Classics in thoracic surgery. Correction of aortic coarctation

Experiments performed in the 1930s demonstrated the results of cross-clamping the aorta in animals. Findings from these experiments permitted cross-clamping of the aorta both above and below the origin of the ductus, in a series of ductus Botalli cases. This experience in turn led to the decision to perform a radical operation for coarctation of the aorta by placing clamps above and below the coarctation, removing the clamps, and sewing the aorta end-to-end. The first coarctation resection was performed on October 19, 1944. A total of 216 operations for aortic coarctation were performed from 1944 to January, 1958. In the last 180 patients, use of a continuous, everting end-to-end suture practically excluded complications from the suture. With this technique there were few complications and a primary mortality not exceeding 6%.