Editorial/Review

Surgery for Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and the Role of the Perfusionist

Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC

^* Address correspondence to: John E. Brodie, 2268 Georgian Woods Pl., Wheaton, MD 20902.

Abstract

Surgical treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) is increasing dramatically and perfusionists should be familiar with the methods used in this procedure. Cardiac surgeons are being trained in this procedure in increasing numbers and hospitals are rapidly starting programs of surgery for certain arrhythmias. The success of the operation over the past 20 years has ensured that the number of procedures will increase as results continue to improve. In view of the safety and gratifying long-term results achieved in patients with a variety of supraventricular dysrhythmias, it has become apparent that early surgical intervention is generally preferable to chronic pharmacological therapy (1).

Surgery for WPW syndrome requires team work even more than other cardiac procedures. The surgical procedures used require either cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or immediate standby in case of complications. In addition, operation of the cryoablation machine used in some procedures is most appropriately delegated to the perfusion team. The perfusionist must be thoroughly familiar with the techniques used and the varying aspects of each procedure.