Anyone anxious to know more about developments in the rapidly-expanding field of surgical repair of congenital defects of the heart by open-heart techniques will find this paper instructive. The various types of apparatus which have been used to maintain the circulation and oxygenation of blood outside the body, leaving the heart free for surgical repair, are described. The physiologic changes during total-body perfusion and the means taken to insure homeostasis during the procedure are discussed. The author gives a brief description of his experience in the repair of congenital defects of the heart with the various techniques. A considerable body of interesting information is provided in a succinct and clear fashion for the general reader.
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