Resection of Myocardial Aneurysms after Infarction during Temporary Cardiopulmonary Bypass

The report consists of five patients with chronic postinfarct left ventricular aneurysms. The age distribution was between 47 and 63 years. The time lapse between the initial infarct and the appearance of the left ventricular aneurysm was 2 weeks to 2 years. The time interval between the initial infarct and surgery was 5 months to 6 years. Less than adequate bedrest following the infarct, multiple infarcts, and systemic hypertension were other factors present in this group. Right heart catheterization was performed in two patients and showed reduced cardiac output and elevated pulmonary pressures in one. The electrocardiograms were consistent with extensive old myocardial infarction and ventricular aneurysm. The diagnosis was suggested by electrocardiograms and roentgenography, supported by kymography, and confirmed by angiography. The world literature on surgically treated patients with ventricular aneurysms is briefly reviewed with emphasis on the varied surgical approaches to the problem in the past. The method of complete excision with ventriculoplasty during cardiopulmonary bypass was used in all our patients during the past 4 years. The anatomic distribution of the ventricular aneurysm as well as the histopathology of the resected specimen is described. All patients survived the operation, and were observed from 6 months to 40 months after operation. There have been no late deaths to date, and all patients have been rehabilitated. Postoperative catheterization studies have confirmed the clinical improvements observed. More attention should be given to this relatively common complication after infarct because excision under temporary heart-lung bypass is a safe and feasible approach.