After 12 years RVOT reconstruction with 190 valved conduits, Contegras remain our device of choice. At 4 years, they show no subvalvular or valvular reason for explantation or reoperation. Contegras have the advantages of easy handling and availability, and they compare well with homografts regarding freedom from explantation and freedom from reoperation.

The Contegra conduit offers unique tailoring and suturing options for primary and redo RVOT reconstruction. At 27 months, its durability seems at least equivalent to homografts and is superior to porcine Tissuemed xenografts.

The RACHS-1 classification is applicable to European pediatric populations, too. Category Distribution, outcome class distinction capacity, distribution and mortality are similar. RACHS-1 is able to classify patients into significantly different groups concerning total and postoperative hospital stay duration, although there remains a large variability within the groups.

Contegra is worth being considered as an alternative to homografts.

In typical HLHS the results have improved over time. Both size and function of the right ventricle determined significantly stage-I survival. An early operation prevents the natural progression of pulmonary blood flow and may weaken all three risk factors. Patients with complex lesions seemed to have better chances of surviving the early postoperative period. The multistage reconstructions have become a realistic option for patients with HLHS and similar lesions, regardless of the morphologic subtype or diminutiveness of the aorta, and lead to an acceptable quality of life.