A Landscape Analysis of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Services in Africa
Published: August 22, 2025.
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Thomas Aldersley, Sulafa Ali, Adila Dawood, Frank Edwin, Kathy Jenkins, Alexia Joachim, John Lawrenson, Darshan Reddy, Drissi Boumzebra, James D. St. Louis, Christo Tchervenkov, Amy Verstappen, Bistra Zheleva, Liesl Zühlke,
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Volume 16, Issue 6, Page 827-838, November 2025.
Background: There is geographic disparity in the provision of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease (PCHD) services; Africa accounts for only 1% of global cardiothoracic surgical capacity.Methods: We conducted a survey of PCHD services in Africa, to …
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Invited Commentary: Time and the Arterial Switch Operation
Published: August 21, 2025.
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Tom R. Karl, Rodrigo Soto
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Volume 16, Issue 6, Page 734-735, November 2025.
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A Rare “3 + 1” Variant of Mixed Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection With Drainage into the Right Atrium and Superior Vena Cava
Published: September 24, 2025.
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Mansi Verma, Ajay Chauhan, Sunil Sharma, Ritesh Kumar, Sushma Makhaik
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
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Delayed Sternal Closure Following Complex Cardiac Surgery in Neonates
Published: August 11, 2025.
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Amr Ashry, Shubhi Gupta, Hesham Hassan Ahmed, Robyn Lotto, Ramesh Kutty, Rafael Guerrero, Ram Dhannapuneni, Attilio A. Lotto
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: Delayed sternal closure (DSC) is a well-established management strategy following complex congenital cardiac surgery that is used to mitigate postoperative hemodynamic and respiratory instability. It is mostly used in neonates requiring …
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Surgical Strategy for Preserving Native Mitral Valves in Infants With Ventricular Septal Defects and Mitral Regurgitation
Published: August 25, 2025.
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Takuya Matsuzawa, Naoki Wada, Yuya Komori, Yuta Kuwahara, Masatoshi Shimada, Yukihiro Takahashi, Tomoki Shimokawa
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Objective: s:Volume overload due to ventricular septal defect (VSD) can cause mitral valve dilation, resulting in mitral regurgitation (MR). We aimed to support the clinical decision-making on mitral valvuloplasty during VSD closure by reviewing patients …
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Risk Factors for One-Year Postdischarge Mortality: An Analysis From the World Database for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery
Published: August 25, 2025.
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Brian P. Bateson, James D. St Louis, Sivakumar Sivalingam, Cheul Lee, Ignacio Juaneda, Nguyen Ly Thinh Truong, Jorge Cervantes, Ryan Cantor, Brandon Singletary, Erle H. Austin, James K. Kirklin
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: :The World Database for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery (WDPCHS) was utilized to define the incidence of one-year mortality and identify associated risk factors following surgery for congenital heart disease.Methods: :The WDPCHS was …
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Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: A Single-Center’s Experience With Transvenous Hepatic Biopsy and Shear-Wave Elastography
Published: August 25, 2025.
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William N. Evans, Ruben J. Acherman, Gary A. Mayman, Alvaro Galindo, Austin Mercadante, Michael L. Ciccolo, Humberto Restrepo
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Objective: :To report our center’s experience with hepatic fibrosis scores derived from transvenous hepatic biopsy and ultrasound shear-wave elastography (SWE) values in post-Fontan patients.Methods: :We identified patients who underwent a lateral tunnel …
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Routine Primary Sternal Closure After the Norwood Procedure
Published: September 09, 2025.
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Marcos F. Mills, Mohan M. John, Maureen McKiernan, Nikhil Chanani, Virginia Horan, Joshua M. Rosenblum, Fawwaz R. Shaw, Pranay Nayi, Tawanda Zinyandu, Paul J. Chai, Subhadra Shashidharan
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: :Delayed sternal closure (DSC) is frequently utilized to facilitate the recovery of myocardial function and edema following the Norwood procedure. At our institution, most patients undergo primary sternal closure (PSC), unless specified high-…
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Analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Mechanical Circulatory Support as a Bridge-to-Transplantation in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients
Published: September 09, 2025.
