Ostium secundum atrial septal defect: is it a minor cardiac lesion?

One-hundred-ten cases of ostium secundum atrial septal defect, surgically treated from 1975 to 1980, are reported. The early postoperative deaths were two (1.81%), both due to acute left ventricular failure. In the postoperative complications, along with arrhythmia, is left ventricular failure markedly represented (4 cases). These observations can be suggestive of a major role of left ventricular function in the natural course of atrial septal defect and its treatment, and could emphasize the importance of preoperative left ventricular study, effective intraoperative myocardial protection, and early operation (age two years), in order to prevent left ventricular involvement and failure.