title: Regurgitation of the atrioventricular valves after corrective surgery for complete atrioventricular septal defects - comparison of different surgical techniques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Different surgical approaches have been used to repair complete atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD). Regurgitant atrioventricular valves (AV-valves) are common after surgery. We compared different surgical techniques with respect to long-term postoperative AV-valve regurgitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 69 patients with complete AVSD, three different surgical techniques were applied: Single-patch, two-patch, and modified techniques. The left-sided AV-valve cleft was surgically closed in all patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A comparison of the results of the different techniques showed no difference in the degree of AV-valve regurgitation on either the right or the left side. The average degree was mild on both sides. Only one patient needed reoperation for severe left-sided AV-valve regurgitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The different surgical techniques used for the correction of AVSD do not have a major bearing on the degree of AV-valve regurgitation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany. Thomas.Krasemann@gstt.nhs.uk
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Krasemann
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Debus
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rellensmann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rukosujew
authors.forename: H-H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Scheld
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: T D T
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Tjan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002303:Cardiac Output, Low; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital; D006343:Heart Septal Defects / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014262:Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery