Repair of the Left AV Valve in Atrioventricular Septal Defect in Adults

A bstract Background : This study examined the septal cleft and septal commissure of the left atrioventricular (AV) valve, which are two different anatomical structures. Methods : We presented 36 cases of adult partial atrioventricular septal defect. A distinction was made between patients based on the anatomy of the anterior leaflet of the left AV valve. The left AV valve appeared to be normal or to have minimal radial openings from the free edge of the anterior leaflet of the left AV valve in 10 patients (28%). There was a septal commissure structure in 8 (22%), and a septal cleft structure in 18 (50%) patients. In the commissure type anatomy, leaflet coaptation was usually adequate and no or mild degree of left AV regurgitation existed preoperatively. Cleft type structure usually was associated with some degree of left AV regurgitation. Attempts were made to close the septal clefts and leave the septal commissures unsutured during the repair of the partial AV septal defects. Results : We have not found any increase of left AV regurgitation in patients with commissures during the follow-up period. Closure of the cleft successfully eliminated regurgitation. Long-term results for septal cleft and septal commissure after repair of partial AV septal defect were excellent with survival of 100% and freedom from reoperation of 100% at mean 6.5 years. Conclusions : Septal cleft and septal commissure should be considered two different structures. Repairing procedures for left AV valve abnormalities associated with partial AV septal defect should only be done in patients who have cleft type of leaflet structure.     

Late left atrioventricular valve insufficiency after repair of partial atrioventricular septal defects: anatomical and surgical determinants

Risk factors for late left atrioventricular (AV) valve insufficiency, which occurred in 16 (18%) of 90 patients evaluated after repair of partial AV septal defect, were examined. The operative findings in 9 patients undergoing reoperation were also examined. Preoperative left AV valve insufficiency was significantly more common in the group with late left AV valve incompetence, as were associated valvular malformations as a whole and fenestrations of valve leaflets in particular. Conversely, the higher incidence of malformed or malpositioned papillary muscles, accessory clefts, and double-orifice left AV valves in the group with late left AV valve insufficiency did not reach significance. The method of surgical treatment of the septal commissure was not a significant factor. In the group having reoperation, additional valvular malformations were found in association with inappropriate treatment of the septal commissure in 7 patients. The 2 remaining patients had either a directly sutured ostium primum or dilatation of the annulus. Three re-repairs were successful. Five patients required prosthetic valve replacement. Preoperative left AV valve insufficiency and associated valvular malformations are major determinants of late left AV valve insufficiency in partial AV septal defect.     

Long-term results after surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defects.

OBJECTIVE: Review of the results of surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD), identification of risk factors for mortality and failure of left AV valve repair and determination of the impact of cleft closure on postoperative AV valve function. METHODS: Between 1975 and 1995, 121 consecutive patients (55 males, 66 females) underwent surgery for biventricular correction of AVSD with a median age of 1.2 years and a median weight of 7.6 kg. Sixty-five patients had a complete AVSD, 17 patients an intermediate type, and 39 patients a partial AVSD. The left AV valve (MV) cleft was closed in 53 patients (43.8%). The mean follow-up time is 7.2+/-4.6 years. RESULTS: Actuarial survival of the whole group after 1 year was 80%, after 10 and 20 years 78 and 65%, respectively. There were 18 early deaths (7-day mortality, 10.7%; 30-day mortality, 14.9%) and eight late deaths. In a univariate analysis, risk factors for early or late death were diagnosis of complete AVSD (P=0.006), no cleft closure (P=0.024), postoperative complications (P<0.0001), age <1.2 years (P=0.017), weight <7.6 kg (P=0.002), PA/Ao pressure ratio >0.7 (P<0.0001), and ECC time >110 min (P=0.002). In the multivariate analysis, postoperative complications (P=0.003) and PA/Ao pressure ratio >0.7 (P=0.001) had parallel effects on the postoperative risk for mortality. Moderate or severe MV regurgitation was present in six patients (6.0%) in the first evaluation after discharge and in 20 patients (20.4%) in the most recent postoperative control. There were 25 reoperations in 17 patients, of which 15 had to be performed for MV regurgitation and two for MV stenosis. Freedom from reoperation was 91% at 1 year, 79% at 10 years, and 76% at 15 and 20 years. We could not identify a statistically significant risk factor for reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AVSD of various morphologies closure of the left AV valve cleft significantly improves outcome without affecting the need for reoperation. Risk factors for early and late death (multivariate analysis) were a pulmonary/aortic pressure ratio >0.7 and the occurrence of any complication after surgery. The concept of an early surgical AVSD correction before an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and AV valve deformations occur would represent a better surgical option than a late correction as done in our series. Early correction allows for reduction of early mortality, superior long-term survival rates and a high freedom from subsequent valve degeneration.     

