Modified method of early repair of postinfarction ventricular septal defect using fibrin sealant

Abstract

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect is a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction. Early surgical repair is the treatment of choice. Closure of the septal rupture is a demanding technical problem. We describe our experience with a modified technique to close the defect using a dacron patch, fibrin sealing, and a continuous suture in the undamaged septum. Of 7 patients, five survived. One patient had a small residual VSD. These initial results are encouraging.