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MUF decreases the duration of mechanical ventilatory support, the length of intensive care unit stay, the need for blood transfusion and improves postoperative hemodynamics. It is associated with increased levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets. We can conclude that MUF attenuates the inflammatory response by decreasing the levels of inflammatory mediators.

The lower levels of NSE in patients who received methylprednisolone may suggest that corticosteroids might be useful in decreasing possible neuronal damage during heart surgery. However, we were not able to demonstrate an adverse neurological outcome.

Based on the study presented here, bidirectional cavo-pulmonary anastomosis can be carried out by using different types of transient external shunt. The best hemodynamical condition and arterial O(2) levels were achieved with the shunt constructed between superior vena cava and left pulmonary artery.