[Left ventricle free wall rupture - a 10-year experience]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery

Background:

• Left ventricle free wall rupture is a severe complication of myocardial infarction.
• It has historically high morbidity and mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical closure of left ventricle free wall rupture without extracorporeal circulation.
• To assess outcomes in patients treated between 2000 and 2010.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 35 patients undergoing surgical repair for left ventricle free wall rupture.
• Repair involved direct closure using pericardium/synthetic patches and histoacryl glue, without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Main Results:

• Mean patient age was 69.5 years, with 65.7% males.
• Rupture occurred at a mean of 2.9 days post-infarction, frequently involving anterior/lateral walls.
• 94.7% of patients were in shock pre-operatively.
• In-hospital mortality was 28.6%, with 86% survival at 2.5 years.
• Mean ICU stay was 7.9 days.

Conclusions:

• Surgical repair of left ventricle free wall rupture without extracorporeal circulation is feasible.
• Despite high initial mortality, the procedure offers a survival benefit for a critical condition.
• The technique is relatively safe, simple, and quick, improving outcomes for patients with left ventricle free wall rupture.