From the introduction: What follows in the next pages is a tabulation of results of open heart surgery in 1880 patients who were admitted to the cardiovascular surgery unit during the period May, 1956-May, 1969. Surgical mortality and morbidity data are presented in a brief manner. I have tried to interpret the results in light of the similar experience of others. This digestion of the work of others with enzymes of one's personal experience is not always palatable, especially when the latter is admittedly limited.