Abstract
Fourteen cases of atrial septal defect over 40 years of age were evaluated with respect to preoperative state and postoperative course.
In preoperative state, subjective complaints such as palpitation, exertional dyspnea, easy fatiguability, ECG changes such as RBBB, atrial fibrillation, ST segment changes, RVH, are prominent compared with those of children. Cardiac cash. data showed almost no special features in elderly patients.
As for the operation, direct closure were performed in 12 cases, and patch closure in 2 cases. In one case tricuspid annular constriction was added to the direct closure.
In many cases, mitral valve prolapse of the anterior cusp near posterior commissure was associated.
With respect to postoperative course, 2 cases were complicated with respiratory distress, and one of the two died of severe attack of asthma, and one was under controlled respiration for a long term of period, but recovered well.
Postoperative arrythmias were benign in all cases.
Repair of atrial septal defect in elderly patients resulted in almost no clinical problems, as well as in the cases of children.
