Surgical Treatment of Cardiac Anomalies in Malposition of the Heart with Special Reference to Possibility for Total Correction

Abstract

Cardiac anomalies in 34 consecutive cases with malposition of the heart were classified according to Van Praagh and surgical treatment was reviewed with special reference to the possibility of total correction. Mirror image-dextrocardia and mesocardia are deemed mostly adaptable to total corrective surgery with the criteria of indication almost identical with VSD or tetralogy of Fallot. Dextrocardia and levocardia in heterotaxy, frequently too complex in malformation, are generally considered inaccessible for total corrective surgery at present. However, total correction may be applicable to some of these cases.