The History of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery After the Advent of Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract

The history of cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been closely related to pediatrics since the first achievements were made in this particular field. From this point, the search was orientated towards the best health conditions for children by correction of cardiac defects, as early as possible, and preferably with bi-ventricular repairs under the safest conditions, both at the myocardial and the cerebral level. The congenital field is the largest in cardiac surgery. It was therefore decided to focus on the major steps of anatomical repairs. The next steps in the history of pediatric cardiac surgery will probably open new doors in CPB and miniaturization of assist devices. Myocardial cell developments are fascinating. Future pediatric cardiothoracic teams will face challenging issues like worldwide access to congenital cardiac surgery and an increasing population living with congenital heart disease in adulthood. This is a future chapter for a future edition.