Cleft mitral valve without ostium primum defect: anatomic data and surgical considerations based on 41 cases.

Background: Cleft mitral valve without an ostium primum defect, referred to as isolated cleft mitral valve, has been the subject of many reports; yet its morphology and operability remain incompletely understood.

Methods: The anatomic findings in 36 postmortem cases, five explanted hearts, and relevant clinical data constitute the material basis of this report. Cardiac catheterization data were available in 29 cases and two-dimensional echocardiograms in 13 cases.

Apical ventricular septal defects: follow-up concerning anatomic and surgical considerations.

Background: Apical ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are difficult to visualize and close transatrially. We described their distinctive anatomic features, which have seldom been documented angiocardiographically and pathologically, in order to develop an effective approach for their surgical management.

Methods: Fourteen postmortem cases, two explanted hearts, 9 successfully operated patients, and 1 unoperated living patient were included in this report.