Clinical Outcomes for Postinfarct Ventricular Septal Defect Repair in a Large State-Wide Surgical Registry

Abstract

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a life-threatening complication occurring after delayed presentation of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We assessed clinical characteristics based on mortality following surgical repair of post-AMI VSD and evaluated trends of mortality, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device use, and surgical approach. We included all patients who had surgical VSD repair following AMI who were included in a regional quality collaborative from May 2008 through January 2020. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A univariate logistic regression model was utilized for each clinical variable on in-hospital mortality, while a multivariable model was used on age and variables that showed significant association (p <0.05) in the univariable model. Of the 79 patients who received repair, 32 (41%) were ≥70 years, 49 (62%) were male, and 28 (35%) died. The preoperative mean ejection fraction was 35%. Cardiogenic shock (CS) was observed in 53% (alive vs dead: 39% vs 79%, p = 0.001), while 6% required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (alive vs dead: 2% vs 14%, p = 0.05). MCS devices including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were used in 22% (alive vs dead: 4% vs 54%, p <0.001). Emergent surgery was performed in 37% (alive vs dead: 18% vs 71%, p <0.001), concomitant aortic valve replacement in 10% (alive vs dead: 11% vs 9%, p = 0.029), and delayed intervention (beyond 7 days) in 44% (alive vs dead: 57% vs 21%, p = 0.002). Intraoperatively, blood products were used in 49% (alive vs dead: 45% vs 57%, p = 0.005). Following repair, 22% suffered from renal failure (alive vs dead: 19% vs 48%, p = 0.021). Patients who experienced delayed intervention had higher survival rates probably related to survival bias. Patients who suffered in-hospital mortality were more likely to have CS and to require MCS. Improvement in patient selection by a “Heart Team” approach and new therapeutic options are needed as part of advanced care for mechanical complications of AMI.