Ventricular Septal Rupture, Secondary to Myocardial Infarction

We present our experience with 12 patients with operation for ventricular septal rupture following acute myocardial infarction. Clinically, two sets of symptoms are described. In the first, shock and severe failure occur shortly after the infarction. In the second, signs of moderate failure and a pansystolic murmur appear several days following the acute infarction. The two patients with shock shortly after infarction died during operation. The other ten patients survived the operation, although three died 11 days, 45 days, and 18 months afterward. The seven survivors are doing well after an average of 31 months. The surgical techniques used are discussed. These results compare favorably with the ominous natural course of this complication of acute infarction.