Surgical repair of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture: Risk factors of early and late death

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify risk factors of early and late death after surgical repair of post-infarction ventricular septal rupture. Methods: During a 25-year period, from May 1981 to August 2006, 102 patients underwent repair of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture. Data were collected on clinical, angiographic, and echocardiographic findings; operative procedures; early morbidity; and survival time. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors of 30-day mortality and total mortality. Results: Thirty-day mortality was 33% altogether and decreased from 45% in the first half to 21% in the second half of the period ( P = .01). Follow- up was a mean of 5.2 +/- 6.2 years and a median of 2.9 years ( range, 0-26.3 years). Five- and 10-year cumulative survival was 50% and 32%, respectively. Shock at surgical intervention and incomplete coronary revascularization were strong and independent risk factors of both 30-day mortality and poor long-term survival. Conclusions: Early outcome after repair of ventricular septal rupture improved significantly during time, with 30-day mortality being 21% in the last decade. Five- and 10-year cumulative survival was 50% and 32%, respectively. Shock at surgical intervention and incomplete coronary revascularization were strong and independent predictors of poor early and late survival.