Surgical outcomes of the modified single-patch technique in complete atrioventricular septal defect

We examined the usefulness of the modified single-patch technique for the surgical management of complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). Sixty-one patients undergoing total correction for complete AVSD from January 1997 to December 2006 were classified to the modified single-patch technique group (18 patients) and the classical one-/two-patch technique group (43 patients). The surgical outcomes of the modified single-patch technique were compared with those of the classical-patch technique. Aortic cross-clamp time was shorter in the modified single-patch technique group (110.8+/-27.5 min vs. 134.4+/-42.5 min, P=0.03). During the follow-up period, two patients required reoperation for atrioventricular valve dysfunction in the modified single-patch technique group vs. three patients in the classical-patch technique group (P=0.63). One late death occurred in the modified single-patch technique and two late deaths in the classical-patch technique group (P=0.90). There was no significant difference in surgical outcomes between the two groups. And the modified single-patch technique has the advantage of relative simplicity and shorter ischemic time, and thus it is thought to be a feasible surgical option for the repair of complete AVSD.