The V-shaped double-layer patch technique for complete atrioventricular septal defect: A novel surgical technique

Abstract

Objective

Several surgical techniques for repair of a complete atrioventricular septal defect have been developed. However, the postoperative complications with these methods may lead to reoperation during follow-up. The aim of this report is to share our experience with a modified surgical technique for complete atrioventricular septal defect that has anatomic advantages postoperatively and could reduce the reoperation rate.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients who underwent repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect using a V-shaped double-layer patch between April 2011 and September 2019 were retrospectively investigated.

Results

There were no deaths (0%) and only 1 reoperation (3.4%) in the series. The aortic crossclamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 62.7 ± 16.0 minutes and 113.9 ± 25.9 minutes, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 5.1 years. To date, no significant residual ventricular septal defects have been detected and no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction has been seen on echocardiography in any patient. During follow-up, the left atrioventricular valve status was assessed as no incompetence in 9 patients (31.0%), trivial in 18 patients (62.1%), and mild in 2 patients (6.9%).

Conclusions

The V-shaped double-layer patch technique is a valuable surgical option for patients with complete atrioventricular septal defects. The midterm results in our series document excellent performance of this technique, which augments the area of the anterior valve of the left atrioventricular valve to make it closer to a normal mitral valve and may also reduce the need for reoperation.