Hemolytic anemia after atrioventricular septal defect repair without synthetic material

We report a rare case of severe hemolytic anemia following repair of a cong enital heart defect without the use of prosthetic material. A review of the literature, diagnosis, and management are described. Although this is an u nusual complication following congenital heart surgery, a high index of sus picion must be maintained and a possible mechanical cause should be sought and corrected. (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.