Abstract
Background: Early repair of a complete common atrioventricular canal defect (CCAVCD) may benefit patients who exhibit congestive heart failure and failure to thrive. However, concern about increased risk and fragility of valve tissue has commonly led to delaying the surgical repair until the patients achieve a predetermined weight. We report our experience with a strategy of early repair independent of age or weight. Methods: Between 2003 and 2009, 32 patients underwent two-patch repair of CCAVCD at our institution; 22 patients weighed between 2.5 and 4 kg (group #1) and 10 weighed more than 4 kg (group #2). Medical records and echocardiographic studies were reviewed to determine whether there was a difference in the incidence of mortality, rate of reintervention, and complications between the two groups. Results: Operative mortality was 3.1% (1 of 32), with one additional death two years after repair, for an overall mortality of 6.25%. Median duration of mechanical ventilation, median hospital stay, and intropic score was similar between both groups. Freedom from valve reintervention was 91% in group #1 (20 of 22), and 89% in group #2 (8 of 9, p = 1.00). Conclusions: Complete common atrioventricular canal defect can be repaired safely and effectively in patients under 4 kg. Although mortality was not increased, smaller patients have a tendency for longer intensive care and hospital stay as well as a higher incidence of atrioventricular valve regurgitation. However, valve function improved during the period of follow-up and did not impact the freedom from reintervention.
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