RESUMO
Correction of the incomplete atrioventricular canal is considered to be a routine operation leading to mortality no more than 5%. Significant insufficiency of the atrioventricular (AV) valve worsens prognosis and increases mortality up to 30%. From 1989 to 1999 the Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery performed 151 operations for this defect in patients aged 3 months to 50 years, which showed general mortality rates of 8.6%. The latter were largely related to the baseline insufficiency of the left AV-ostium, to the patientsT age of patients and the year of an operation. A combination of reparative valvuloplasties permits one to restore obturative mitral function more completely and to improve the outcomes of defect correction. Significant insufficiency of the AV-valve (over ++) is a risk factor of its preservation after surgery and may lead to death. Consideration of adequate indications for primary valve prosthesis may substantially reduce mortality rates.