PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate ventricular septal defect occlusion using a lower mini-sternotomy approach. DESCRIPTION: Eleven cases with ventricular septal defect underwent general anesthesia and a 3 to 4 cm lower mini-sternotomy incision was made. Using transesophageal echocardiography, the occluder was released using a mono-tubed unit. EVALUATION: All cases were occluded successfully. No patient required open heart surgery using extracorporeal circulation. There were no major complications and no evidence of residual ventricular shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Ventricular septal defect occlusion through a minimal surgical incision is safe, less invasive, and has an excellent outcome.
PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate ventricular septal defect occlusion using a lower mini-sternotomy approach. DESCRIPTION: Eleven cases with ventricular septal defect underwent general anesthesia and a 3 to 4 cm lower mini-sternotomy incision was made. Using transesophageal echocardiography, the occluder was released using a mono-tubed unit. EVALUATION: All cases were occluded successfully. No patient required open heart surgery using extracorporeal circulation. There were no major complications and no evidence of residual ventricular shunt. CONCLUSIONS:Ventricular septal defect occlusion through a minimal surgical incision is safe, less invasive, and has an excellent outcome.