Augmentation of Bridging Leaflets in Repair of Atrioventricular Canal Defects

Left atrioventricular (AV) valve regurgitation is the most common complication after a atrioventricular canal defect (AVCD) repair. Despite what appears to be a less complex repair, patients with partial and transitional AV canal have higher reoperation rates for left AV valve regurgitation and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Retraction of bridging leaflets with secondary attachments to the septal crest commonly produces increased tension and flattening of the medial left AV valve leaflet and LVOT obstruction after cleft closure. We describe a novel technique of detachment and patch augmentation of bridging leaflets to avoid these complications.