Modified single patch: are we still worried about subaortic stenosis?

Background: When the modified single-patch technique for atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair was introduced by Dr Benson Wilcox, there was concern that these patients might be at risk for late subaortic stenosis and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). This review evaluated our modified single-patch population for LVOTO in the postoperative period.

Methods: Between January 2000 and 2013, 77 infants underwent AVSD repair with a modified single-patch technique.

Outcomes of surgical therapy for infective endocarditis in a pediatric population: a 21-year review.

Background: Infective endocarditis is a rare disease in the pediatric population. We sought to define patient characteristics and outcomes of surgical therapy for endocarditis in children.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients with infective endocarditis who received surgical therapy between January 1, 1990, and March 1.

Primary resection of Kommerell diverticulum and left subclavian artery transfer.

Background: A Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is an aneurysmal remnant of the dorsal fourth aortic arch. This can be an independent cause of tracheoesophageal compression. We previously reported resection of the KD with left subclavian artery transfer to the left carotid artery for recurrent symptoms in patients with a right aortic arch, left ligamentum, and retroesophageal left subclavian artery after prior ligamentum division.

Outcomes of radial incision of the tricuspid valve for ventricular septal defect closure.

Background: Adequate exposure of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is critically important to obtaining a satisfactory repair. Some surgeons have advocated a circumferential incision on the tricuspid valve. For 20 years we have used a radial incision of the tricuspid valve when added exposure is required.