ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and reproducibility of modified right vertical infra axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT) for repair of sinus venosus defects with right-sided partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) in children. METHODS: Between March 2017 and February 2018, we performed intracardiac repair for sinus venosus defects with right-sided PAPVC in 14 children through modified RVIAT. Median age and weight were 9.5 years and 21 kg, respectively. We modified RVIAT by avoiding central venous cannulation and used total peripheral venous cannulation (right internal jugular vein and right femoral vein). In all children double-patch technique was followed, using untreated autologous pericardium. RESULTS: Intracardiac repair was safely performed in all children. There was no conversion to another approach and there were no complications related to peripheral venous cannulation. All children were in sinus rhythm with no residual defects, with non-obstructive pulmonary venous drainage at the time of discharge and during subsequent follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Modified RVIAT can be safely performed for repair of sinus venosus defects with right-sided PAPVC, without compromising on the quality of repair. With this modification not only the intracardiac repair was easier, also it provided more working space with minimal rib spreading.
