[Aortopulmonary window: external occlusion in the newborn (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Defects

Background:

• Aortopulmonary window (APW) correction in neonates traditionally carries high operative risks.
• Existing surgical methods, even with cardiopulmonary bypass, have significant mortality rates, exceeding 30% in some cases.
• Infants often present with intractable heart failure, necessitating urgent intervention.

Observation:

• A new technique for external occlusion of the aortopulmonary window was applied to two infants aged 3 and 4 weeks.
• The procedure involved using mattress sutures reinforced with Dacron strips to close the communication.
• Both infants required emergency surgery due to severe heart failure.

Findings:

• The novel surgical technique resulted in an uneventful postoperative course for both infants.
• Both patients were discharged from the hospital in stable condition following the intervention.
• This method demonstrates a potentially lower-risk alternative for APW closure.

Implications:

• This technique may offer a safer alternative for managing aortopulmonary windows in critically ill neonates.
• Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and broader applicability of this approach.
• Reducing operative risk in congenital heart defect repair is crucial for improving infant outcomes.