Surgical treatment of complex atrioventricular septal defects

Complex complete atrioventricular septal defects were repaired in 29 patients including 12 with associated tetralogy of Fallot, 10 with double-outlet right ventricle, and seven with additional anomalies associated with atrial isomerism. Construction of an intraventricular tunnel connecting the left ventricle with the aorta was accomplished in 23 of 25 patients with ventriculo-arterial concordant or double outlet connections. There was one (4 per cent) hospital death and three (11 per cent) late deaths. Anatomic and technical considerations are presented pertinent to the care of this group.