Surgical treatment of atrial septal defects

An analysis is presented of the results attained in 207 patients operated for isolated atrial septal defect at Centre of Cardiac Surgery in Brno from Jan. 1, 1978 to March 31, 1982. The paper discusses classification of the defects, the surgical procedure, results and complications, as well as indications and counterindications for surgery. Early mortality was zero. Emphasis is placed on the need to operate as soon as possible after detection of a haemodynamically significant shunt, i.e. before developing pulmonary hypertension.