Moderate Left Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation Research Articles

Predictors of post-operative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation in pediatric patients with complete atrioventricular canal defects.

In infants with complete atrioventricular canal (CAVC) defects, post-operative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) is a known major cause of morbidity and mortality and a common indication for re-operation. However, there is scarce data to identify risk factors for poor outcomes. Our study aims to find echocardiographic characteristics that predict post-operative LAVVR at discharge and 1-year follow-up. Retrospective cohort study of patients with initial CAVC repair at our hospital who were followed for 1 year between 2013 and 2022. Patients with major co-morbid conditions were excluded. Serial echocardiograms were reviewed. Anatomic details, quantitative and qualitative measure of LAVVR including the number of regurgitant jets, regurgitant jet length and vena contracta width, and ventricular function were collected. The time points measured include pre-operative transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), post-operative transesophageal echocardiogram (PO-TEE), routine protocol based post-operative day 1 (POD1) TTE, discharge TTE and 1-year post-operative (1yPO) TTE. Paired t-tests, chi-square analysis, and linear regression analysis were performed comparing measured variables to LAVVR outcomes. Fifty-two patients were included; 92% had Trisomy 21. The majority were classified as Rastelli A (71%), others Rastelli C (29%). Only two patients had moderate or greater LAVVR pre-operatively. The mean age at repair was 125 ± 44 days. Pre-operative LAVVR was the only significant predictor of LAVVR severity at 1 year after backward stepwise regression. Of those with<moderate LAVVR on PO-TEE, 20% had worsening to≥moderate at discharge, but only 9% remained that way at 1 year. Of those with≥moderate LAVVR on PO-TEE, 40% improved to<moderate by 1 year. Two patients who worsened at 1 year, both secondary to likely cleft suture dehiscence. Only one patient required reoperation in the immediate post-operative period secondary to severe LAVVR due to suture dehiscence. Routine protocol-based POD1 echo did not have any association with altered outcomes. Pre-operative LAVVR was the only significant predictor of LAVVR severity at 1 year. A significant percentage (40%) of patient with≥moderate LAVVR on PO-TEE improved to<moderate by 1 year. Furthermore, routine protocol-based POD1 echo did not have any association with altered outcomes.

Early and mid-term results of surgical treatment of atrioventricular septal defect; analysis of risk factors for adverse outcomes: left atrioventricular valve regurgitation

Background Advances in the perioperative management and optimization of the timing of primary repair have gradually improved the early clinical outcome of surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs). However, the late outcome still remains compromised by the substantial risk of reoperation, of which mainly the development of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) dysfunction challenge the long-term survival and morbidity of these children. In particular, LAVV regurgitation (LAVVR) is responsible for a reoperation rate between 5 and 19%, both for complete AVSD (cAVSD) and partial AVSD (PAVSD) children. Results of surgical correction of AVSDs) have improved over the last decades; however, the need for reoperation after primary AVSD repair remains a major concern. We conducted this study to analyze risk factors leading to LAVVR in the early and mid-term follow-up postsurgical repair of AVSD. Patients and methods All patients who underwent biventricular repair for AVSD at our institute, in the time between Jan 2015 and Jan 2021, meeting the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Preoperative, operative and postoperative data were collected from the patients’ medical file. Last follow-up Echoes were reviewed. Results Patients who had preoperative and early postoperative more than moderate LAVVR are more likely to develop LAVVR in the late follow-up and also have a more risk to need a reoperation in their midterm follow-up. Conclusions Patients who had preoperative and early postoperative more than mod LAVVR are more likely to develop LAVVR in the late follow-up and also more likely to need reoperation.

Middle to long-term outcomes of surgical repair for atrioventricular septal defect: a single-center study.

