[Experiences with the extracardial conduit in the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract].

Operative correction of certain congenital cardiac malformations with discontinuity between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery is technically possible today with satisfactory late results. The atretic or hypoplastic outflow tract can be bridged by an external tubular graft containing a valvular prosthesis. Of 22 patients operated upon from 1978-1981, 16 survived the operation and perioperative period. There was one late death. Routine cardiac catheterization was performed in 6 non-selected patients between 7 and 22 months after surgery. No hemodynamically important gradients were found. The extracardiac conduit between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery has become an important tool in correcting certain forms of congenital heart disease.