Double-layer pericardial patch for atrial septal defect closure.

After repair of atrial septal defects with or without patch, residual shunt, shrinkage, haemolysis and thromboembolic complications may occur. Even though the pericardium is quite a suitable material for the closure of atrial septal defects, the external surface of the pericardium is not smooth and may be a nidus for thrombus formation. We present a new technique to prevent these complications by using a folded, double-layer, durable pericardial patch without chemical pretreatment.