Successful correction of type C complete atrioventricular canal associated with tetralogy of Fallot. A case report.

This is the eighth reported case of successful repair of tetralogy of Fallot associated with complete atrioventricular canal, Type C. The high surgical mortality rate in this combination is in part due to failure to recognise the associated anomaly pre-operatively, and in part to not closing the ventricular septal defect completely. In our case the atrial and ventricular septal defects were closed with two separate patches. The undivided hemivalves were attached to the septal patches by interrupted mattress sutures. The right ventricular outflow tract obstruction was relieved by infundibulectomy, pulmonary valvotomy and the placement of a Dacron patch over the infundibulum. One year postoperatively, the condition of the patient is satisfactory without the need for diuretics or digitalis.