ABSTRACT
Bibliography 418
1. INTRODUCTION
A recent and favourable trend, that is, a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality in
the treatment of congenital heart disease, must be in part credited to recent technological
advances. The introduction of routine pediatric cardiac surgery began in the mid-to-late
1970s; therefore, most innovations are relatively new. Many centers are now experiencing
excellent immediate surgical results; the implications and thrust of this chapter therefore
remains in; further improving long-term outcomes utilizing novel technologies. Obviously
a superior cosmetic repair seems highly desirable especially in children where an obvious
and unsightly incision(s) may have significant long-term social implications. In addition to
the improved self-esteem with a reduction of an external scar, the concomitant reduction in
tissue trauma allows the benefits of reduced pain, earlier discharge and decreased length of
hospital stay. In this era of managed care, it remains rare to find a sound fiscal medical
philosophy with a high degree of patient satisfaction.
