title: Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect: a nonsurgical approach to the care of the patient with acute ventricular septal rupture.
abstract: Acute ventricular septal rupture is a potentially fatal complication of myocardial infarction. In the past, surgical repair was the only treatment option for this life-threatening event. However, not all patients are good surgical candidates. Transcatheter closure of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) with a prosthesis called the Rashkind Patent Ductus Arteriosis Occluder System allows closure of the VSD without the possible complications associated with open-heart surgery. This treatment has potential as a temporary measure for patients awaiting surgical repair of VSD. Transcatheter closure may also be used as a permanent treatment for those patients considered to be poor surgical candidates. This case presentation addresses the use of a state-of-the-art nonsurgical approach to VSD closure. The focus is on the unique medical and nursing interventions used in caring for the patient suffering from a myocardial infarction complicated with postinfarction ventricular septal defect.
authors.affiliation: Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Mass.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Benton
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Barker
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006342:Heart Rupture, Post-Infarction / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants