[Partial median sternotomy for pediatric cardiac surgery].

In order to minimize scar appearance and thereby improve postoperative cosmetic appearance for pediatric cardiac surgery patients, we performed partial median sternotomy incisions. A short midline incision, from 1 to 2 cm below the articular notch of the 2nd rib to the xiphoid process, was made. The sternum was divided from the xiphoid process to the articular notch of the 2nd rib. The thymus was mobilized and the pericardium incised longitudinally. The aorta and superior and inferior vena cava were mobilized to facilitate direct cannulations. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted in the usual fashion. From June to December 1997, 14 patients between the ages of 4 days and 12 years have undergone cardiac repair using this technique. Cases included 7 VSD (including 4 pulmonary hypertension and 1 DCRV), 5 ASD, 1 ECD and and 1 DORV with mitral atresia. All patients were extubated within 3 hours after surgery, and there were no wound infections or hospital mortalities (except one 4 day old baby who died by LOS on the 16th postoperative day). In our experience, this approach is safe and provides good exposure with excellent cosmetic results.