A series of 110 children, ranging in age from 2 days to 4 yr and in weight from 2.4 to 12.9 kg, underwent total surgical correction of complicated heart defects with the aid of profound hypothermia and total circulatory arrest. Combined surface and core cooling, in conjunction with light general anesthesia, proved to be a safe and effective method to provide optimal working conditions for the surgeon. The technic of coolong and rewarming, as well as hemodynamic and metabolic parameters monitored, are important, and factors such as type of heart defect, age, weight should be considered in relation to postoperative morbidity and mortality.
