The warden procedure through a posterolateral thoracotomy approach.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a congenital heart defect.
• Sinus venosus atrial septal defect (ASD) is often associated with PAPVC.
• The Warden procedure is a standard surgical correction for right-sided PAPVC to the superior vena cava (SVC).

Observation:

• A 3-year-old girl presented with a superior vena cava type sinus venosus atrial septal defect.
• She had an anomalously draining right upper pulmonary vein and bilateral superior venae cavae.
• The patient underwent a modified Warden procedure.

Findings:

• The Warden procedure was successfully performed via a right posterolateral thoracotomy.
• This surgical approach provided additional advantages in managing the complex anatomy.
• The patient's condition was addressed using a well-established yet adapted surgical technique.

Implications:

• Right posterolateral thoracotomy offers a viable alternative approach for the Warden procedure.
• This technique may enhance outcomes in complex pediatric congenital heart disease cases.
• Further research can explore the long-term benefits of this surgical approach.