Comparative study of single- and double-patch techniques for sinus venosus atrial septal defect with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

OBJECTIVE: The correction of sinus venosus atrial septal defect with a partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava has been associated with obstruction to the venous return and sinus node dysfunction. We present our follow-up of 2 approaches of managing the lesion and compare their postoperative results.

METHODS: Forty patients underwent operation between March 1999 and January 2005, of whom 37 patients (aged 3-50 years) are on follow-up. These patients were divided into 2 groups: single-patch repair (group A, 18 patients) and double-patch repair (group B, 19 patients). Echocardiography and electrocardiography were performed 7 days after surgery and during the subsequent follow-up.

RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 22.56 months. There were no postoperative deaths or residual defects. Six patients in group A and 2 patients in group B had turbulence and a significant superior vena cava-right atrium pressure gradient of more than 6 mm Hg. Nine patients in group A had a significant gradient causing turbulence across the right superior pulmonary vein at the level of the patch, whereas no patients in group B had turbulence across the pulmonary vein. Four patients in group A and no patients in group B had postoperative rhythm abnormalities on late follow-up. There was no other complication.

CONCLUSIONS: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection can be safely managed with multiple techniques with low morbidity. The double-patch technique is technically reproducible and offers better results in terms of superior vena cava narrowing and gradient across the pulmonary vein without any increase in complications.