Staged partitioning of single ventricle.

Five patients between the ages of 3 and 10 months underwent a two-stage septation for common ventricle. The first stage involved the placement of a small patch in the apex and a second patch between the atrioventricular and semilunar valves. A center section was left open, as if there were ventricular septal defect. A pulmonary band was placed at this time if one had not been previously placed. The second stage of the repair, consisting of closure of the ventricular septal defect, was performed 6 to 18 months after the first procedure. All five patients have survived and have been without rhythm disturbance. One patient subsequently developed pulmonary stenosis, and a right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit has been placed. The first stage procedure seems to allow the apical and base patches to stiffen and heal to the endocardium, with fewer sutures required because the central area is open and no pressure differential exists across the patch.