Observations on the Occurrence of Right Bundle-Branch Block Following Open Repair of Ventricular Septal Defects

Abstract

The occurrence of right bundle-branch block and varying degrees of altered ventricular conduction in a group of cases of ventricular septal defects repaired by direct closure is presented. The development of abnormal conduction is correlated with the location of the ventricular septal defects and the relationship of the conduction tissue. The etiologic role of operative trauma to the conduction system is reviewed, and the influence of ventriculotomy alone is discounted.