Leakage across the premoulded dacron baffle used for correction of transposition of the great arteries.

The use of a pre-moulded dacron baffle, as described by Dillard, and used as an interatrial baffle in transposition of the great arteries resulted in an extensive leakage of blood through the baffle for several days. Pre-clotting of the baffle on one occasion only was ineffective in preventing the leakage. But complete sealing was effected by pre-clotting three times according to the method of Sauvage. These clinical findings were confirmed by microscopic analysis. A porous baffle way will be an advantage in patients with pulmonary hypertension when it would act as a safety valve.