Aortoventriculoplasty: a new technique for the treatment of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction

Aortoventriculoplasty is a new method of treatment for left ventricular outflow tract obstructions. The concept is based on creating a surgical defect which is patched in such a way as to provide the largest possible outflow to the left ventricle. The incision of the aorta continues down as far as necessary, with the right ventricular wall, the aortic ring, and the septum being cut. Reconstruction with an inner Dacron patch on the septum is completed by replacing the aortic valve with an adequate prosthesis, covering the aortic incision with the same patch, and patching the right venticular opening with an outer patch. This method was used in 4 children with tunnel-like subaortic stenosis, 3 of whom had had unsuccessful previous surgical attempts. Other associated lesions including parachute mitral valve were also corrected during aortoventriculoplasty. Hemodynamic results were excellent following this operation. Two patients died postoperatively, one from advanced myocardial damage and progressive failure and the other from cerebral ischemia caused by insufficient retrograde perfusion through an aortic coarctation that was not repaired earlier. No arrhythmias were observed following the procedure. The other 2 patients are well 7 and 5 months postoperatively with excellent hemodynamic function.