Midterm Results of the ^|^#8220;Sandwich Technique^|^#8221; via a Right Ventricle Incision to Repair Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect

BACKGROUND: Residual shunting and mortality are problems associated with current surgical repair techniques for post-infarction ventricular septal defects. METHODS: We describe the mid-term results of the "sandwich technique" to repair a post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD), performed via a right ventricle incision. Application of direct ultrasonography to the right ventricular wall enables a surgeon to visualize the region, perform an appropriate incision into the right ventricle, and perform a trabecula resection. One patch is placed on the left ventricular (LV) side and the other on the right ventricular (RV) side of the VSD. The VSD is sealed with gelatin-resorcin-formalin (GRF) glue between the two patches. RESULTS: We had seven consecutive patients. The sandwich technique resulted in geometric preservation of the LV shape. There were no significant leaks, no mortality within a thirty-day postoperative period, and no bleeding problems. Hospital mortality was 14.3% (1/7 cases). Late survival longer than a year was obtained in five cases (71%). The longest patient survival time was nine years. No tissue degeneration was noted. CONCLUSION: This technique may be useful for repairing a post-infarction VSD.