A new surgical technique for orthoterminal correction: experimental development.

A new technique is presented for surgical correction of tricuspid atresia, univentricular heart, pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and hypoplastic ventricle, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The procedure consists of an angled right atriotomy, creation of an interatrial septal defect and a right neoatrium that is anastomosed to the pulmonary artery, and creation of a left neoatrium communicating with the left atrium through the interatrial septal defect. The technique was evaluated in 28 mongrel dogs. In 15 of these experimental procedures, the objective was to acquire skill in performing the technique. In the remaining 13, the procedure was executed with cardiopulmonary bypass. Hemodynamic studies were made at 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after operation. The results and advantages of the procedure are discussed. We consider it feasible for clinical application.