Preliminary results of direct closure of an atrioventricular septal defect: revisiting the original technique

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Background: This study aims to assess the preliminary results of direct closure of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). Methods: Thirteen patients (complete type n=7, partial type n=6) who underwent AVSDs correction with direct closure technique in our department between September 2009 and June 2011 were included. Two patients with concomitant pulmonary stenosis were managed in a single session. For direct suture closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD), multiple interrupted Teflon pledgets sutures were placed on the right side of the interventricular septal crest and then they were passed through the bridging leaflets of the common valve. For direct closure of primum atrial septal defect (ASD) in patients with complete type VSD closure sutures were used by passing through the remnant of interatrial septum and tied off. Results: The median age of the patients was 13 months. The median age (7.5 months) and weight (4.3 kg) of the patients with complete type was lower. The mean VSD size was 30.4±10 mm/m2. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and ischemic cross clamp times were 51.3±11.2 min and 34.7±10.9 min, respectively. There was no in-hospital mortality. All patients were discharged with sinus rhythm and less than (2+) atrioventricular valve regurgitation. All the patients were followed. The mean follow-up was 12.1±4.1 months. Repeated echocardiograms did not revealed any progressive atrioventricular valve dysfunction or left ventricular outflow tract gradient. Conclusion: Direct closure technique for repair of atrioventricular septal defect is rapid and simple surgery for the management of this complex pathology. This easily reproducible technique could also encourage and facilliate earlier repair of this pathology, preventing potential technical challenges.