ObjectiveTo explore the early outcomes of the surgical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) combined with intracardiac abnormities via right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT).MethodsA total of 7 children with PDA combined with intracardiac defects underwent surgery through RVIAT at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2016 to 2018. There were 4 males and 3 females, with an average age of 5.3±4.5 years and weight of 18.0±11.2 kg.ResultsIn all patients, PDA was ligated before the repair of intracardiac abnormities. No patient died in hospital. All patients were followed up, with a mean follow-up time of 18.0±8.0 months. No other complications such as residual shunts, arrhythmias, hemorrhaging or wound infection occurred after operations or during the follow-up period.ConclusionRVIAT is an emerging technique used for the surgical repair of PDA combined with intracardiac defects. It yields satisfying cosmetic results, without increasing postoperative complications or mortality.
