The effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with post myocardial infarct ventricular septal defect.

BACKGROUND

Post infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an uncommon but life threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old woman was admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the day after angioplasty and stenting, Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed post infarction VSD. We decided to insert an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) device for stabilization purposes before surgical repair. After 4 days from the implantation, we performed surgical repair successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

When optimal medical treatment fails to stabilize a patient in cardiogenic shock, peripheral ECMO could be used as a bridge to definitive surgical therapy.