Individualized Approach to Repair of Complete Atrioventricular Canal: Selective Use of the Traditional Single-Patch Technique Versus the Australian Technique

The traditional single-patch technique for repair of complete atrioventricular (AV) canal requires surgical division of the superior and inferior common leaflets. In the neonate and young infant, subsequent resuspension of very delicate AV valve tissue on the pericardial patch can be problematic. Selective application of the modified single-patch technique as described by Nunn (Australian technique) minimizes manipulation of the AV valve leaflet tissue. Previous reports have documented that since the late 1980s, the traditional single-patch approach with leaflet resuspension is possible with a mortality of 3% or less. A review of the initial 33 patients managed with the Australian technique was undertaken. The ventricular septal defect was moderate or large in 29 patients (88%). In the balanced canal subgroup, there was no early mortality; 1 patient underwent reoperative mitral repair for cleft dehiscence 1 year postoperatively, and 1 patient with heterotaxy required pacemaker implantation. In the unbalanced canal subgroup, 2 patients died perioperatively (22%). There have been no late deaths or new left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in either subgroup. Selective application of the single-patch technique currently allows excellent results for surgical repair in the neonatal period or early infancy. Even during the learning phase of the Australian technique, satisfactory results were achieved.