The exact incidence and predictors of mortality and left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) re-operation in congenital atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair are still unclear. This study analyzed the middle to long-term outcomes of surgical repair for AVSD. A total of 150 patients (69 males and 81 females) who underwent AVSD repair at Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 2013 to December 2021 were divided into complete defect group (C-group, 67 cases), transitional defect group (T-group, 26 cases), and partial defect group (P-group, 57 cases). Outcomes during the peri-operative and 10-year follow-up periods were evaluated. The total mortality was 5.33% (8/150), including seven early deaths (10.4%) and no late deaths in the C-group, no early deaths (0%) and one late death (1.8%) in the P-group, and no early or late deaths in the T-group. Up to the last follow-up, severe LAVV regurgitation had occurred in 27 patients, including 16 in the C-group, four in the T-group, and seven in the P-group. In total, 12 (12/150, 8.0%) patients received LAVV re-operation, including seven in the C-group, three in the T-group, and two in the P-group. Cox regression analysis showed that pre-operative severe pulmonary hypertension (P=0.006) and severe LAVV regurgitation within 24 hours after the first surgery (P=0.023) were independent risk factors for mortality. ≥ Moderate LAVV regurgitation within the first 24 hours after surgery (P=0.014) was an independent risk factor for LAVV re-operation. Complete AVSD repair increased the risk of early death, severe LAVV regurgitation and re-operation. Pre-operative severe pulmonary hypertension and residual severe LAVV regurgitation indicated high risk for mortality. ≥ Moderate LAVV regurgitation within 24 hours after the first surgery predicted a high probability of LAVV re-operation.

Predictors of reoperation and mortality after complete atrioventricular septal defect repair.

Previous studies investigating risk factors associated with reoperation or mortality after repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) often have not included sizeable cohorts undergoing modified single-patch repair. Both double patch and modified single-patch techniques have been widely used in Australia since the 1990s. Using a large multi-institutional cohort, we aimed to identify risk factors associated with reoperation or mortality following CAVSD repair. Between January 1990 and December 2015, a total of 829 patients underwent biventricular surgical repair of CAVSD in Australia at 4 centres. Patients with associated tetralogy of Fallot and other conotruncal abnormalities were excluded. Demographic details, postoperative outcomes including reoperation and survival, and associated risk factors were analysed. Fifty-six patients (6.8%) required early reoperation (≤30 days) for significant left atrioventricular valve regurgitation or residual septal defects. Freedom from reoperation at 10, 15 and 20 years was 82.7%, 81.1% and 77%, respectively. Patients without Down syndrome and moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation on postoperative echocardiogram were found to be independent risk factors for reoperation. Operative mortality was 3.3%. Overall survival at 10, 15 and 20 years was 91.7%, 90.7% and 88.7%, respectively. Prior pulmonary artery banding was a predictor for mortality, while later surgical era (2010-2015) was associated with a reduction in mortality risk. Improved survival in the contemporary era is in keeping with improvements in surgical management and higher rates of primary CAVSD repair over time. The presence of residual moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation on postoperative echocardiography is an important factor associated with reoperation and close surveillance is essential to allow timely reintervention. Primary CAVSD repair at age <3 months should be preferenced to palliation with pulmonary artery banding due to the association of pulmonary artery banding with mortality in the long-term.

Advanced therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension and congenital heart disease in people with Down syndrome

BackgroundManagement of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease and trisomy 21 is complex due to uncertainty over the best first-line agent to use for treatment, and the outcome measures for assessing response to therapy. There are also ethical issues around therapeutic decisions which may require ‘best interests’ meetings of carers and health care professionals.Case presentationWe present a case of a 35-year-old man with Down syndrome, with un-operated atrioventricular septal defect, right ventricular hypertrophy and moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation. In the clinic he was visibly cyanosed with peripheral oxygen saturations of 78% at rest. He had very limited walk distance and was in WHO class III.ConclusionsWe discuss the decisions made around the best therapy for his Eisenmenger syndrome taking into account patient and family views on therapy and considering the psychosocial burden of treatment.

Abstract 15099: Limitations of Predicting Postoperative Left Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation by Transesophageal Echocardiography

