Atrial Septal Defects of the Sinus Venosus Type: Surgical Considerations

The sinus venosus type of atrial septal defect is a common lesion located in the upper portion of the septum which is characteristically associated with anomalous drainage of pulmonary veins. Hemodynamic effects resemble those of any atrial defect located in the septum secundum or upper portion of the septum. Surgical repair of the lesion should be done utilizing temporary cardiopulmonary bypass, and recognition by the surgeon of the technical problem is important. Closure of the septal defect and transposing the anomalous pulmonary veins usually necessitates use of a patch prosthesis for complete repair without producing stenosis of the veins.