Pulmonary artery banding for ventricular septal defect in dogs and cats.

Five dogs and 1 cat had pulmonary artery banding for ventricular septal defect and congestive heart failure. An umbilical tape band constricted the pulmonary artery to one-third its original diameter, increased the right ventricular pressure, and decreased the left ot right shunt. Five animals had remission of clinical signs; 1 dog died of right ventricular failure due to a band that had been applied too tightly. The results indicated pulmonary artery banding is helpful in reduction of clinical signs, due to increased flow to the lungs from ventricular septal defect.