Pericardial patch for atrial septal defect closure

Pericardium is an eminently suitable material for the closure of atrial septal defects. However, when it is not treated with glutaraldehyde, it is difficult to handle because of curling in of the edges. A technique is described by which pericardium can be used to close atrial septal defects with minimal handling and assistance, and without chemical pretreatment.