title: Closure of recurrent VSD due to dehiscence of calcified patch.
abstract: Closure of residual ventricular septal defects may be extremely difficult in the presence of severe calcification of a previous patch. Removal of such calcification carries a risk of damaging the aortic and tricuspid valve as well as the conduction system. We describe a novel technique for closure of such a defect placing a new patch over and around the calcified one in an 18-year-old patient who had undergone initial surgery 12 years ago.
authors.affiliation: Klinik fur Herzchirurgie, Universitat Leipzig, Herzzentrum, Strumpellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany. walt@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Walther
authors.forename: Victor T
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Deanfield
authors.forename: Marc R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: de Leval
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications*; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D006345:Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D018633:Pulmonary Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D013997:Time Factors