Complete Anatomical Correction of the Tetralogy of Fallot Defects

Abstract

The imaginative Blalock-Taussig anastomotic operation, in the decade since its introduction, has brought effective palliation to the lives of many previously crippled from the physiological abnormalities associated with Fallot's tetralogy. Perhaps even transcending these benefits has been the arousal, by these same dramatic accomplishments, of a serious interest in congenital cardiac malformations among pediatricians, cardiologists, and surgeons. Everlasting credit should be accorded these pioneer workers and Robert Gross for their stimulating discoveries, presentation of bold techniques, and their over-all accomplishments in salvaging lives otherwise prematurely doomed. Through their deeds, for the first time, a widespread interest was keenly felt in the medical profession for the plight of those tens of thousands of infants born each year in the United States with some form of potentially curable congenital heart disease. The only logical goal in any individual patient, and hence the one we all seek, is the complete correction of all