Monocusp valve in right ventricular outflow tract

Sixty patients aged 5 days-10.3 years (mean 2.9 years) received monocusp va lve implants in the right ventricular outflow tract in corrective surgery f or congenital heart disease. The free edge of the monocusp valve was attach ed to the posterior wall of the new pulmonary tract to cover the entire roo t of the pulmonary tract when the monocusp valve closed. Follow-up was 3.8 (0-11.5) years. Early mortality was 8.3% (5/60) and late mortality 3.6% (2/ 55). Monocusp valve regurgitation developed in all patients. Moderate or se vere valve failure was found in 30 patients at median 1.4, mean 2.2 (0.2-6. 8) years postoperatively. Repeat surgery was performed in seven cases becau se of monocusp failure. It is emphasized that monocusps potentially give sh ort-term reduction of pulmonary regurgitation when used for right ventricul ar outflow tract reconstruction. Only long-term follow-up can disclose whet her all patients with a monocusp valve will require repeat surgery.