Repair of post-infarction left ventricular free wall rupture using an extracellular matrix patch

Several techniques for surgical treatment of acute or subacute left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) have been described using a sutured or sutureless patch with different currently available materials. We present a case report of a 50-year-old male with acute LVFWR, who was treated with a simple surgical technique using an 'off-pump' epicardially sutured LV patch consisting of an acellular xenogeneic extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM patches are structurally more surgeon-friendly and have shown to be bioactive, and capable of activating remodelling and even tissue regeneration. Compared with conventional pericardial patches, the advantage of this material is excellent pliability and very easy stitching owing to the thin composition of the material. In addition, and most importantly, in case of complex structural reconstructions, the patch is highly tear-proof.