Objective To summarize the experience of surgical correction of complete atrioventricular septal defect associated with tetralogy of Fallot(CAVSD-TOF). Methods Twelve patients aged 6-16(11.1±2.8) years underwent correction of CAVSD-TOF. The atrioventricular septal defect was closed through a right atriotomy and longitudinal right ventriculotomy in each case. The three-patch technique was used for the first 7 cases and two-patch technique for the later 5 cases. The commissure between the superior and inferior bridging leaflets of the left portion of the common atrioventricular valve was closed in each patient. Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction was relieved by a transannular patch. Results There were 4 deaths in the early postoperative period, 3 deaths in the first 7 cases compared to 1 death in the later 5 cases. The causes of death included severe low cardiac output syndrome(3 cases) and perfusion pulmonary edema(1 case). Six survivors were followed up from 3 months to 13.5 years. Heart function (NYHA) was class I or Ⅱ in all cases. Conclusion CAVSD-TOF can be corrected by using the two-patch technique and closure of atrioventricular septal defect through a combined approach through right atriotomy and right ventriculotomy. Routine closure of the commissure of the left portion of the atrioventricular valve achieves a low incidence of regurgitation.
