Closure of isolated ventricular septal defect with detachment of the tricuspid valve

Outcomes of Tricuspid Valve Detachment for Isolated Ventricular Septal Defect Closure

Partial detachment of the septal and anterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve (TV) is a technique to visualize a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) for surgical closure in cases where the VSD is obscured by TV tissue. However, TV incision bears the risk of causing relevant postoperative TV regurgitation and higher degree atrioventricular (AV) block. A total of 40 patients were identified retrospectively in our institution who underwent isolated VSD closure between January 2013 and August 2015. Visualization of the VSD was achieved in 20 patients without and in 20 patients with additional partial detachment of the TV. The mean age of patients with partial tricuspid valve detachment (TVD) was 0.7 ± 0.1 years compared with 1 ± 0.3 years ( p  = 0.22) of patients without TVD. There was no difference in cardiopulmonary bypass time between patients of both groups (123 ± 11 vs. 103 ± 5 minutes, p  = 0.1). Cross-clamp time was longer if the TV was detached (69 ± 5 vs. 54 ± 4 minutes, p  = 0.023). There was no perioperative mortality. Echocardiography at discharge and after 2.5 years (2 months–6 years) of follow-up showed neither a postoperative increase of tricuspid regurgitation nor any relevant residual shunt. Postoperative electrocardiograms were normal without any sign of higher degree AV block. TVD offers enhanced exposure and safe treatment of VSDs. It did not result in higher rates of TV regurgitation or relevant AV block compared with the control group.

Tricuspid valve detachment for ventricular septal defect closure in infants <5 kg: should we be hesitant?

 

OBJECTIVES

We compared the clinical outcomes between tricuspid valve detachment (TVD) and non-TVD for ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure in infants <5 kg.

METHODS

From January 2004 to April 2020, 462 infants <5 kg with VSD without more complex intracardiac lesions and who had undergone VSD closure through the trans-atrial approach were enrolled. Propensity score-matching analysis was performed. Clinical outcomes were compared between the paired TVD group (group D) and paired non-TVD group (group N).

RESULTS

The median age and body weight at operation were 1.9 months [interquartile range(IQR), 1.4-2.5] and 4.2 kg (IQR, 3.7-4.6). The median follow-up duration was 83.4 months (IQR, 43.5-130.4). After matching, 44 pairs were extracted from each group. There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality (P = 0.176), reoperation (P = 0.172), postoperative morbidities, including residual VSD, aortic regurgitation, atrioventricular block and significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (P = 0.346) between group D and group N. However, group D showed significantly less TR progression during follow-up (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

In infants <5 kg, TVD can be a reasonable and valid option for successful VSD closure without morbidities, including TR progression if the indication exists.

Total thoracoscopic repair of ventricular septal defect: A single-center experience

Objectives

To explore the safety and efficacy of total thoracoscopic repair of ventricular septal defects (VSD). We compared clinical outcomes of VSD via a total thoracoscopic approach with those of mini‐sternotomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from patients with VSD from 2012 to January 2019. According to the surgical pattern, they were divided into two groups: the total thoracoscopic surgery group (36 patients, 27 females, aged 29 ± 9.52 years), and a mini‐sternotomy group (31 patients, 12 females, aged 28 ± 8.67 years).

Results

There were no deaths in either group. In the thoracoscopic group, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and aortic cross‐clamping (ACC) time were significantly longer than those of the mini‐sternotomy group (CPB time: 112 ± 23.16 min vs. 78 ± 37.90 min, respectively, p < .001; ACC time: 65 ± 19.94 min vs. 50 ± 24.90 min, respectively, p < .001). postoperative hospital stay time (5.11 ± 2.48 days vs. 5.90 ± 6.27 days, p = .488) and chest drainage (139.86 ± 111.71 ml vs. 196.13 ± 147.34 ml, p = .081) tended to be lower in the thoracoscopy group, although there was no significant difference. No residual shunt or tricuspid regurgitation was found at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Total thoracoscopic repair is safe and effective in patients with VSD, with or without tricuspid regurgitation.

Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Temporary Tricuspid Valve Detachment as Approach to VSD Repair without Consequent Tricuspid Dysfunction

Temporary tricuspid valve detachment improves the operative view of certain congenital ventricular septal defects (VSDs), but its long-term effects on tricuspid valve function are still debated. From 2002 through 2012, we performed a prospective study of 68 children (mean age, 1.28 ± 1.01 yr) who underwent transatrial closure of VSDs following temporary tricuspid valve detachment. Sixty patients had conoventricular and 8 had mid-muscular VSDs. All were in sinus rhythm. Seventeen patients had systemic pulmonary artery pressures. Preoperative echocardiograms showed trivial-to-mild tricuspid regurgitation in 62 patients and tricuspid dysplasia with severe regurgitation in 6 patients. Patients were clinically and echocardiographically monitored at 30 postoperative days, 3 months, 6 months, every 6 months thereafter for the first 2 years, and then once a year. No in-hospital or late death was observed at the median follow-up evaluation of 5.9 years. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 1.6 ± 1.1 and 7.3 ± 2.7 days, respectively. Residual small VSDs occurred in 3 patients, and temporary atrioventricular block in one. After VSD repair, 62 patients (91%) had trivial or mild tricuspid regurgitation, and 6 moderate. Five of these last had severe tricuspid regurgitation preoperatively and had undergone additional tricuspid valve repair during the procedure. The grade of residual tricuspid regurgitation remained stable postoperatively, and no tricuspid stenosis was documented. All patients were in New York Heart Association class I at follow-up. Temporary tricuspid valve detachment is a simple and useful method for a complete visualization of certain VSDs without incurring substantial tricuspid dysfunction.

Surgical strategies and novel alternatives for the closure of ventricular septal defects

A variety of therapies are available to close ventricular septal defects (VSDs). These include surgical closure on bypass, percutaneous device closure, as well as perventricular hybrid closure. Due to the incidence of heart block (1-5%) associated with percutaneous device closure of perimembranous VSDs, surgical closure presently remains the gold standard and preferred therapy for these defects. Therapeutic options are more varied for muscular VSDs. Beyond infancy, transcatheter closure offers excellent results with low morbidity and mortality, without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. Infants however have a higher incidence of adverse events using a percutaneous approach. Large mid-muscular VSDs in infants can be treated successfully using a hybrid approach, surgical closure on bypass or a percutaneous approach. However, VSDs located apically or anteriorly are difficult to identify surgically and for these infants, perventricular hybrid closure should be considered as the preferred therapeutic modality. However, some VSD's also can be closed percutaneously.

Temporary Tricuspid Valve Detachment for Ventricular Septal Defect Closure: Is It Worth Doing It?

<p><b>Background:</b> Tricuspid valve detachment (TVD) may improve the access for closing certain ventricular septal defects (VSDs), but it has some potential risks. We aimed to study the benefits and drawbacks of this technique.</p><p><b>Methods:</b> The midterm outcomes of all 20 patients who underwent a TVD closure for VSD were reviewed and compared with a control group of 15 patients with VSD closure without TVD.</p><p><b>Results:</b> There was no significant residual shunt in either group at the last actuarial follow-up. Tricuspid regurgitation occurred in both groups (45% in the TVD group and 27% in the control group, <i>P</i> = .48). These lesions were considered insignificant in all patients. There were no atrioventricular blocks, and all patients were in sinus rhythm. The cardiopulmonary bypass times were significantly higher in the TVD group than in the control group (91.6 � 17.2 minutes versus 68.3 � 15.7 minutes, <i>P</i> ? .01), as were the aortic cross-clamping times (50.7 � 12.1 minutes versus 35.9 � 14.4 minutes, <i>P</i> ? .01).</p><p><b>Conclusion:</b> Our results, along with results from other series, suggest that TVD can be used effectively and safely for closure of certain VSDs.</p>

Surgical management of congenital (non-Ebstein) tricuspid valve regurgitation

Congenital tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) is a relatively uncommon condition that includes a heterogeneous group of lesions with a unique management strategy. There are wide anatomic variations that lead to congenital TR in patients without Ebstein malformation. Possible etiologies may include primary valve abnormalities (eg, congenital absence of chordae) or other forms of tricuspid valve dysplasia as in congenitally unguarded tricuspid valve, and patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum, which can be similar to Ebstein's valves or secondary regurgitation in association with other anomalies as in atrioventricular septal defects, right ventricular outflow tract obstructive lesions (pulmonary stenosis or atresia with ventricular septal defect [VSD]), tricuspid valve annular dilatation in association with right ventricular volume overload lesions as in congenital coronary arterial fistula with secondary right ventricular enlargement, and Uhl's anomaly. Iatrogenic etiologies in the congenital population include TR secondary to previous VSD closure (chordal or leaflet injury), pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator lead-induced TR, and traumatic TR (ruptured chordae). Presentation depends on the severity of the disease and may be apparent in infancy, childhood, or adulthood.

