Surgical considerations in the treatment of acute acquired ventricular septal defect.

In the light of our experience and that of others (Oldham et al., 1969; Iben, Pupello, Stinson, and Shumway, 1969), early surgical closure of acquired ventricular septal defect is advocated. Two successful cases are presented, one after myocardial infarction and one after penetrating trauma to the heart. Description of the present method of repair is presented. Two prosthetic patches are interposed in the closure of the defect. The advantages of this technique are (a) the key sutures are placed through healthy tissue and are anchored by the two patches, and (b) an additional suture line along the free edge of the right ventricular patch ensures a complete closure.