Gdansk Hybrid Heartlink Programme (GHHP) – we need to share the experience with miniinvasive hybrid procedures in borderline babies

The Gdansk Hybrid Heartlink Programme follows the concept of the hybrid procedures that combine the advantages of classic surgical operations with intraoperative cardiology interventions. With time and our growing experience, we found that hybrid methods were especially beneficial in cardiac emergencies in borderline babies, who would not meet separate criteria either for surgery or for cardiac interventions. Hybrid strategies appeared safe and effective for patients with anatomical variants unsuitable either for classic surgical or interventional procedures introduced alone. Therefore hybrid treatment seems to be a reasonable alternative mainly because of diminished risk of fatal complications. The success of a hybrid programme is possible in institutions that improve the spirit of cooperation between cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists, aimed at the common benefit of borderline patients.