[Tactics and technique of primary correction of aortic arch interruption using a median sternotomy]

Primary correction of an interrupted aortic arch was performed in seven neonates aged 2 to 26 days. The operation was performed from median sternotomy with extracorporeal circulation using hypothermic arrest of the circulation for reconstruction of the aortic arch. In all neonates it proved possible to make a direct anastomosis of the ascendent and descendent aorta. At the same time in six children a defect of the ventricular septum was closed, in two the common arterial trunk was corrected, in one resection of subaortic stenosis was performed and in another child correction of the aortopulmonary window. After the operation three neonates died from sepsis and multiorgan failure. At present four patients are alive who, 10 to 20 months after operation, are in a good condition. All have a non-restrictive anastomosis of the aorta. Primary correction of an interrupted aortic arch and associated defects is preferred by the authors to two-stage surgery.