Results of stage I palliation of single ventricle with hypoplastic left heart complex managed with a beating heart strategy

Neonates born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) or complex (HLHC), who undergo stage I palliation with Norwood operation or Damus-Kaye-Stansel (DKS), still carry substantial mortality and morbidity even in the modern era of cardiac surgery. Mortality varies from 10% up to 40% in some Institutions, remaining still one of the highest in pediatric cardiac surgery. In order to reduce mortality and morbidity, we have developed a strategy of selective cerebro-myocardial perfusion (sCMP), allowing to perform the entire operation on the beating heart. The aim of the presents report is to describe our results with such an innovative approach.