[A case of massive hemoglobinuria due to patch dehiscence--following patch closure of ventricular septal defect].

A three-month-old baby with persistent intravascular hemolytic anemia following patch closure of subpulmonic ventricular septal defect was reported. Mechanical hemolysis was diagnosed by the presence of blood cell fragments and schistocytes in peripheral blood smear. It was thought that destruction of red cells developed by turbulent flows and direct contact of red blood cells with bared rough surfaces of the teflon patch at the site of dehiscence. When the cause of severe hemolysis was attributed to inadequate intracardiac repairs, immediate second surgical intervention should be performed.