Methods: Between 1985 and 2002, five male and three female, eight cases underwent surgical closure of the congenital coronary artery fistula with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Additional coronary artery bypass grafting (in six cases) and valve replacement procedures (in two cases) were performed.
Results: There was no operative mortality. One patient with coronary disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction died three years later postoperatively. Control angiography was performed in seven patients. Recurrence was not detected in any patients.
Conclusion: We advocate that coronary artery fistula can be operated by either extracardiac or intracardiac approaches without mortality and morbidity.