The early and late results of pulmonary artery banding (PAB) for cyanotic heart defects in early infancy were reviewed. Nine patients were divided into two groups : Group F (five patiens) in which Fontan type repairs were expected as definitive repair in the near future ; Group A (four patients) in which anatomical repairs were programmed in the near future. Six patients had a good early postoperative course, and then consisted of three patients of Group A and three patients of Group F. The band circumference, intraoperative pulmonary-to-systemic systolic pressure ratio and arterial oxygen tension after PAB in the good cases of Group A were 20.0±1.7 mm + 1 mm for each kilogram of the infant's weight, 0.52±0.07 and 46.4±11.3 mmHg respectively. These indices in the good cases of Group F were 21.1±1.7 mm + 1 mm for each kilogram of the infant's weight, 0.55±0.02 and 38.8±1.0 mmHg respectively. The standard deviations of every index for PAB in Group F were small. Three patients of Group A have undergone successful total correction. Intraoperative pulmonary-to-systemic systolic pressure ratio of 0.5 as the index of PAB is preferable to Group A. However, only two patient of Group F were waiting for Fontan type definitive repair. For the patient especially in Group F, careful observation and well-timed staged repair with regard to subaortic stenosis and restrictive atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect are necessary after accurate PAB as mentioned above
