Surgical treatment of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture

Abstract

A novel operative technique for the treatment of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture is described. It consists of excluding rather than excising the necrotic septum and ventricular wall. This is accomplished with a single patch of bovine pericardium secured to healthy endocardium of the left ventricle with a continuous 4-0 polypropylene suture. Nineteen patients have been operated on with only one operative death. There has been no patch aneurysm or recurrence of the septal defect.