[Limited skin incision and partial median sternotomy for the repair of atrial septal defects in children].

Eight patients underwent the repair of atrial septal defect using the limited skin incision and partial median sternotomy. The average length of skin incision was 55% of the longitudinal size of the sternum. Our approach did not prolong the operation time and decreased the bloodloss. Moreover, postoperative events, such as hematoma, sternal instability, and wound infection, were not observed, and the cosmetic result was excellent. We think this method is safe and effective especially for children with atrial septal defect.