Formalin Fixation of the Ductus Arteriosus for Palliation in 7-Days-Old Hypoxic Infant

Abstract

A seven-days-old hypoxic and moribund baby with double outlet right ventricle, pulmonary atresia and patent ductus arteriosus underwent formalin fixation of the ductus for palliation. Prostaglandin E_1 was used during surgery. The baby survived and a good continuous murmer was audible after surgery. One and half month later, however, the ductus murmer became less apparent and completely disappered 3 months postoperatively. Subsequenly, a successful right Blalock-Taussing shunt with interposition of the Gore-Tex graft was performed. The indication of this procedure should be strictly limitted because of the poor long term effect, but may be utilized for severely hypoxic and moribund infant with complex cardiac anomalies