Thomas G. Baffes

Current methods for surgical correction of transposition of the great vessels

Summary o 1. A review of the current methods for surgical correction of transposition of the aorta and pulmonary artery is presented. These operative procedures may be divided into three groups: (1) palliative, in which no attempt is made to correct the defect; (2) alterations of the inflow tracts of the heart, and (3) alterations of the outflow tracts of the heart. 2. The most significant methods are described in detail. The situations where they might apply and their present clinical results are outlined. 3. Some of the complications encountered with each group are described. Investigative work that featured in the development of each group is described where it is pertinent or of interest. 4. Our present views regarding application of partial venous correction and other methods for surgical correction to transpositions are described.

Management of Respiratory Obstruction in the Newborn Period

Cyanosis and dyspnea are the cardinal signs of respiratory obstruction in the newborn. Obstructions in the respiratory system include lesions in the upper respiratory tract and the pulmonary alveoli, structural deformities in the tracheobronchial tree, extrapulmonary lesions compressing the lung, and aspiration of secretions into the respiratory tract. Treatment is determined by the type of obstruction present.