The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 27, 580-589, Copyright © 1979 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Ventricular septal defect following myocardial infarction
B Brandt 3d, CB Wright and JL Ehrenhaft
Review of the literature since 1970 revealed more than 200 patients who had
a ventricular septal defect following myocardial infarction and underwnet
operation. Pathogenesis and diagnosis are discussed. The primary therapy is
operative repair, which is considered from the standpoint of approach,
timing, technique, concomitant coronary artery bypass, mortality, and
long-term survival. Operative mortality in those patients operated on less
than 3 weeks following perforation remains high (40%) but when it is
possible to wait 3 weeks, there is a marked decrease in mortality (6%).
Several general principles have evolved for the care of these patients. (1)
Operation should be deferred until 3 weeks after infarction if possible.
(2) The intraaortic balloon allows preoperative evaluation of the patient
with clinical hemodynamic deterioration in the early postinfarction period.
(3) The incision should be placed through the infarct. (4) Associated
coronary artery or mitral valve disease should be repaired as well.