Management of moderate functional tricuspid valve regurgitation at the time of pulmonary valve replacement: is concomitant tricuspid valve repair necessary?

Congenital heart defects with a component of pulmonary stenosis are often palliated in childhood by disrupting the pulmonary valve. Patients often undergo subsequent pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) to protect the heart from the consequences of pulmonary regurgitation. In the presence of associated moderate functional tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation, it is unclear what factors contribute to persistent TV regurgitation following PVR. In particular, it is unknown whether PVR alone will reduce the right ventricular (RV) size and restore TV function or whether concomitant TV annuloplasty is required as well. Thirty-five patients were analyzed. Each patient underwent initial palliation of congenital pulmonary stenosis or tetralogy of Fallot, underwent subsequent PVR between 2002 and 2008, and had at least moderate TV regurgitation at the time of valve replacement. Serial echocardiograms were analyzed. Pulmonary and TV regurgitation, along with RV dilation and dysfunction, were scored (0, none; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe). RV volume and area were also calculated. Potential risk factors for persistent postoperative TV regurgitation were evaluated. One month following PVR, there was a significant reduction in pulmonary valve regurgitation (mean, 3 vs. 0.39; P < 0.0001) and TV regurgitation (mean, 2.33 vs. 1.3; P < 0.0001). There were also significant reductions in RV dilation, volume, and area. There were no significant further improvements in any of the parameters at 1 and 3 years. There was no difference in the degree of TV regurgitation postoperatively between those patients who underwent PVR alone and those who underwent concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty (mean, 1.29 vs. 1.31; P = 0.81). We conclude that following PVR, improvement in TV regurgitation and RV size occurs primarily in the first postoperative month. TV function improved to a similar degree with or without annuloplasty.

Anatomical Exposure of Ventricular Septal Defect

The ventricular septal defect approached through the right atrium is associated with inadequate exposure and thus difficulty in its closure. The retraction, to expose the defect, leads to distortion of anatomy and a limitation of space to operate. We propose a simple procedure of retracting sutures to expose the defect without this limitation.

Indications for Tricuspid Valve Detachment in Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect in Children

BACKGROUND

Different techniques have been described for tricuspid valve detachment to improve visualization in ventricular septal defect repair. Our hypothesis was that preoperative echocardiographic criteria are important in deciding which patients should undergo ventricular septal defect repair by tricuspid valve detachment, and patients who undergo this procedure may have a better surgical outcome than those who fulfilled the criteria but were actually operated on with the standard surgical approach.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and December 2004 we prospectively studied 179 patients scheduled for ventricular septal defect repair and criteria for tricuspid valve detachment were established. Of these, 84 patients did not have any criteria for tricuspid valve detachment and were classified as the control group (group 1). Ninety-five patients with at least one criterion for tricuspid valve detachment were intraoperatively divided by patients who underwent tricuspid valve detachment into group 2 (n = 41), and those who did not undergo tricuspid valve detachment into group 3 (n = 53).

RESULTS

Surgical complications occurred more frequently in group 3 (26%) as opposed to group 2 (10%) and group 1 (7%). Residual ventricular septal defect and atrioventricular block occurred only in group 3. Tricuspid regurgitation occurred in 15% of group 3 versus 9.8% of group 2 and 7.1% of group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative criteria for tricuspid valve detachment can be established before repair of ventricular septal defect. Patients who had indications for tricuspid valve detachment who actually had detachment performed during repair had fewer postoperative surgical complications as opposed to patients who fulfilled the criteria but did not undergo detachment.

Liberal use of tricuspid valve detachment for transatrial ventricular septal defect closure

BACKGROUND

Although temporary tricuspid valve detachment is useful for improved visualization of ventricular septal defect through right atriotomy, liberal use of this adjunct is not widely supported, mainly because of concerns about iatrogenic complications such as heart blocks and tricuspid valve dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine whether liberal use of this adjunct can improve operative outcome.

METHODS

Between January 1997 and March 2002, trans-atrial closure of isolated ventricular septal defect (conoventricular or canal type) was performed in 87 consecutive patients. Tricuspid valve detachment was used in 4 out of 44 patients (prudent-use group) and 19 out of 43 patients (liberal-use group) in the first and second half of this period, respectively (p = 0.0002). Patient demographics and use of other surgical and cardiopulmonary bypass techniques remained virtually unchanged during this period.