Introduction: After atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair, the degree of post-repair left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) at discharge is associated with need for re-intervention. Knowledge of the relationship between post-repair transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and discharge transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) LAVVR could influence intraoperative decision-making. At present, this relationship has not been well-defined and to assess it, we undertook a retrospective study of a large cohort of AVSD patients. Methods: Between 11/2012-12/2018, 96 AVSD patients underwent surgical repair. Data included patient demographics, clinical characteristics, preoperative LAVV anomalies, surgical procedure and outcomes. LAVVR was graded as less than moderate or moderate and greater with statistical blinding techniques employed. Cohen’s kappa statistics were calculated to measure interobserver variability. Association between parameters was tested using univariate analysis. Results: Median age and weight at surgery for complete AVSD patients (68%) was 5 months and 5.6 kg respectively; for partial AVSD (32%), median age and weight was 27 months and 11.9 kg respectively. The median interval between echo studies was 6 days (IQR 4-12 days) with median length of stay of 8 days (IQR 5-16 days). There were no deaths. Post-repair TEE revealed less than moderate LAVVR in 86 patients (90%) and moderate or greater in 10 (10%). Overall, there was a discrepancy in LAVVR seen at discharge in 25 patients (26%) with 23/25 (92%) demonstrating a higher grade of LAVVR. Two patients underwent reoperation before discharge due to severe LAVVR. In univariate analysis, significant predictors for LAVVR discrepancy were younger age (p=0.032) and lower weight (p=0.032) at repair; preoperative LAVVR grade was a significant predictor for worsening LAVVR (p=0.038). Conclusions: Discrepancy between LAVVR grade on post-repair TEE and discharge TTE was present in 26% of AVSD patients with the vast majority changing to a higher grade. This important finding with implications for intraoperative decision-making should prompt further investigations into preoperative LAVV anomalies, surgical technique and postoperative factors influencing valvar function.

Surgical outcome of atrioventricular septal defect: A 10 years review

Background: Surgical management of patients with Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) has advanced over the last decades. The aims of this study were to evaluate the early and late outcomes in patients undergoing operation at a single heart center. Methods: Between April 2006 and April 2016, 337 consecutive patients underwent Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) repair at the Shaheed Rajaie Heart Center. The patients were subtyped as 73 (21.7%) partial, 67 (19.9%) transitional and 197 (58.5%) complete. Results: At the time of preoperative evaluation, there were 39 cases (11.7%) with moderate to severe or severe Left Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation (LAVVR). Previous Pulmonary Artery banding (PA banding) had been performed in 144 (42.7%) patients and associated malformations were found in 115 (34.1%). Type of surgical repair was single patch 193 (57.3%), double patch 144 (42.7%), and single atrial septal defect patch with primary ventricular septal defect closure in TAVSD 64 (95.5%). 141 patients (71.6%) with CAVSD underwent definitive early repair by using a two patch technique and complete cleft closure. Annuloplasty and/or commissuroplasty were performed for 60 (17.8%) patients and debanding was also implemented in all patients. Mean hours for ventilation were determined as 26.8 ± 2.8. Mean days for intensive care unit was defined to be 4.4 ± 0.2, and total hospitalization time was as 26.8 ± 0.5. A 1 month, 21.9% (72 of 328) had ejection fraction less than 55%; 33 (10.9%) had more than moderate LAVVR; 73 (24.2%) had residual Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), followed by 14 cases (4.6%) with residual Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and 2 cases (0.6%) with Left Ventricular Outlet Tract Obstruction (LVOTO). Conclusions: Definitive early repair for AVSD can be performed with acceptable results. Despite a complete cleft closure, LAVVR remains the most common residual defect that more frequently required reoperation in the future.

Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect: Influence of Timing of Repair on Intermediate Outcomes

Background: The optimal timing of repair of complete atrioventricular canal defect (CAVC) remains uncertain. When early repair is indicated due to clinical conditions, patients may be potentially exposed to excess morbidity or mortality. We reviewed our experience with repair of CAVC to determine the influence of age on outcomes. Methods: The study included 48 patients who underwent repair of CAVC at our institution from 2004 to 2014. To assess the association of age at surgery with outcomes, logistic regression models were fit to binary outcomes and linear regression models were fit for continuous outcomes. Age at surgery was dichotomized into early (≤90 days; n = 18) and late repair (&gt;90 days; n = 30). Chi-square and two-sample t tests were used to compare early to late repair with respect to patient characteristics and outcomes. Results: Patient characteristics were similar except for mean weight at surgery (3.9 vs 4.6 kg) and presence of greater than equal to moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR; 1 vs 11). When assessed by continuous scale or dichotomized at 90 days, there was no association of age at repair with outcomes including median bypass and clamp times, need for pacemaker implantation, pulmonary hypertension requiring oxygen and/or medication, median length of stay, incidence of greater than equal to moderate LAVVR at discharge, and rate of reoperation for LAVVR. Freedom from greater than equal to moderate LAVVR was similar between the groups at latest follow-up. Conclusion: Contemporary repair of CAVC is associated with low mortality and favorable outcomes. In the presence of clear signs of congestive heart failure, primary repair can be safely accomplished in patients under three months of age.

Cardiac Function After Tetralogy of Fallot/Complete Atrioventricular Canal Repair.