Late reoperation for systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation after repair of congenital heart defects

Since 1979, 17 infants and children have undergone reoperation for systemic atrioventricular (AV) valve regurgitation 6 weeks to 7 years after repair of congenital heart defects. Prior operations were repair of incomplete or complete AV canal (14 patients), Mustard repair of complex transposition of the great arteries including ventricular septal defect closure (2 patients), or first-stage operation for hypoplastic left heart (1 patient). Age ranged from 6 months to 11 years. In 12 of the 17 patients (10, AV canal; 1, transposition; 1, hypoplastic left heart), valve reconstruction was possible. Operative techniques included a combination of septal cleft approximation, leaflet resection, commissural annuloplasty, or ring annuloplasty. There were no operative deaths, and there were no reoperations in the repair group. The condition of these patients has improved. Follow-up ranges from 1 month to 9 years (mean follow-up, 4.1 years). Five of the 17 patients (4, AV canal; 1, transposition) underwent valve replacement. There were no operative deaths. Follow-up ranges from 3 to 8 years. Three patients later underwent re-replacement of the prosthetic valve; there was 1 late death. The condition of all 4 survivors is improved. Substantial AV valve regurgitation can occur months or years after repair of congenital heart defects. A combination of reconstructive techniques may be useful in preserving native valve function and avoiding systemic AV valve replacement.     

Tetralogy of Fallot with subarterial ventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND: Tetralogy of Fallot with subarterial ventricular septal defect is frequently seen among Asians. Compared with infracristal ventricular septal defect, postoperative right ventricular outflow obstruction is more likely because of subpulmonary extension of the defect. Moreover the incidence of aortic regurgitation is a concern because of the absence of a supporting infundibulum. METHODS: Four hundred cases of classic tetralogy were reviewed, 61 of which had subarterial ventricular septal defect. RESULTS: Aortic regurgitation (of more than mild degree) was identified in 7 cases with subarterial and 7 with infracristal ventricular septal defects. The mechanism of infracristal defect was predominantly an annular dilation before surgery. In contrast 5 cases with subarterial defect had progression of aortic regurgitation after operation yielding an actuarial incidence of 29.7% at 20 years. In 2 patients the cause seemed to be fixation or plication of the aortic valve annulus by the ventricular septal patch. Compared with infracristal defect, subarterial defect was associated with increased incidence of reoperation (12.0% versus 1.9% at 10 years, p = 0.01), frequent use of transannular patch (70.5% versus 45.7%, p = 0.0004), and worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (p = 0.007). Right ventricular outflow obstruction was the reason for reoperation in 3 patients with subarterial defect and was associated with worse NYHA classification in the long-term, on multivariate analysis (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Tetralogy with subarterial ventricular septal defect was associated with worse functional outcome. To prevent adverse outcomes, precise suturing of the distal ventricular septal patch, extensive infundibulectomy, lower threshold for transannular incision, and smaller-sized ventricular septal patch placement are warranted.     

Atrioventricular septal defect repair in infants.

