In the treatment of partial atrioventricular septal defect, the mitral valve is repaired by suturing the cleft or slit so that the valve no longer leaks (see animation).

The atrial septal defect (ASD) is closed by suturing a patch (pink in the animation) made of pericardium (the membrane that covers the heart) or a synthetic material such as Dacron® or Teflon® over the hole.

Postoperative recovery is usually rapid, requiring a hospital stay from four days to one week.