Repair of complete atrioventricular canal (CAVC) with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a challenging operation increasingly being performed as a complete, primary repair in infancy. Previous studies have focused on perioperative outcomes; however, midterm valve function, ventricular function, and residual obstruction have received little attention. We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients who underwent CAVC/TOF repair (January 2005 to December 2014). A two-patch repair was used in all patients to correct the CAVC defect. Tetralogy of Fallot repair included transannular patch in 11 (65%) patients and valve-sparing in 6 (35%) patients. The average age at surgery was 72 ± 122 weeks, 40% were male, and 80% had trisomy 21. Mean echo follow-up was 3.0 ± 3.0 years. There were no in-hospital or late mortalities. The rate of reoperation was 20%. At the latest follow-up, moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation was present in three (15%) patients and mild stenosis present in seven (35%) patients. One (5%) patient had moderate right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction. The valve-sparing population was smaller at the time of surgery than the non-valve-sparing cohort (body surface area: 0.28 ± 0.04 vs 0.42 ± 0.11, P = .002) and less likely to have had a previous shunt (0% vs 64%, P = .01). Among the valve-sparing patients (six), at the latest follow-up, moderate pulmonary insufficiency was present in two (33%) patients. Repair of CAVC concomitant with TOF can be performed with low mortality and acceptable perioperative morbidity. Management of the RVOT remains a challenge for the long term.

Repair of Partial Atrioventricular Septal Defect: Age and Outcomes

We evaluated the outcomes of patients undergoing surgical repair of partial atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) and analyzed the effect of age on outcome. In this single-center retrospective study, we included all children who underwent repair of partial AVSD between 1990 and 2014. We divided the patients into 4 age quartiles (first quartile: 0-0.75 years, n= 22; second quartile: 0.75-1.5 years, n= 21; third quartile: 1.5-3.75 years, n= 22; and fourth quartile: >3.75 years, n= 21). These quartiles were evaluated for their association with the time-to-event outcomes of survival, freedom from left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR), and freedom from reoperation using log-rank analysis. During the study period, 86 patients underwent partial AVSD repair at a median age of 1.5 years. There were no operative deaths and 2 late deaths (unknown cause and trauma). There were 13 reoperations. The most common cause of reoperation was left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) (5 patients [first quartile, 2 cases; second quartile, 1 case; third quartile, 2cases, and fourth quartile, 0 cases]). LAVV reoperation for insufficiency or stenosis was performed in 4 patients (first quartile, 1 case; second quartile, 1 case; third quartile, 1 case; and fourth quartile, 1 case). Two patients underwent pacemaker placement (second quartile, 1 case and fourth quartile, 1 case). There were no statistically significant differences in the most common complications-LVOTO, LAVVR, and AV heart block-between the 4 age quartiles. Median follow-up was 7.1 years (interquartile range [IQR],0.8-11.4 years). On echocardiography, 72 patients (84%) had less than or equal to mild LAVVR, 8 (9%) patients had mild to moderate LAVVR, 5(6%) patients hadmoderate LAVVR, and 1 (1%) patient had severe LAVVR. Age at repair had no significant association withdegree of late AV valve insufficiency. Results of partial AVSD repair at a median age of 1.5 years are excellent. Operating at this age isnot associated with increased mortality, reoperation, orLAVVR.

Should Repair of Partial Atrioventricular Septal Defect Be Delayed Until Later in Childhood?

Surgical repair of partial atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) has been successful for more than 60years. However, recent data from the Pediatric Heart Network show that 31% of patients have moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) at follow-up. Previously, our institution found that only 9% of patients had more than moderate LAVVR at the last follow-up. Our objective was to determine the long-term outcomes after repair of partial AVSD in the current era. We reviewed all patients with partial AVSD who had primary biventricular repair from January 1995 to June 2011 at our institution. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival free of an event, and factors were evaluated for an association with each outcome using the log-rank test. All 105 patients with partial AVSD who had surgery during this period were evaluated. The median age at surgery was 7.9years. The overall survival rate at 1 year was 97%. Median follow-up was 5.3years (interquartile range 1.7 to 11.1). At 3years, the survival rate free from reoperation was 89%. Thirteen patients required reoperations with the most common reason being LAVVR. A total of 10 patients developed more than moderate LAVVR with a cumulative incidence of 8% by 2years. The discrepancy with the Pediatric Heart Network data may be due to the later age of operation for patients in our cohort suggesting that elective repair of partial AVSD should be deferred until children are somewhat older (ages 5 to 8years). Neither patient age (p=0.11) nor severity of preoperative LAVVR (p= 0.16) were identified as statistically significant risk factors. In conclusion, there is less morbidity and mortality after surgical repair for partial AVSD.

Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect: Comparison of Modified Single-Patch Technique with Two-Patch Technique in Infants

The purpose of this study was to compare the modified single-patch technique with the two-patch technique for infants with complete atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs). Between December 2001 and October 2011, 98 infants underwent complete AVSD primary repair. Forty-six patients had a modified single-patch technique; 59 patients had a two-patch technique. Eighty-seven patients had follow-up by echocardiography to measure the degree of valve regurgitation. There were two deaths (one in modified single-patch group and one in two-patch group). Cross-clamp times and cardiopulmonary bypass times were shorter in the modified single-patch group (70.56 ± 21.05 vs. 83.76 ± 22.74 minutes, p=0.004; 95.02 ± 19.73 vs. 109.9 ± 34.07, p=0.011). There was no patient with third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block in the modified single-patch group, while two patients in the two-patch group required a pacemaker (3.85%, p=NS). During follow-up, one death occurred in the single-patch group and three deaths in the two-patch group. At last follow-up, ten patients had more than moderate left AV valve regurgitation (four in single-patch group vs. six in two-patch group, p=0.886) and eight patients required reoperation (three in single-patch group vs. five in two-patch group, p=0.841). One patient in the single-patch group required reoperation for a residual ventricular septal defect and none in the two-patch group. Modified single-patch repair in infants with complete AVSD is a safe and reproducible technique. The results are as good as the two-patch technique. Among long-term survivors, most have very good clinical and functional results and minimal or no regurgitation of either AV valve.

Surgical Management of Neonatal Atrioventricular Septal Defect With Aortic Arch Obstruction

For neonates with atrioventricular septal defect and aortic arch obstruction including coarctation of the aorta, we sought to determine whether a difference in outcomes exists after a primary neonatal versus staged surgical repair (neonatal arch repair with delayed intracardiac repair). This retrospective cohort study included consecutive neonates with atrioventricular septal defect and aortic arch obstruction who underwent cardiac surgery before 28 days of age at six centers from 1990 to 2009. Characteristics and outcomes between patients undergoing neonatal versus staged repair were compared. Of 66 study patients, 31 (47%) underwent primary neonatal repair and 35 (53%) underwent staged repair. At baseline echocardiogram, a greater percentage of neonatal repair patients had relative unbalanced ventricular size (56% versus 35%, p = 0.02). There were no other differences in demographic characteristics, cardiac anatomical or functional details, or surgical technique. Those undergoing neonatal repair tended to be more likely to have at least moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation early after repair (42% versus 19%, p = 0.05) and to have at least one major in-hospital complication (42% versus 20%, p = 0.06). After the initial cardiac operation, compared with the neonatal repair group, patients undergoing staged repair had greater survival (87% versus 57% at 6 years, log-rank p = 0.02) and freedom from the first unplanned cardiac reoperation (69% versus 45% at 6 years, log-rank p = 0.005). For neonates with atrioventricular septal defect and aortic arch obstruction, when compared with neonatal repair, a staged approach was associated with improved survival and lower morbidity.

Traditional single patch versus the “Australian” technique for repair of complete atrioventricular canal defects

A variety of operative techniques has been used to repair complete atrioventricular (AV) canal defects and satisfactory outcomes after single patch repairs have been reported. We report our comparative results of repairing complete AV canal defects between 1998 and 2006 using the traditional single patch and the "Australian" techniques. Fourteen patients underwent traditional AV canal repair with the single patch technique (Group 1) and 11 patients underwent repair with the "Australian" technique (Group 2). All patients were examined with preoperative echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, and were followed up with echocardiography to evaluate AV valve and ventricular function. There were two early postoperative deaths in Group 1 and one in Group 2. One patient from each group had moderate left AV valve regurgitation postoperatively, but none from either group had left ventricular outflow obstruction. The "Australian" technique is a simpler method requiring shorter aortic cross-clamping and total bypass times with good clinical and functional results. The early postoperative results are as encouraging as those achieved by the traditional single patch technique; however, long-term follow-up results are required to establish the efficacy of this simplified technique.