From September 1984 through August 1989, 33 consecutive infants (mean age, 9 months; 13 male) received a single-stage intracardiac repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect. Preoperative evaluation of valvar morphology and function involved echocardiograms in 21% (7/33) and echocardiograms with cineangiograms in 79% (26/33). All infants operated on were included in the analysis. Patients with other complicating abnormalities were not excluded. All operations used a two-patch technique for closure of the atrioventricular septal defect in association with mitral valve repair. The newly formed septal leaflet of the mitral valve was repaired using unpledgeted interrupted sutures. Preoperative and postoperative echocardiograms were used to evaluate mitral valve regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction as mild, moderate, or severe. The 30-day mortality was 6% (2/33). Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 60 months. Postoperative mitral valve insufficiency was mild in 84% versus 6% preoperatively, moderate in 3% versus 52% preoperatively, and severe in 13% versus 42% preoperatively. Mitral valve dysfunction necessitating reoperation occurred in 6% (2/31). Mitral valve function postoperatively was improved compared with preoperatively (p less than 0.001). The low 30-day operative mortality and the excellent late postoperative valvar function demonstrate the value of single-stage two-patch repair of atrioventricular septal defect early in life.     

A novel repair for patients with atrioventricular septal defect requiring reoperation for left atrioventricular valve regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) is the most frequent indication for reoperation following atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair. We estimate from our experience that within 10 years of initial repair, 14% of patients undergoing repair of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) require reoperation for this complication. We have developed a novel leaflet augmentation technique for LAVVR which may avoid failure of conventional repair and/or the need for valve replacement. METHOD: The novel technique consists of insertion of a glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardial patch to augment the bridging leaflets of the atrioventricular valve. We describe the outcome of eight patients in whom this technique was used and compared them to 68 other patients with AVSD undergoing reoperation for LAVVR by either conventional repair (n=54) or valve replacement (n=14). RESULTS: There were no early deaths or major complications following patch repair. The mean follow-up is 2.3 years (range 1-8.5 years) during which there were no late deaths. Two patients underwent reintervention at 3.5 and 5 years after patch repair for LAVVR and were successfully rerepaired. Mild residual LAVVR was seen at last echocardiography in six patients and mild to moderate in two. These results compare favorably with the 68 patients who underwent conventional surgery. The 3-year freedom from reoperation was 86% for both repair groups. Dysplastic valve tissue appears to be a major risk factor for failure of conventional repair or for valve replacement. Failure of conventional valve repair led to valve replacement in six of seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with late LAVVR after AVSD repair, pericardial leaflet augmentation is durable and may avoid failure of conventional repair or valve replacement in patients with dysplastic valves.     

Surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of complete atrioventricular septal defect repair from 1981 to 2000. METHODS: One hundred seventy-two consecutive patients with atrioventricular septal defect were operated on by a single surgeon using a consistent operative technique (single patch; "cleft" closure). The patients' age range was from 5 weeks to 9 years (mean, 10.8 +/- 1.2 months). RESULTS: Overall operative mortality was 15 of 172 (8.7%) and this decreased significantly from 12 of 73 (16.4%) in the first decade to 3 of 99 (3.0%) in the second decade (p = 0.0021) with no operative deaths in the last 51 patients. Operative mortality was related to decade of operation (p = 0.0021) and to use of crystalloid cardioplegia (p = 0.0047) by univariate analysis, and to decade of operation (p = 0.0016) and postoperative time on ventilator (p = 0.0023) by multivariate analysis. Actuarial long-term survival including operative deaths was 79.0% +/- 3.8% at 15 years. Ten of 157 (6.4%) operative survivors have undergone reoperation for late mitral regurgitation (9 mitral valve repair, 1 mitral valve replacement) with one death. Four of 8 patients surviving late mitral valve replacement have subsequently required mitral valve repair. Freedom from late reoperation for severe mitral regurgitation was 89.9% +/- 3.1% at 15 years. Freedom from late reoperation for mitral regurgitation did not decrease in the second decade (84.2% +/- 6.6% at 10 years) versus the first decade (94.5% +/- 3.1%) (p = 0.0679). CONCLUSIONS: Although operative mortality for repair of atrioventricular septal defect has decreased dramatically during the past decade, the incidence of late reoperation for mitral regurgitation has not improved, and better techniques to eliminate late mitral regurgitation are needed.     

Simplified technique for patch augmentation and chorda reconstruction of left atrioventricular valve in complete atrioventricular septal defect

Management of the left AV valve is the most crucial component of the repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (cAVSD). A scarcity or deficiency of leaflet tissue may compromise satisfactory repair in a small number of patients with cAVSD, especially in patients with a normal karyotype. We describe the case of a 44-day-old baby who had cAVSD with severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation due to dysplastic bridging leaflets. The repair was successfully performed by augmenting leaflet tissue and reconstructing the chorda using single patch. This technique could be one of the options in the repair of valves in order to avoid valve replacement in a small infant, although material of patch and reoperation need to be considered.     

Surgery for partial atrioventricular septal defect in the adult

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the clinical profile, operative results, and long-term outcome for adult patients undergoing operations for partial atrioventricular septal defects. METHODS: Between 1976 and 1996, 50 adults (mean age, 36.6 +/- 13.2 years) underwent surgery for partial atrioventricular septal defects. Thirty-nine of them underwent primary repair for a substantial left-to-right shunt (> or =1.8), associated with symptoms in 29. The remaining 11 patients had previous atrioventricular septal defect repair in childhood, but required reoperation as adults for severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (6), subaortic (3) or mitral (1) stenosis, and a residual atrial shunt (1). RESULTS: No patients died in hospital. Of the 39 patients first repaired in adulthood, left atrioventricular valve repair was performed in 37, valve replacement in 1, and no repair in 1. In contrast, left atrioventricular valve replacement was necessary in 2 of the 6 adults undergoing reoperation for left atrioventricular valve regurgitation. At 7 years median follow-up, 8 patients have died (2 from noncardiac causes). Of 42 patients alive in 1997, 39 are New York Heart Association class I or II, and 3 were class III (class improved in 81%). Two patients required left atrioventricular valve replacement (1 week and 5 years after repair, respectively) for valvar failure. CONCLUSIONS: Low operative risk and excellent long-term results support repair of partial atrioventricular septal defect in adults.     

Intraoperative evaluation of atrioventricular septal defect repair by color flow mapping echocardiography

Despite improving survival rates after repair of atrioventricular septal defect, many patients require reoperation because of postoperative heart failure. We used intraoperative color flow mapping echocardiography to assess the results of surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect in 19 consecutive patients and compared those findings with results three to five days and 3 to 11 months after repair. There was close correlation between intraoperative and postoperative color flow mapping echocardiography in estimating the presence and severity of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation. All patients survived surgical repair, but in 4 (21%), postoperative congestive heart failure due to left atrioventricular valve regurgitation developed. The need for reoperation was significantly correlated with the severity of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (r = 0.68) as estimated by intraoperative echocardiography and preoperative aberrancies in the atrioventricular valve (r = 0.68). Age, weight, additional congenital heart disease, preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance, preoperative atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and postoperative mean pulmonary arterial or left atrial pressure were not significantly correlated with the need for reoperation. Intraoperative color flow mapping echocardiography can accurately predict the development of early postoperative heart failure and subsequent reoperation after surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect.     

Results of primary two-patch repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect.

OBJECTIVE: The policy of primary repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD), using a two-patch technique, was evaluated with special attention to the risk of implantation of a prosthetic atrioventricular (AV) valve. METHODS: From 1986 to 1999, all 97 patients who underwent primary repair for CAVSD were included in a retrospective analysis. Seventy-five patients (75%) had Down's syndrome. Preoperative echocardiographic AV valve regurgitation was absent or limited in 85 (88%), moderate in seven (7%) and severe in five (5%). Fifty-six patients (58%) were on diuretics, six (6%) on artificial ventilation and four (4%) were on inotropic support. The mean age at operation was 10.2 months (SD, 16.4), with a mean weight of 5.9 kg (SD, 3.7). RESULTS: Early mortality comprised three patients (4%), and late mortality two patients. Follow up was complete and comprised 402 patient-years (mean, 4.5 years; SD, 3.2). The cumulative survival at 10 years was 93% (95% CI, 89-97%). Multivariate analysis with regard to mortality revealed no associations with any of the analyzed factors. Eight patients were reoperated, all for regurgitant left AV valve. The reoperation-free survival at 10 years was 83% (95% CI, 75-91%). Multivariate analysis with regard to reoperation showed being on preoperative diuretics to be a decreasing risk factor (Odd's Ratio (OR), 0.13; 95% CI, 0.00-0. 99; P=0.005) and significant postoperative left AV valve regurgitation to be an increasing risk factor (OR, 9.90; 95% CI, 1. 90-53.0; P=0.001). Only one prosthetic valve was implanted (annual linearized risk of 0.002/patient-year). At the latest follow up of the surviving patients, left AV valve regurgitation was absent or limited in 83 (90%) and moderate in nine (10%). Right AV valve regurgitation was absent or limited in all 92 (100%) patients. All surviving patients are thriving well, seven (8%) of whom are on diuretics. CONCLUSIONS: Primary repair of CAVSD with a two-patch technique, including cleft closure of the left AV valve, has good clinical and functional results without problems for the right-sided AV valve. The need for prosthetic valve implantation for the left AV valve is minimal.     

The Puig-Massana-Shiley annuloplasty ring for mitral valve repair: experience in 126 patients

Between October, 1982, and December, 1984, 126 patients at the Texas Heart Institute underwent mitral valve repair for mitral insufficiency utilizing the Puig-Massana-Shiley annuloplasty ring. Resection of a triangular-shaped wedge of the mural leaflet and direct suture repair was done in 42 patients, and anterior leaflet repair was used in 2 patients. There were 79 male (63%) and 47 female (37%) patients with a mean age of 58 years. Preoperatively, 95% were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class III or IV. Concomitant cardiac operations were performed in 82 patients and included coronary artery bypass grafting (49%), aortic valve replacement (16%), repair of ventricular septal defect (2%), resection of left ventricular aneurysm (2%), and repair of atrial septal defect (1%). There were 8 early deaths (6.3%) and 11 late deaths (8.7%). In 44 patients undergoing mitral valve repair as an isolated primary procedure, operative mortality was 2.3%. Murmurs of mitral insufficiency were present in 5 patients postoperatively, but only 1 required early reoperation for mitral valve replacement. Follow-up data have been obtained on 80% of the patients. Postoperative Functional Class was obtained for 63 of the 82 surviving patients and showed 92% of these patients to be in NYHA Functional Class I or II. Mitral valve repair incorporating the Puig-Massana-Shiley annuloplasty ring and valve leaflet revision is a reliable technique that is not technically demanding. We believe these methods should be attempted for correction of pure mitral insufficiency, particularly in circumstances where other cardiac repairs are required.     

Two-patch repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect in the first year of life. Results and sequential assessment of atrioventricular valve function

Before January 1987, 62 infants underwent two-patch repair of complete (51) or intermediate (11) atrioventricular septal defect at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Median age at repair was 4.3 months and median weight was 4.4 kg. Early deaths (3%) were confined to two infants with preoperative respiratory tract infections; a further two patients died during follow-up (late mortality rate 3%). Reoperation for severe postoperative mitral regurgitation was necessary in 10 infants (16%), two of whom subsequently required mitral valve replacement with a prosthesis. Preoperative atrioventricular valve regurgitation was assessed retrospectively in 49 patients from angiography or Doppler echocardiography and was found to be absent or mild in 33 (68%), moderate in 9 (18%), and severe in 7 (14%). At the time of latest review (at a mean of 2.4 years after repair), judged from a combination of clinical and echocardiographic criteria, mitral regurgitation was absent or mild in 49 (84%) of the 58 survivors; none of them had symptomatic regurgitation or were requiring continuing medical treatment. Analysis of sequential atrioventricular valve function in 46 of the 49 patients in whom objective preoperative data were available showed no relationship between the degree of preoperative and postoperative atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Infants without Down's syndrome, however, had a significantly higher reoperation rate for severe postoperative mitral valve regurgitation (50%) than those with Down's syndrome (10%) (p = 0.007). Complete atrioventricular septal defect can be repaired in early infancy with a low mortality rate and good intermediate term results.     

Mitral Valve Repair for Mitral Regurgitation With Ventricular Septal Defect in Children

Background. We examined the results of intermediate and long-term follow-up of 25 patients aged 3 months to 11 years (mean, 2.6 ± 2.3 years) who initially underwent conservative mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation associated with ventricular septal defect between April 1973 and March 1991.

