Single-stage repair of thoracic ectopia cordis

Thoracic ectopia cordis is a rare congenital defect most often seen in association with sternal and congenital heart defects. Surgical correction of these defects is complex and generally requires a staged closure including (1) coverage of the "naked heart," (2) placement of the heart into the thoracic cavity, and (3) sternal or thoracic reconstruction. Survival past the perioperative period is rare, with only 2 reported cases in the English-language literature. As with our case, neither had any discernable intracardiac defect. We present a case report of a patient with thoracic ectopia cordis repaired in a single stage using polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and skin for coverage and closure of the heart and thoracic defect.