The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 44, 558-559, Copyright © 1987 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
An easy and safe technique for ventricular septal defect closure in hearts with atrioventricular discordant connection and dextrocardia
LS Fox
Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112.
When ventricular septal defect exists in hearts with atrioventricular
discordant connection and dextrocardia, closure of the defect can most
easily be accomplished by exposure through the left atrium and retracted
tricuspid valve leaflets. This approach provides good visualization of all
aspects of the defect and keeps the suture line away from the conduction
tissue, thus reducing the possibility of iatrogenic heart block.