Methods. The preoperative degree of mitral regurgitation was 2+ in 3, 3+ in 17, and 4+ in 5 patients, and the major causes of mitral regurgitation were annular dilatation and prolapse of the anterior leaflet. Annuloplasty was performed in all except 2 patients, suturing of the cleft was done in 3 patients, and posterior mitral leaflet advancement was done in 2 patients. In addition, the papillary muscle was incised and adhesive chordae were removed in 1 patient, and adhesive fused chordae were detached from a leaflet in 1 other patient.

Results. There were no early deaths. Two patients with residual mitral regurgitation with or without mitral stenosis underwent reoperation for mitral valve replacement 2 months and 6 years after the mitral repair, respectively. Late death occurred in 2 patients, and the actuarial survival rate was 92.0% at 15 years after operation. The freedom from reoperation was 91.3% at both 10 and 15 years after the initial operation. Postoperative color Doppler flow imaging was performed in 22 of the 23 survivors, and results showed no mitral regurgitation in 4, mild regurgitation in 14, and moderate regurgitation in 4 patients. Four patients presently have mitral stenosis, with a mean transmitral pressure gradient greater than 10 mm Hg. The residual lesion of moderate mitral regurgitation with or without mitral stenosis developed in 6 of 11 patients in whom bilateral mitral annuloplasty was applied after the initial operation. Nineteen of the 22 survivors without reoperation were in New York Heart Association class I, and 3 were in class II.

Conclusions. Clinical improvement was observed after conservative mitral repair in most pediatric patients with ventricular septal defect. However, careful follow-up for growth potential still appears to be needed to detect changes in mitral regurgitation and the development of mitral stenosis after valve repair, especially after bilateral annuloplasty.     

Surgically created double-orifice left atrioventricular valve: a valve-sparing repair in selected atrioventricular septal defects

OBJECTIVES: Some features of the left atrioventricular valve (large mural leaflet, dystrophic tissue) represent a challenge for repair of atrioventricular septal defects without postoperative regurgitation. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the results of surgically creating a double-orifice left atrioventricular valve in such circumstances. Clinical results were analyzed according to valvular and subvalvular left atrioventricular valve measurements in pathologic specimens with atrioventricular septal defects. METHODS: Among 157 patients operated on for atrioventricular septal defect since October 1989, 10 patients underwent primary repair (n = 8) or reoperation (n = 2) by this procedure. Median age at repair was 3.3 years (0.1-33 years). Anatomic types were complete (n = 3), intermediate (n = 5), and partial (n = 2). Preoperative moderate to severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation was present in 6 patients. After the repair (two-patch technique in complete atrioventricular septal defect, cleft closed in each case), these 10 patients were found to have moderate to severe residual regurgitation not amenable to repair by annuloplasty. The top edge of the mural leaflet was anchored to the facing free edge of the cleft. RESULTS: No hospital death or morbidity was observed. Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation was absent or trivial (8 patients) and mild (2 patients). Color-coded echocardiography did not show significant left atrioventricular valve stenosis. The mean diastolic pressure gradient across the left atrioventricular valve was 3.2 +/- 1.1 mm Hg (1.4-4.5 mm Hg). At a median follow-up of 72 months (6-91 months), there was 1 late death, unrelated to left atrioventricular valve malfunction, due to pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation did not increase over time, except in 1 patient in whom regurgitation recently progressed from mild to moderate. At rest, the mean diastolic pressure gradient across the left atrioventricular valve was 3.8 +/- 2.9 mm Hg (1.5-11.2 mm Hg). One child had an early moderate stenosis without pulmonary hypertension. Studies on pathologic specimens (n = 34) indicated that long chordal lengths and large mural leaflet size are essential independent anatomic features to assess its feasibility. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical creation of a double-orifice left atrioventricular valve is an effective additional procedure for repair of atypical cases of atrioventricular septal defect. The operation may decrease the need for reoperation or left atrioventricular valve replacement.     

Primary repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect in infancy.

