Correction of Type C complete atrioventricular canal. Surgical considerations

Case histories of 8 consecutive patients who underwent surgical correction of Type C complete atrioventricular (A-V) canal at the Ochsner Medical Center over the past 2 years were analyzed. Ages ranged from 1 1/3 to 14 years. Before bypass, the level to which the common leaflets ascend and the arc that they inscribe are determined by palpation to ensure their proper reconstitution on the canal patch. The major area of closure is usually allocated to the ventricular portion. Mapping the conduction system and tying sutures with the heart beating in high-risk conduction areas prevent heart block. Precise marking and splitting of the valve leaflets and reattachment with interrupted felt-buttressed sutures avoid disruption. All patients survived the operation and have shown clinical improvement. At recatheterization, 7 of 8 patients have shown a definite decrease in mitral insufficiency. Right ventricular pressures returned toward normal and there were no significant residual shunts. Associated anomalies or previous operations have not been a contraindication, and since we have begun using the present technique, we have achieved consistently good results without prosthetic valves.