Persistent Common Atrioventricular Canal

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Abstract
The mitral valve anatomy of endocardial cushion defects is reviewed and compared with the anatomic requirements for normal mitral valve function. It is shown that very often mitral valve anatomy is such that function should be not at all or only minimally affected. Evidence is quoted that this is indeed so. The potential harm that may result from indiscriminate suturing of mitral valve clefts and careless repair of the septal defects is described. Principles for the repair of the mitral valve in these cases are enunciated. A small series of cases that have had preoperative and 1-year postoperative assessments of mitral valve function is presented to illustrate some of these points.

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