Cardiac surgery and congenital heart disease: reflections on a modern revolution

The success of cardiac surgery has transformed the prospects of children with congenital heart disease with over 90% now surviving to adulthood. The early pioneering surgeons took on significant risk, whilst current surgical practice emphasises safety and consistency. In this article we review important British contributions to the field and consider challenges for the future, specifically how to better manage and reduce the adverse sequelae of congenital cardiac surgery by continuing to innovate safely.