Procedure

Surgery for post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD): double patch and glue technique for early repair

Department of Cardio-Vascular Surgery, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, avenue de Magellan, 33604 Bordeaux-Pessac, France

^* Corresponding author: ^* Tel. : +33-557-656437; fax: +33-557-656157. E-mail: claude.deville{at}chu-bordeaux.fr

Repair of post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) remains a challenging procedure with a high risk of VSD recurrence. In order to reduce this risk, a double patch and glue technique was introduced in the department in 1986. This surgical technique is hereunder presented. Since 1971, ninety-three patients have been operated on early (<15 days) after the occurrence of a post-infarction VSD. This retrospective study allows to compare the results of this double patch and glue technique to those obtained with the conventional one, in terms of hospital death and VSD recurrence. The double patch and glue technique avoids recurrence of VSD and plays a part in reducing hospital mortality.

Key Words: Myocardial infarction • Mechanical complication • Ventricular septal defect • Surgical technique