[Postoperative complications and therapeutic management after aneurysmectomy of the left ventricle]

51 patients underwent left ventricular aneurismectomy between 1975 and 1980. In 37 patients a Mitral Valve Replacement and/or Myocardial Revascularization were associated. Low cardiac output and ventricular arrhythmias accounted for more than 50% of the problems encountered. Hospital mortality was 11.7%. Low cardiac output and ventricular fibrillation were the only causes of death, and 60% of the times they affected patients who had a Mitral Valve Replacement + Myocardial Revascularization associated to the aneurysmectomy. Left ventricular aneurysmectomy profoundly alters the geometry of the left ventricle which tends to be in a negative oxygen balance during the first postoperative hours with ischemia and possible cardiac failure ensuing. The thorough monitoring of the filling pressures of the left ventricle and the prompt and aggressive therapy of the complications are a must and strongly contributed to lower the hospital mortality after left ventricular aneurysmectomy.