Closure of recurrent VSD due to dehiscence of calcified patch.

Closure of residual ventricular septal defects may be extremely difficult in the presence of severe calcification of a previous patch. Removal of such calcification carries a risk of damaging the aortic and tricuspid valve as well as the conduction system. We describe a novel technique for closure of such a defect placing a new patch over and around the calcified one in an 18-year-old patient who had undergone initial surgery 12 years ago. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.