Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of children with congenital vascular rings and accompanying heart lesions

Methods of early diagnosis, operative treatment and postoperative care are described in children with congenital vascular rings. The ring types were grouped according to Cooley's classification. Among 42 recognized vascular rings 34 children required surgical treatment because of severe or noticeable compressive symptoms of esophagus and trachea. In the postoperative period early respiratory care is especially important.