[Surgical treatment of myocardial aneurysms. Indications and results]

The long term results of 95 left ventricular aneurysmectomies are presented. In 47 patients simultaneous aorto-coronary bypass surgery was performed. 53 patients presented preoperatively with congestive heart failure; 8 out of these died within the first postoperative month, while 5-year survival rate (actuarial method) was 52%. Two thirds of this patient group improved. None of the 42 patients without preoperative congestive heart failure died early. 5-year survival rate was 93% and subjective improvement was recorded in one half of this subgroup. Comparison of pre- and postoperative angiograms (40 patients) revealed an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction reflecting the removal of the non-contracting segment. The ejection fraction of the contracting segment of the left ventricle improved after aneurysmectomy, especially in patients with preoperative congestive heart failure. In conclusion, aneurysmectomy improves left ventricular function and the symptoms of heart failure; moreover, it prevents perforation of false aneurysms. Its effect on arrhythmias could not be determined conclusively. Angina may be improved by simultaneous aorto-coronary bypass surgery.