Forty infants with complete atrioventricular septal defect have undergone primary repair within their 1st year of life. The mean age at time of surgery was 4 months (range 1-12 months) and the mean weight 4.2 kg (range 2.9-7.0 kg). Either the one- or the two-patch method was used. Four patients died (10%). There were no late deaths. Three patients needed reoperation due to mitral valve insufficiency. Postoperative complications were: 1 total atrioventricular block in an infant with an absent ventricular septum 3 weeks after surgery, 9 complete right bundle branch blocks, 3 small residual ventricular septal defects. Mean follow-up of the 36 survivors is 22 months (3-46 months). Thirty (83%) are in NYHA functional class I, 4 (11%) in NYHA class II and 2 (6%) in NYHA class III. No atrioventricular valve regurgitation is detectable by the color Doppler technique in 19 (53%) patients. Mitral incompetence is mild in 13 cases (36%) and moderate in 4 (11%). In ten recatheterized patients the average systolic pulmonary to systemic artery pressure ratio dropped from 1.0 to 0.42 and the average pulmonary arteriolar resistance was reduced from 5.5 to 3.9 U/m2. All but one patient gained weight and underwent adequate statomotoric development. Primary repair should be performed at the age of 5-6 months or even earlier, if pulmonary arteriolar resistance exceeds 5 U/m2.     

Long-term results after surgical repair of incomplete endocardial cushion defects

Since 1964, 56 children (mean age, 6.7 years) underwent repair of incomplete endocardial cushion defects. Forty patients had isolated ostium primum defects. Additional congenital defects were present in 17 patients (30%). All patients underwent patch closure of the ostium primum defect and 47 of 56 patients (84%) underwent mitral valvuloplasty. Hospital mortality was 1.8% (one death). Arrhythmias developed in 7 other patients in the early postoperative period, of which six were transient and resolved completely. One patient required early pacemaker placement for complete heart block. Cumulative follow-up was 378 patient-years. There were three late deaths (5.7%), and additional operations were required in 12 patients (22.6%). Seven of these 12 patients required mitral valve replacement for severe mitral regurgitation. The mean interval between initial repair and mitral valve replacement was 4.2 years, with only three valves needing replacement within 12 months. There was a significant correlation between the severity of mitral regurgitation before initial repair and subsequent need for mitral valve replacement. Late onset atrial arrhythmias have developed in 6 patients. Current functional status has been evaluated in 50 of 52 surviving patients and 88.5% are in NYHA class I, with the remainder in class II.     

Factors associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect

Introduction

Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation is the most concerning residual lesion after surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defect.

Objective

To determine factors associated with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of surgical repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect.

Methods

We assessed the results of 51 consecutive patients 14 years-old and younger presenting with incomplete atrioventricular septal defect that were operated on at our practice between 2002 and 2010. The following variables were considered: age, weight, absence of Down syndrome, grade of preoperative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation, abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve and the use of annuloplasty. The median age was 4.1 years; the median weight was 13.4 Kg; 37.2% had Down syndrome. At the time of preoperative evaluation, there were 23 cases with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (45.1%). Abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve were found in 17.6%; annuloplasty was performed in 21.6%.

Results

At the time of postoperative evaluation, there were 12 cases with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (23.5%). The variation between pre- and postoperative grades of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation of patients with atrioventricular valve malformation did not reach significance (P=0.26), unlike patients without such abnormalities (P=0.016). During univariate analysis, only absence of Down syndrome was statistically significant (P=0.02). However, after a multivariate analysis, none of the factors reached significance.

Conclusion

None of the factors studied was determinant of a moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within the first 30 days of repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect in the sample. Patients without abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve benefit more of the operation.     

A case of aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis with aortic root aneurysm]

A 72-year-old male who underwent patch closure of atrial septal defect and aortic valve replacement (AVR) 10 years ago was diagnosed as aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis for recurrent fever, coexisting paravalvular leakage and aortic root aneurysm by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Operative findings showed mechanical prosthesis was dehiscenced in part and limited subannular aneurysm that was healed macroscopically. The hole of the aneurysm was closed by direct suture. Re-AVR, mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty for complicating mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation and tricuspid valve regurgitation was performed. The patient is now doing well for one year after the reoperation.