Surgical repair of multiple muscular ventricular septal defects: the role of re-endocardialization strategy.
OBJECTIVE
Surgical repair of multiple muscular ventricular septal defects (Swiss cheese septum) is associated with important morbidity and mortality. We sought to examine factors associated with permanent heart block, early mortality, and time-related survival. Additionally, we evaluated a new approach, transatrial re-endocardialization of interventricular septum, to mitigate risk.


METHODS
One hundred sixteen patients underwent surgery for multiple muscular ventricular septal defects (1982-2005), of whom 64 (55%) had associated cardiac anomalies. Twenty-seven consecutive patients (median age 0.54 years, range 15 days-7.2 years) underwent transatrial re-endocardialization (2002-2005). Forty-four percent had Swiss cheese septum (>4 defects). Multivariable regression analysis determined risk factors for pacemaker and survival.


RESULTS
Operative mortality for the entire cohort was 9%. Risk factors for death were double-outlet right ventricle (odds ratio 44.7, P = .003), ventriculotomy (odds ratio 6.4, P = .03), and fewer multiple muscular ventricular septal defects repaired (odds ratio 4.7/defect, P = .04). Era mortalities differed: 16% for 1982 through 1990, 13% for 1990 through 1998, and 0% for 1999 through 2005, P = .006). Fourteen patients (12%) required a pacemaker. Time-related survivals at 1 and 10 years were 90% +/- 3% and 82% +/- 5%. Risk factors for death were double-outlet right ventricle (hazard ratio 8.3, P = .02) and longer bypass (hazard ratio 1.02/min, P = .02). In 27 re-endocardialization patients, a combined closure strategy to close 184 defects were applied: transatrial re-endocardialization (median 5, range 2-21), patch (median 1, range 0-4), and device (range 0-1). Post-repair ventricular function was good in 25 of 27 patients. The median number of residual defects was 1.5 (range 0-3), and median residual jet width on color Doppler was 2.3 mm (range 0-4.2 mm). One child required a pacemaker. There were no early or late deaths.


CONCLUSIONS
Outcome of surgical repair of multiple muscular ventricular septal defects (Swiss cheese septum) has improved. Transatrial re-endocardialization strategy enables early complete or nearly complete obliteration of multiple muscular ventricular septal defects with minimal residual lesions (shunt, ventricular dysfunction). Long cardiopulmonary bypass duration is well tolerated. The incidence of permanent heart block has improved. Early echocardiographic and clinical outcomes are promising.
Alsoufi
Bahaaldin
B
Cardiac Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Karamlou
Tara
T
Osaki
Masaki
M
Badiwala
Mitesh V
MV
Ching
Chan Chee
CC
Dipchand
Ann
A
McCrindle
Brian W
BW
Coles
John G
JG
Caldarone
Christopher A
CA
Williams
William G
WG
Van Arsdell
Glen S
GS
D000293:Adolescent; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004699:Endocardium / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000209:etiology; D006345:Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome