A technical modification for the repair of ventricular septal defect.

For the repair of ventricular septal defect, we have devised a technical modification that makes use of a mushroom-shaped patch and a left ventricular buttress. Since 1972, we have applied this technique in 97 patients, most of whom had moderate to severe hypertension before surgery. Twelve early deaths and one late death resulted. The major complications included two cases of permanent heart block, nine cases of temporary heart block, and two suspected cases of residual shunting. The method has proven effective in preventing a recurrence and in lowering the incidence of surgically produced heart block.