Surgical repair of postinfarction ventricular septal defects-2013 update

Abstract

Treatment for postinfarction ventricular septal defect has been improving for several decades. Aggressive resection of the infarcted myocardium (infarctectomy and closure technique) and preserving infarcted myocardium (infarct exclusion technique) have been technically modified. Recent improvement includes use of surgical glue, using an additional patch for infarct exclusion, septal exclusion, sandwich technique via right or left ventricular approach, and endovascular repair. This field still has room for cardiac surgeons to improve surgical strategy and technique.