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Ahmet Bilgili, Omar M. Sharaf, Liam Kugler, Tyler Kashuv, Zachary Brennan, Giles J. Peek, Mark Steven Bleiweis, Jeffrey Phillip Jacobs
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: :This analysis evaluates the longitudinal impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist device (VAD) on the progression of motor delay and cognitive delay in pediatric heart transplant recipients.Methods: :The …
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Comparison for Long-Term Results of the Modified Réparation à l´étage Ventriculaire and Rastelli Repair
Published: September 09, 2025.
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Hong-Gook Lim, Yong Jin Kim
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: : This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of a modified réparation à l’étage ventriculaire (REV) and the Rastelli repair for ventricular septal defect (VSD) and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction without ventriculoarterial …
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Thoracoscopic Ligation of the Thoracic Duct for Persistent Chylothorax After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery—Outcomes of a Standardized Technique
Published: September 09, 2025.
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Sanjay Rao, Sai Lavanya Tankala, Abhishek Reddy, Zameer MM, Vinay Chandrashekar, Rakesh M, Ashley DCruz1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Narayana Health Hospitals, Bommasandra, Bangalore, India
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: Chylothorax, the accumulation of triglyceride-rich fluid in the pleural cavity, is a well-recognized complication after surgery for congenital heart disease in children. Treatment protocols and role of surgery are not standardized.Objective: This …
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Analysis of UNOS: Trends in Heart Transplantation for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease in the United States Over 35 Years – A Comparison of Two Eras
Published: September 10, 2025.
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Omar M. Sharaf, Ahmet Bilgili, Lindsey M. Brinkley, Sean Kwak, Zachary Brennan, Giles J. Peek, Mark Steven Bleiweis, Jeffrey Phillip Jacobs
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: :The purpose of this study is to identify 35-year trends in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) heart transplant volume, transplant centers, patient characteristics, and longitudinal survival up to ten years.Methods: :We performed a …
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In-Hospital Mortality in Children Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery in North Brazil: A 9-Year Analysis From a Regional Referrel Center
Published: September 10, 2025.
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Ana Luiza Menezes Teles Novelleto, Luana Izabela Azevedo de Carvalho, Luisa Tiemi Souza Tuda, Julia Castro Rodrigues, Thayla Lais Estevam, Edward Araujo Júnior, Luciane Alves da Rocha Amorim
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Objective: :To analyze in-hospital mortality in children undergoing congenital heart interventions in the only public referral center in Amazonas, North Brazil, between 2014 and 2022.Methods: :This retrospective cohort study included 1041 patients …
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Reevaluating Aortic Valve Neocuspidization in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: A Case Series Analysis
Published: September 12, 2025.
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Angelo Polito, Sonia B. Albanese, Enrico Cetrano, Marianna Cicenia, Gabriele Rinelli, Veronica Felici, Adriano Carotti
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Objective: s:Durability of aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) in children, adolescents, and young adults is a matter of debate. We sought to assess its viability in these age groups and identify the best fields of application.Methods: :A retrospective …
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A Learning Curve is Associated With Combined Hybrid Procedure and Single Ventricle-Ventricular Assist Device Insertion in Neonates With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Published: September 24, 2025.
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Contributors
Matthew S. Purlee, Jeffrey Phillip Jacobs, Joseph Philip, James C. Fudge, Himesh V. Vyas, Sukumar Suguna Narasimhulu, Susana Cruz Beltran, Andrew D. Pitkin, Gregory M. Janelle, Kevin J. Sullivan, Giles J. Peek, Mark Steven Bleiweis1Congenital Heart Center, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics, and Anesthesiology, 3463University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Objective: sA minority of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are at extremely high risk for staged palliation and can be bridged-to-heart transplantation with bilateral pulmonary artery bands, ductal stenting, and single ventricle-…
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Surgical Outcomes of Repair for Tetralogy of Fallot With Absent Pulmonary Valve: Our Experience
Published: September 25, 2025.
