PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
OTHER PROCEDURES
Operator inventiveness is limitless as shown by the atrioseptostomy procedure developed by Rashkind. Devices have been implanted in order to create and keep open a communication between the atria, which can prove useful in certain cardiopathies and in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension in order to prevent severe discomfort.
However, a number of procedures can be undertaken with devices and techniques currently at our disposal. These interventions include the occlusion of abnormal or superfluous vessels, dilatation of veins, arteries or surgical shunts (ducts), occlusion of para-valvular mitral or aortic leaks, aorto-pulmonary collaterals, arterio-venous fistulae, dilatation of vena cava stenosis (Mustard or Senning operations)
In conclusion, a substantial number of congenital cardiac abnormalities can currently be treated without resorting to surgical management. These indications will be further extended in the future with the development of new percutaneous techniques and devices.
However, it is important to keep in mind the fundamental role of surgeons in the optimal management of patients with cardiac abnormalities.