RESULTS

In the prudent-use group, there was one operative death with prolonged bypass time and one residual defect that required reoperation; neither of these patients underwent tricuspid valve detachment. All other patients (both groups) were free from mortality and clinically significant complications, including heart block, tricuspid regurgitation, and residual defect. The liberal-use group had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time than the prudent-use group (59 +/- 14 vs 67 +/- 22 minutes, p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Tricuspid valve detachment should be used liberally for moderate- or even low-difficulty exposure of ventricular septal defect, regardless of patient background, because it is a safe and effective adjunct that can improve speed, programmability, reproducibility, and reliability.

Detachment of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve to expose perimembranous ventricular septal defects

BACKGROUND

Detachment of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve has been described for better access to perimembranous ventricular septal defects. Detachment confined to the anterior leaflet is less known, although it provides a better exposure of the subaortic area and puts less jeopardy on the conduction tissues.

METHODS

Data regarding 49 consecutive patients who had congenital perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-three patients (67%) underwent temporary detachment of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve. The defect was closed with a Gore-Tex patch and a continuous suture. In 10 patients (29%), concomitant right ventricular outflow tract enlargement was performed. Follow-up was obtained in every patient (median time, 11 months; range, 2 to 26 months).

RESULTS

No early or late death occurred. Closure of the ventricular septal defect was complete, with no more than trivial residual jet leaks found in perioperative echocardiography. All patients were in sinus rhythm. The tricuspid valve never showed more than mild insufficiency after repair. No patient showed subaortic obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Detachment of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve to expose the ventricular septal defect is a safe approach that allows rapid closure of the defect with a continuous suture and provides excellent results.

Tricuspid valve detachment for transatrial closure of ventricular septal defects

Tricuspid leaflet detachment improves visualization and accuracy of closure of ventricular septal defects via the transatrial route. Between July 1998 and March 2001, surgical correction was performed in 296 cases of isolated ventricular septal defect, 215 cases of tetralogy of Fallot, and 16 cases of double-outlet right ventricle. Of these, 132 patients (79 with isolated ventricular septal defect, 49 with tetralogy of Fallot, and 4 with double-outlet right ventricle) underwent transatrial repair with temporary detachment of tricuspid leaflets for ventricular septal defect closure. The septal leaflet was detached in most cases, with anterior or posterior leaflets being detached when indicated. Median duration of intensive care was 3.6 days, and median hospital stay was 7 days. There was no incidence of tricuspid regurgitation attributable to leaflet detachment, as confirmed by postoperative echocardiography. Reoperation was not required for a residual defect or tricuspid regurgitation. The benefits of temporary leaflet detachment for transatrial repair of various difficult defects far outweigh the risk of postoperative tricuspid regurgitation.

Congenital cleft of anterior tricuspid leaflet in adolescent

The diagnostic findings and treatment of an isolated congenital cleft of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve in a 14-year-old boy are described. An atrial septal defect was closed by primary suturing, and the tricuspid valve was successfully reconstructed by De Vega annuloplasty.

Outcome following tricuspid valve detachment for ventricular septal defects closure

OBJECTIVES

Detachment of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve from the annulus (TVD) has been used to improve visualization of ventricular septal defects (VSDs), but may be associated with increased operative time, heart block, and the development of tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

METHODS

Patients undergoing VSD closure between 1/1/96 and 31/12/99 were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up was obtained from the patients' cardiologists.

RESULTS

Transatrial VSD closure was performed in 172 patients with TVD in 36 (21%) at the surgeon's discretion. The leaflet incision was repaired with a separate suture (22) or with the VSD patch suture (14). Additional procedures including arch augmentation, closure of atrial septal defects, and closure of additional VSDs were performed in 93 (68%) non-TVD patients and 20 (56%) TVD patients. The median age was 6.2 months (range 1 day to 46 years) and the median weight was 5.9 kg (range 1.5-71.5 kg). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 64+/-24 min and cross-clamp time was 34+/-16 min. One hospital death occurred in an infant with tracheal stenosis. No child in either group developed complete heart block. The median duration of postoperative stay was 4 days (range 2-49 days). There were no differences in CPB time, cross-clamp time or postoperative stay between the TVD and non-TVD groups (P>0.1 for all). At a mean follow-up of 17+/-15 months, there have been two late deaths unrelated to cardiac disease. No child in the TVD group required reoperation for residual VSD, compared to three in the non-TVD group. No child in the TVD group has greater than mild TR, but six in the non-TVD group have greater than mild TR. No child in either group has undergone reoperation for TR.

CONCLUSIONS

TVD is a safe, effective technique to improve visualization of VSD and is not associated with heart block, increased operative time, or TR. TVD may result in improved preservation of tricuspid valve architecture and decrease the incidence of significant postoperative TR.