[Comparative evaluation of the results of surgery in closing ventricular septal defects using transventricular and transatrial approaches in young children].

The results of operations for correction of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in 97 young children (from 12 to 48 months of age) were evaluated. In 57 children the operation was conducted through a transventricular (group 1) and in 40--through a transatrial approach (group 2). The results of the operations in the two groups did not differ in essence. Essential differences were revealed in the cardiac index (CI) value and the requirements in cardiotonics: the CI was much lower and the doses of adrenalin higher in group 1 than in group 2. A more pronounced stability of hemodynamics on the first postoperative day and lesser possibility of the development of acute cardiac failure are important advantages of the transatrial approach and allow the authors to recommend it as the method of choice in closure of perimembranous VSD, particularly if they are complicated by high pulmonary hypertension.