A Reinforced Cylinder Leads to Fewer Repeat Surgeries for Children Born with Heart Defect
American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS)Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital defect in which the left side of the heart does not develop properly, impairing normal circulation. A series of surgeries can help restore heart function. A new study in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the official publication of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, found use of a ring-reinforced cylinder instead of the usual non-reinforced conduit improved survival, reduced need for re-interventions, and induced physiological changes that may make patients better candidates for recovery after future surgeries.