A new method of closing the ventricular septal defect in corrected transposition of the great arteries.

A new method of closing a perimembranous malalignment ventricular septal defect (VSD) in corrected transposition of the great arteries (TGA) of the [S,L,L] type is presented. The method consists of combined approaches to the VSD through both a right atriotomy and an aortotomy without a ventriculotomy. The VSD is patched obliquely from the morphological right ventricular side of the septum, cranially through the aortic valve to the left ventricular side of the septum, caudally through the mitral valve. Although this method has been successfully applied in only one adult patient, some advantages may be expected: (1) prevention of trauma to the His bundle, which runs along the anterosuperior rim of the VSD on the left ventricular side; and (2) prevention of trauma to the tricuspid, mitral, and aortic valves without having to open the ventricles. We believe that this new method warrants a further trial as possibly better for closure of the VSD in corrected TGA of the [S,L,L] type.