Results of repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection and sinus venosus atrial septal defect in adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: This retrospective study evaluated late results of surgical treatment of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) concomitant with sinus venosus-type atrial septal defect (ASD) with the use of pericardial patch technique.

METHODS: Between 1981 and 1995, 25 consecutive patients (18 females, seven males) underwent surgical repair of PAVPC with ASD. Mean age at surgery was 37.8 +/- 13.0 (range: 16 to 62 years). All patients underwent the procedure of covering both defect and vein with pericardial patch to direct blood flow from anomalous pulmonary veins through the ASD into the left atrium. Mean follow up was 7.8 +/- 4.0 years (range: 2 to 16 years). No patients were lost to follow up.

RESULTS: There were no early deaths. One patient died 11 months after surgery from progressive heart failure. At follow up, 10 (42.7%) patients were clinically asymptomatic. One patient had clinical signs of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction. Electrocardiography showed no abnormalities in seven (29.2%) patients. Chest radiography revealed normal pulmonary vascularity in 22 (91.7%) patients and no residual shunts were found in the SVC.

CONCLUSION: The patch method of repair of PAPVC with sinus venosus ASD in adults with use of autologous pericardium is a safe and effective procedure.