Pitfalls in surgical repair of Fallot's tetralogy: The "ventricular subaortic pouch"

J Card Surg. 2021 Jun;36(6):2164-2167. doi: 10.1111/jocs.15480. Epub 2021 Mar 8.

Abstract

Fallot-type ventricular septal defect (VSD) is characterized by anterior malalignment of the outlet septum with variable degree of aortic dextroposition. Correct identification of the borders of the defect is crucial to achieve an optimal surgical repair. We describe a particular postsurgical lesion, identified by cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography, which results from an improper surgical closure technique of anterior malaligned VSD. Based on its anatomical features we defined this entity "subaortic pouch." A comprehensive description of this defect is here provided along with an in-depth analysis of the proper operative technique for Fallot-type VSD repair.

Keywords: Fallot-type VSD; surgical anatomy of VSD; ventricular pouch.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Tetralogy of Fallot* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tetralogy of Fallot* / surgery