Pericardial patch repair of the left atrioventricular valve in atrioventricular septal defect: long-term changes in the patch

A 31-year-old woman with partial atrioventricular septal defect underwent left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) replacement. Her initial repair was at 8 years of age. At 23 years of age, she underwent reoperation due to a combination of severe left ventricular outlet obstruction and moderate LAVV regurgitation. At that reoperation, she had a Dacron patch enlargement of the infundibular septum and repair of her LAVV with a xenograft (bovine) pericardial patch sutured into the superior bridging leaflet. LAVV replacement was required 8 years later because of valve insufficiency. There was a perforation in the patch with fibrosis, thickening due to pannus, and calcification of the pericardial tissue and the leaflet tissue, leading to stiffening of the tissue.

Repair of partial atrioventricular septal defect through a minimal right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy.

To report a new minimally invasive and cosmetic approach for partial atrioventricular septal defect (PAVSD) repair. From November 1997 to January 2000, six patients with a mean age of 19.2 +/- 7.7 years underwent minimal right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy for PAVSD repair. Left atrioventricular (AV) valve regurgitation was assessed on the beating heart before and after valvuloplasty. Commissuroplasty of the left AV valve and atrial septum repair were done in all patients. There were no operative or late mortality, and no morbidity directly related to the thoracotomy approach. The average length of the incision was 8.3 +/- 131 cm. The arrest times averaged 32.8 +/- 8.3 minutes, and the cardiopulmonary bypass times averaged 66.0 +/- 9.0 minutes. One patient had a mild to moderate left AV valve regurgitation postoperatively. All patients were free of symptoms during the follow-up. The minimal right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy is a safer, more cosmetic and less invasive approach than median sternotomy for the repair of PAVSD.

Surgical management of common atrioventricular canal

Surgical management of common atrioventricular (AV) canal has evolved significantly since original descriptions of repairs in 1955. Currently, complete repair is performed in infancy in most forms of complete AV canal with low mortality and morbidity. Various modifications to the original surgical techniques have been proposed and are utilized to close the inter-atrial and inter-ventricular communications, and achieve a competent AV valve. The two most commonly used techniques (single and double patch) are described in detail along with our approach to the management of the AV valves. Associated defects such as coarctation of the aorta, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and unusual left AV valve anatomy are discussed. Management of unbalanced forms of AV canal and criteria for deciding adequacy of cavity size for two-ventricle repair remains an area of some controversy and is still evolving. Our experience with common AV canal from 1990 to the end of 1998 covers 365 patients who underwent two-ventricle repair at a median age of 4.6 months. Early mortality for complete AV canal patients was 1.5%, and 10% of these had at least moderate left AV valve regurgitation post-operatively. Eighteen patients have required re-operation for severe mitral valve regurgitation at a mean of 20 months after the original repair and three others for sub-aortic obstruction. Our current management of children with complete common AV canal is to perform corrective surgery electively early in infancy, within the first 4–6 months of life. Symptomatic infants with signs of congestive heart failure should undergo repair as soon as symptoms are apparent.

Atrioventricular valve function after single patch repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect in infancy: How early should repair be attempted?

Background: Though repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect in infancy has become routine at most centers, it is not unusual for very young infants to be managed medically because of concerns about the fragility of the atrioventricular valve tissue. Methods: Since July 1992, seventy-two infants have undergone primary repair of complete atrioventricular septal defects at a median age of 3.9 months (40% < 3 months). A single-patch technique was used in all patients. The cleft was closed completely in 61 patients and partially ( n = 10) or not at all ( n = 1) in select patients at risk for valve stenosis. Left atrioventricular valve annuloplasty was performed in 18 patients. On the basis of transesophageal echocardiographic findings, 10 patients were returned to bypass for revision of the valve repair. Results: There was one early death in a patient with single left papillary muscle, no early reoperations, and no new permanent arrhythmias. Only three patients had moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation at discharge. During a median follow-up of 24 months, there was one late death and five reoperations for left atrioventricular valve regurgitation ( n = 2) and/or systemic outflow obstruction ( n = 4). Follow-up left atrioventricular valve regurgitation was moderate in three patients, mild in 14, and none/trace in 54. Age had no relation to postoperative atrioventricular valve regurgitation, death, or reoperation. Conclusions: Despite concerns about fragility of valve tissue in very young patients, excellent results can be achieved with meticulous techniques. From neonates to older infants, age at repair does not influence outcome or valve function. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998; 115:1032-40)