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Debasis Das, Shivangi Jain, Tanulina Sarkar, Shubhadeep Das, Manish Kumar Sharma, Shivani Gajpal, Amitabha Chattopadhyay
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: :Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with absent pulmonary valve (PV) accounts for 3% to 6% of TOF cases. It is physiologically distinct due to tracheobronchial compression caused by dilatation of the pulmonary arteries. We reviewed the surgical outcomes …
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Incidence of Cardiac Arrest and In-Hospital Mortality After Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery in a Middle-Income Country
Published: October 01, 2025.
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Nophanan Chaikittisilpa, Ketsiree Tungsawat, Sirirat Rattana-Arpa, Salalee Srikongrak, Naiyana Aroonpruksakul, Teerapong Tocharoenchok, Taniga Kiatchai
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Objective: s:This study aimed to report the incidence of cardiac arrest and in-hospital mortality after pediatric congenital heart surgery in a middle-income country.Methods: :This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Thailand. Patients <18 years of …
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Incidence and Outcomes of Pericardial Effusion After Congenital Heart Surgery
Published: September 09, 2025.
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Mario O’Connor, Carlos M. Mery, Neil M. Venardos, Jeremy Affolter, Charles Fraser, Andrew Well
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Introduction:Pericardial effusion (PCE) represents a significant postoperative complication following congenital heart surgery (CHS), contributing to more complex postoperative care and heightened morbidity. In this study, we aim to elucidate the risk …
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Early Onset of Inspiris Resilia Valve Regurgitation After Pulmonary Valve Replacement
Published: September 24, 2025.
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Hiroshi Mitsuo, Yusuke Ando, Kunihiko Joo, Hiromichi Sonoda, Akira Shiose1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, 145181Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: :We aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of the Inspiris Resilia valve in the pulmonic position.Methods: :This study includes adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who underwent pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) using the …
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Impact of Abdominal Surgery on Neonatal Cardiac Surgery Outcomes: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Associated Risks
Published: October 09, 2025.
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Muhammad Faateh, Grant Chappell, Amir Mehdizadeh-Shrifi, Megan Rodts, Andrew Misfeldt, David G. Lehenbauer, David L.S Morales, Awais Ashfaq, Marco Ricci1The Heart Institute, 2518Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Background: :Neonatal congenital heart surgery (CHS) patients may have coexisting gastrointestinal disorders and/or complications that may require abdominal surgery. We sought to identify the outcomes of these patients.Methods: :The Pediatric Health …
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A Rare Case of Undiagnosed Anomalous Right Coronary Artery From the Pulmonary Artery in an Asymptomatic Seven-Year-Old
Published: August 25, 2025.
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James Wiley, Dennis Mello, Randy Stevens, Jill Sullivan, Caitlin Heyden, Olga Salazar
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) is an extremely rare congenital coronary artery anomaly. Diagnosis is often made incidentally when evaluating for a murmur or other congenital heart disease. The ARCAPA may …
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Ventricular Assist Device and Ductal Stent as Bridge to Heart Transplant for Pulmonary Atresia-Intact Ventricular Septum
Published: September 24, 2025.
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John D. Vossler, Srujan Ganta, Peter Chau, Gabrielle Vaughn, Matthew J. Bock, Rohit Rao, Howaida El-Said, Eunice Yoon, Gordon A. Cohen, Victor Pretorius, John J. Nigro
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) and myocardial dysfunction is a challenging entity to manage. Presented is a patient with PA-IVS who developed myocardial dysfunction and heart failure following an episode of periprocedural …
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Surgically Treated Giant Right Atrium in Isolated Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation
Published: September 09, 2025.
