• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.94-99
• /
• 2014

Background: Surgical repair of a partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) to the superior vena cava (SVC) may be complicated by sinus node dysfunction or SVC obstruction. We modified the Warden procedure by using a right atrial auricular flap to decrease the occurrence of these complications. Methods: Between February 2005 and July 2012, 10 consecutive patients underwent a modified Warden procedure to correct PAPVC. The median patient age was 5.7 years. Eight patients (80%) had an atrial septal defect. To surgically correct the PAPVC, we made a U-shaped incision on the right atrial appendage and sutured the flap to the posterior wall of the SVC. The anterior wall was reconstructed with various patch materials. Results: No early or late deaths occurred, nor did any patient require early or late reoperation for SVC or pulmonary venous obstruction. No new arrhythmias appeared during follow-up, which was complete in all patients (mean, 29.5 months). Conclusion: Our modification of the Warden procedure seems to be effective and safe. This technique may lower the risk of SVC obstruction, pulmonary venous obstruction, and sinus dysfunction.