Successful infarct exclusion for postinfarction left ventricular free wall rupture

Abstract

The mortality of postinfarction left ventricular free wall rupture is still high. Several surgical techniques have been used for repairing such ruptures. Here, we describe using an infarction exclusion technique to successfully treat a case of a blow-out type postinfarction left ventricular free wall rupture. This technique has frequently been used for repairing postinfarction ventricular septal perforation. In this case, infarcted myocardial tearing was prevented, and complete haemostasis was achieved by infarct exclusion. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.