Reversal of Infant Mortality by Early Surgical Correction of Coarctation of the Aorta

Abstract

The case records of all children under 2 years of age, treated by medical and/or surgical means for coarctation of the aorta and associated defects at the Columbus Children's Hospital, 1960 through 1971, were reviewed. Forms of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome were excluded, leaving 112 cases. Operative mortality was reduced from 75% (1960 through 1966) to 30% (1967 through 1971) by a combination of earlier surgery, improved patient selection, and adoption of a surgical program based on correction and/or total palliation for all elements of the infants' congenital malformation. A lowering of the mortality in the combined medical-surgical experience from 65% (1960 through 1966) to 35% (1967 through 1971) is documented.