[Surgical treatment of interventricular septal defects caused by penetrating heart wounds]

Seven cases of traumatic defects of the interventricular septum are described. All the patients were subjected to operations. The operations were fulfilled under conditions of the artificial blood circulation. The authors believe the greatest difficulties to occur when correcting defects localized in the muscular part of the apical area of the septum. One patient died within 4 years after the operation due to recurring cardiac fibrillation and chronic heart failure.