The First Successful EXIT-to-Open Atrial Septectomy for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

In this remarkable interview, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with CTSNet Senior Editor Dr. Sameh Said, Chief of the Division of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the New York Medical College, and Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, about performing the first successful ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT)-to-open atrial septectomy-to-rapid stage I Norwood palliation in a neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and intact interatrial septum.  

They explore the innovative surgical techniques used in this groundbreaking procedure, including specific details about the surgery, the preparation undertaken prior to the operation, and the key factors that contributed to its success.  

Additionally, they covered the challenges encountered during this first successful EXIT procedure case, as well as the standard management practices for these cases at medical centers, such as fetal balloon atrial septostomy, along with postnatal transcatheter, surgical, or hybrid interventions and their associated surgical risks.  

Furthermore, they address the broader challenges faced when operating on patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, including the differences between restrictive atrial septum and intact atrial septum.   

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