[Vascular rings]

30 patients with vascular rings operated between 1966 and 1985 are described. Age, sex and symptomatology are studied. Nineteen had a double aortic arch, 9 cases had anomalous subclavian artery, 6 patients had right aortic arch with ductus or ligamentum arteriosum, 1 patient had pulmonary artery sling and 1 patient had right aortic arch and ductus arteriosus and anomalous subclavian artery. Associated congenital malformations were seen in 8 (27%) patients. Basic surgical procedures include a left thoracotomy, identification of the aortic arch anatomy and division of anomalous ring. The aortic arch malformations have a good prognosis with early diagnosis ans surgical treatment.