Aortoventriculoplasty in children.

Aortoventriculoplasty was performed in 16 children between July, 1980, and July, 1984. Indications for the procedure were 1) aortic stenosis or insufficiency, or both, necessitating replacement of an aortic valve whose anulus would not accept a 19 mm diameter valve, (2) replacement of a small valve prosthesis, or (3) recurrent tunnel subaortic stenosis. Patients were 5 months to 17 years old at operation, 14 had previous repairs, and four had prior aortic valve replacement. There were 13 long-term survivors followed up for 14 to 38 months; 12 are asymptomatic with normal exercise tolerance. Three had residual ventricular septal defects, two requiring repair. All patients were given warfarin with or without antiplatelet agents. There have been no thromboembolic episodes and no hemorrhagic complications. Aortoventriculoplasty is well tolerated in children and appears to be a viable surgical option in the management of young patients with a hypoplastic left ventricular outflow tract.