Valve surgery in congenital heart disease.

Congenital valve disease (CVD) occurs in isolated form or as part of complex malformations and presents distinct epidemiology, including: young age at onset; high prevalence of associated pathology; history of prior operations; critical clinical presentation. Therefore, multiple interventions are often needed, highlighting the palliative character of CVD surgery. At the same time, long-term survival and satisfactory quality of life expectations must be satisfied in a young, active patient population. The present study analyzes the unique aspects of surgery for CVD by reviewing clinical experience with 565 consecutive patients operated during a 7-year period. Treatment options and outcome are assessed with reference to the ability of respecting the unique demands of patients with CVD. In addition, future developments of CVD management are discussed.