REPARATIVE CARDIAC-SURGERY IN THE VERY YOUNG

In addition to primary circulatory disturbance, the presence of congen ital heart disease may compromise the development of organ systems inc luding the myocardium, the pulmonary vasculature and the central nervo us system. Therefore, early elective repair of complex congenital hear t defects is desirable. Today repair of complex congenital heart defec ts in the neonate can be achieved at low early and late mortality and morbidity with favorable long-term functional results. However, much r emains to be learnt about the cellular and molecular effects of open h eart surgery and hypothermia on the neonate.