What material is primarily used to close an atrial septal defect in pediatric cardiac surgery?

The primary material used to close an atrial septal defect (ASD) in pediatric cardiac surgery is a pericardial patch. This patch is typically derived from the child’s own pericardium, which is the membrane covering the heart. Utilizing a pericardial patch offers several advantages. It is biocompatible, minimizing the risk of rejection and facilitating healing because it is naturally incorporated into the surrounding tissue.

Pericardial patches can be precisely tailored to the size and shape of the defect, providing an effective closure that helps restore normal blood flow between the atria. This is crucial in preventing complications associated with ASD, such as volume overload in the right heart and pulmonary circulation.

Other materials, like polyester mesh and biological tissue, may have their applications in certain situations, but they do not provide the same advantages as pericardial patches when it comes to closing ASDs specifically. This is due in part to the potential for complications related to foreign materials and the advantages of using tissue that mimics the body’s own structures.

In summary, pericardial patching is the preferred choice for ASD closure in pediatric patients due to its effectiveness, compatibility, and the ease of incorporation into the native heart tissue during