[Post infarction septal perforation. Is the early operation benefical?]

A case is reported of a ruptured septum in a man of 74 which was operated on after 48 hours; the authors recall the development of ideas on the surgical treatment, and also the advantages which may be expected from counterpressure from an intra-aortic balloon. If this is not available, it seems to them that the operation must be carried out even more swiftly, within the first few hours, if damage to the myocardium and the consequences of prolonged shock, are to be avoided.