Single cusp replacement in patients with ventricular septal defect and aortic insufficiency

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Ventricular septal defect (VSD) and aortic insufficiency (AI) are complex congenital heart conditions requiring surgical intervention.
• Single cusp replacement is a specialized surgical technique for managing these combined defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the mid- and long-term clinical outcomes of single cusp replacement in patients with VSD and AI.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 172 patients underwent single cusp replacement and VSD closure between September 2005 and March 2014.
• The study included patients with a median age of 19.5 years, with additional repairs for associated anomalies.
• Follow-up duration averaged 53.27 months.

Main Results:

• The procedure demonstrated a low incidence of residual VSD (1.16%) and AI (1.16%), with only one perioperative death.
• Four patients required re-exploration for bleeding or tamponade, and three patients underwent redo aortic valve surgery during follow-up.
• No cases of postoperative endocarditis were reported.

Conclusions:

• Single cusp replacement is a safe and effective surgical option for patients with VSD and AI.
• The procedure offers favorable mid- and long-term results, with a low complication rate.