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Mechanical Support for Decompression of the Left Ventricle in Repair of Ischemic Cardiac Rupture
Abstract
Abstract Acute cardiac rupture is often a lethal complication of transmural myocardial infarction. A case of successfully treated left ventricular free wall rupture is described. Preoperative hemodynamic stabilization was achieved by intraaortic balloon counterpulsation. A BioMedicus left ventricular assist device was used intraoperatively and postoperatively to obtain long-term intraventricular decompression to allow for suture repair of friable myocardium. (J Card Surg 1993; 8:638–640)
