Background: Conventionally, Ventricular Septal Defects (VSDs) are repaired with synthetic patch -Dacron (polyethylene terephthalate) or Goretex (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene). Recently, we began using glutaraldehydetreated autologous pericardial patch to repair VSDs. We review our experience.
Material and Method: Between July to November 2005, 60 children had their VSDs repaired with glutaraldehydetreated autologous pericardium. There were 40 males and 20 females, aged between 5 months and 12 years with a median age of I year. The diagnosis was isolated VSD in 37 patients, multiple VSD in 3; Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in 15 and Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) in 5 patients. The chest was opened by a median sternotomy incision. After establishing cardiopulmonary bypass, a strip of pericardium was harvested from the patient and fixed in 0.6% glutaraldehyde (Polyscientific, Bayshore, NY) for about 20 minutes. It was then washed out with 0.9% saline solution. The defect was repaired with 4/0 or 5/0 prolene suture using a continous suture technique.
Results: There was no hospital mortality. Postoperative echocardiogram revealed trivial shunts in 10 patients. Follow up was for 3 to 6 months (mean 2 months). No patient required reoperation for residual VSD.
Conclusion: Glutaraldehyde -treated autologous pericardium is an excellent material for surgical patch closure of VSD. It is easily available and does not require sterilization. Further follow-up is required to assess its long term efficacy.