Results from this study indicate that of the 95 patients (January, 2004-February, 2006) with open chests, 28 developed BSIs (29.5%). This was compared to neonates undergoing cardiac bypass surgery with closed chests. This patient population had a significantly lower BSI rate at 9.1% (n=9 of 99). The largest subset of patients in these groups are the neonates with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) undergoing the Norwood procedure. Upon reviewing all HLHS/Norwood patients, those with open chests (N=40) have a 32.5% infection rate compared to the closed chests (N=20) at 20%.