Infradiaphragmatic Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage

The pathological anatomy and hemodynamic effects of total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the infradiaphragmatic type are reviewed in nine infants examined from 1940 to 1965 in the pathology department. Two infants underwent corrective surgery in the period; one operation was unsuccessful. The other infant had normal hemodynamics 6 months postoperatively and continues to do well 2 years after operation. Surgical principles are discussed. Some patients undergoing an anastomosis between the common pulmonary venous trunk and the left atrium will not require a second operation either to ligate the venous trunk or to close the atrial septal defect.