Aortopulmonary Window

Aortopulmonary window Is a congenital heart defect present at birth in which there is a hole between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This allows the red blood in the aorta to flow into the pulmonary artery. The extra blood floods the lungs causing symptoms of congestive heart failure. If left unrepaired, the lung's blood vessels become damaged.

Surgery is needed to repair an AP window. Surgery includes:

• General anesthesia
• Opening the chest in the center
• Using cardiopulmonary bypass
• Closing the hole between the aorta and pulmonary artery (see animation below) by separating the vessels and closing the opening on each one