Chylothorax is a significant problem in pediatric cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality, cost, and length of stay. Strategies should be developed to improve prevention and treatment.

Bovine jugular grafts are associated with a significantly greater risk of late endocarditis but with lower reintervention rates compared with other valved conduits. The risk of endocarditis and durability must be balanced during conduit selection. Antibiotic prophylaxis and a high index of suspicion for endocarditis are warranted in patients with bovine jugular grafts.

No abstract