Catheter therapy of congenital cardiovascular diseases

The authors analyze the experience gained in catheter operations performed at their Department over the recent 28 years. A total of 500 balloon (Rashkind) and 35 knife (Park) atrioseptostomies were performed in critical patients with different blue congenital diseases over this period. An immediate hemodynamic effect at the operation table was attained in 95 % of patients. Transluminal balloon valvuloplasty (TLBVP) was performed in 372 patients with valvular stenosis of the pulmonary artery. The results of this operation depend on the patient's age, anatomy of the defect, and correct choice of the diameter of balloon catheter. 39 refs.; 7 figs