1944

(Oct): Clarence Crafoord (Stockholm) performed first successful surgery for Coarctation of the aorta = construction of a section of the aorta, with pressure increased above the construction and decreased below it  striking symptom in which patients have much higher bp in their arms than in their legs. Blood vessels in thorax become enlarged as body struggles to supply blood to abdomen via collaterals. But serious symptoms remain and life expectancy of patients just 34. Crawford clamped the aorta and cut out the constricted portion of aorta, and sutured the ends together. Body deprived of oxygenated blood from aorta (relying on collateral circulation) for the two-hour operation; circulation to brain via two carotid arteries at top of arch unaffected. (Morris, ch 2).