A new minimally invasive technique to occlude ventricular septal defect using an occluder device

Purpose. This study was to evaluate ventricular septal defect occlusion using a lower mini-sternotomy approach. Description. Eleven cases with ventricular septal defect underwent general anesthesia and a 3 to 4 cm lower mini-sternotomy incision was made. Using transesophageal echocardiography, the occluder was released using a mono-tubed unit. Evaluation. All cases were occluded successfully. No patient required open heart surgery using extracorporeal circulation. There were no major complications and no evidence of residual ventricular shunt. Conclusions. Ventricular septal defect occlusion through a minimal surgical incision is safe, less invasive, and has an excellent outcome.