERATIONS

California Medicine
|March 1, 1965
PubMed

Insights

Open heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass is now a viable option for many patients with cardiovascular defects. This study shows low mortality and morbidity rates, making surgical correction a serious consideration.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Medical Technology

Background:

  • Extracorporeal circulation, commonly known as cardiopulmonary bypass, has revolutionized open heart surgery.
  • Significant advancements in surgical techniques and technology have made complex cardiac procedures feasible.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes of open heart operations performed with cardiopulmonary bypass.
  • To assess the mortality and morbidity rates associated with these procedures.
  • To determine the feasibility of surgical correction for various cardiovascular defects.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 450 consecutive open heart operations on 437 patients.
  • Procedures were performed between January 8, 1960, and July 15, 1964, at Stanford Medical Center.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, type of cardiovascular lesion, and post-operative complications.

Main Results:

  • The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.4%.
  • 18.4% of surviving patients experienced a major complication.
  • Congenital lesions accounted for 57% of cases, acquired lesions for 42%, and 1% had both.

Conclusions:

  • Open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass offers a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of cardiovascular defects.
  • The low mortality and morbidity rates support surgical intervention for individuals with significant cardiac conditions.
  • The study highlights the potential for nearly all intracardiac and serious vascular defects to be corrected surgically.