Inferior partial sternotomy for surgical closure of isolated ventricular septal defects in children.

Background: Surgical closure of isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) through partial inferior sternotomy offers the advantages of a much shorter, cosmetically superior skin incision, potentially improved sternal stability, a lower rate of infection, and less postoperative pain. We report our technique and results of use of inferior partial sternotomy for closure of isolated VSD in children.

Patients And Methods: From July 2002 to July 2003, 24 consecutive patients with a median age of 4.