title: Posterior ventricular septal rupture: an anatomical reconstruction.
abstract: Rupture of the ventricular septum following posterior myocardial infarction is an uncommon, but lethal, injury that requires prompt repair. Surgical reconstruction can be complex, demanding, and unfamiliar. Conventional techniques, as described in the literature, are associated with a variety of potential pitfalls. An alternative method we have successfully used in our last four patients is presented in detail. The procedure uses two composite (felt/pericardium) patches: an internal patch to reconstruct the left ventricular geometry and an external patch to repair the subtotal infarctectomy. For maximal security, all suture lines sandwich myocardium between two continuous felt surfaces. Specific transition stitches are described, which reliably anchor the entire repair at the critical, but poorly visualized, areas where the ventricular septum makes its transition to left and right ventricular free walls. This technique offers immediate hemostasis and a more anatomical left ventricular geometry. The method also reduces the risk of systemic thromboembolism, residual VSD, and repair disruption.
authors.affiliation: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Albuquerque 87131, USA.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Pett
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Follis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Temes
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wernly
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D018658:Ventricular Septal Rupture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*