Background: In this study, we evaluated the effect of vertical vein and/or atrial septal defect which is left open in the correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) on clinical outcome.

Methods: Fourty of 53 patients with surgically corrected total anomalous pulmonary venous connection between 1996-2005 were included in this study. We reviewed hospital records, preoperative echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization data, operative technique and intensive care unit follow. In group 1 (16/40) vertical vein and/or atrial septal defect was left patent, whereas in group 2 (24/40) it was ligated.

Results: The operative mortality rate was 12.5% (2/16) in group 1, 16.6% (4/24) in group 2. While nine of 11 patients with preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction were in group 1, two of them were in group 2. In group 1 the left atrial pressure was lower than in group 2, whereas the mean pulmonary artery pressure was higher (p≤0.05).

Conclusion: In patients with obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, the vertical vein and/or atrial septal defect which is left open has been constituted the temporary reserve blank for functional healing of left heart chamber. Thereby, although the results of operation for TAPVC can be useful, because the compliance of the left heart chambers is restricted, we concluded that in a patient with preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction, the vertical vein and/or atrial septal defect should be left open.

Keywords : Cardiac surgical procedures/methods; pulmonary veins/surgery