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Waqar Ahmad Khan, Maria Syed, Roshan Bano, Rajab Ali, Sohail Khan Bangash
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can lead to significant enlargement of the right atrium (RA) and poses unique clinical challenges. We report this case of a 17-year-old boy previously misdiagnosed with Ebstein anomaly who presented with dyspnea and …
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A Rare Cause of Severe Aortic Coarctation in an Adolescent: Coral Reef Aorta
Published: September 24, 2025.
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Mete Han Kızılkaya, Cemile Pehlivanoğlu, Batıgül Taş, Terman Gümüş, Mehmet Biçer, Ilmay Bilge, Ender Ödemiş
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Coral reef aorta (CRA) is a rare, calcified aortic lesion observed primarily in adults and elderly patients. This condition can lead to resistant hypertension and impaired organ perfusion. Although surgical treatment remains the predominant approach, …
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An Expanding Perspective: Extreme Aortic Dilation in a Patient With Single Ventricle Palliation
Published: September 25, 2025.
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Kaitlyn Krebushevski, Anders Jenson, Aaron A. Amundson, Talha Niaz, Alberto Pochettino, Crystal Bonnichsen, Frank Cetta
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Aortic dilation following single ventricle palliation is increasingly recognized, although its long-term clinical implications remain unclear. We present the case of a 38-year-old male born with a bicuspid aortic valve, d-transposition of the great …
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Left Ventricular Unloading With the Impella Pump in Adolescents on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Published: September 26, 2025.
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Matteo Trezzi, Gianluca Brancaccio, Marin Verrengia, Sergio Filippelli, Gianluigi Perri, Fabio Miraldi, Rachele Adorisio, Antonio Amodeo
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Combining the Impella device and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support has been suggested to counteract the left ventricular (LV) afterload seen with ECMO, prevent complications during venoarterial-ECMO (VA-ECMO), and facilitate weaning from …
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Contrasting the Performance of a Surgeon-Fashioned Extracellular Matrix Cylindrical Tricuspid Valve Versus a Mechanical Valve
Published: August 12, 2025.
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Darren Turner, Amir Mehdizadeh-Shrifi, Aanish Raees, David Lehenbauer, Awais Ashfaq, Katherine VandenHeuvel, Garick D. Hill, David L. S. Morales1The Heart Institute, 2518Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 12303University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
We present a patient who as an infant required mitral and tricuspid valve replacement, with a mechanical valve used in the mitral position and a surgeon fashioned extracellular matrix of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS-ECM) (CorMatrix) valve in …
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Left Ventricular Midcavitary Obstruction Caused by Abnormal Papillary Muscles: Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Two Pediatric Cases
Published: August 24, 2025.
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Mohamed M. Elgayar, Asmaa R. Abd El Naby, Amr Alsalakawy, Hatem Hosny, Ahmed Afifi
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Abnormalities of the left ventricular papillary muscles, albeit rare, can be clinically significant. We report two pediatric cases with thickened, fused papillary muscles obstructing left ventricle inflow with abnormal attachments to the ventricular …
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Timing of the Arterial Switch Operation in Premature Neonates < 2 kg With d-Loop Transposition of the Great Arteries and Intact Ventricular Septum—A Case Series
Published: September 09, 2025.
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Victoria R. Bradford, Francesca Sperotto, Alyssa R. Thomas, Mariana Chavez, Eleonore Valencia, Joshua Salvin, Nicola Maschietto, Rahul H. Rathod, Sitaram Emani, Philip T. Levy, Christopher Baird
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
There is a paucity of data available regarding operative timing and approach ford-loop transposition of the great arteries (dTGA) with intact ventricular septum (IVS) in premature infants. We reviewed our surgical experience in a case series of five …
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Tricuspid Valve Repair in Pediatric Patients Using Artificial Neochordae: Systematic Review of Current Evidence
Published: September 29, 2025.
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Domenico Crea, Massimo Padalino, Uberto Bortolotti, Giovanni Stellin
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Ahead of Print.
Artificial neochordae crafted from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene are commonly utilized in mitral valve repair. Yet their application in tricuspid valve repair, particularly in the pediatric demographic, remains relatively unexplored. Upon reviewing the …
