In 76 experiments on mongrel dogs the authors tried to solve principal problems interfering with a broader clinical application of extracardiac conduit for left ventricular-aortic shunting. They present an original conduit design whose prolonged trials in chronic experiments on dogs yielded favourable results. A new, relatively atraumatic and easy-to-perform method was used for conduit implantation. Functional condition of conduits and systemic and intraventricular haemodynamics were investigated shortly after operation and in the late postoperative period. At various intervals after surgery the conduits corresponded haemodynamically and functionally to systemic blood flow. Use of conduit to construct a new left ventricular outflow tract proved to be an effective alternative in surgical treatment of many hitherto inoperable aortic root defects.

A N Bakulev Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery Academy of Medical Sciences USSR Moscow