Intraoperative apical ventricular septal defect closure using a modified Rashkind double umbrella.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative apical ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure using a modified Rashkind double umbrella.


METHODS
Descriptive study of all patients in whom intraoperative device closure of apical VSDs was attempted.


METHODS
A tertiary referral centre.


METHODS
Four patients with an apical VSD requiring closure, during the period January 1993 to May 1995.


METHODS
Intraoperative placement of a modified Rashkind umbrella.


RESULTS
Four successful placements resulting in apical VSD closure, as judged by transoesophageal colour flow mapping. Three patients received a 17 mm and one a 12 mm umbrella. Early complete closure was achieved in three patients. There was a small residual leak around the 12 mm device that had resolved at 5 month follow up. There was one early death, which was unrelated to VSD closure.


CONCLUSIONS
Apical ventricular septal defects can be closed safely and effectively with intraoperative use of a modified Rashkind umbrella.
Chaturvedi
R R
RR
Department of Paediatrics, Royal Brompton Hospital, London.
Shore
D F
DF
Yacoub
M
M
Redington
A N
AN
D000328:Adult; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006345:Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016306:Vena Cava Filters