Surgical and transcatheter treatments of mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction

Learning objectives To review the epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction including ventricular septal defect, free wall rupture and papillary muscle rupture. To discuss the existing data on outcomes of medical therapy, surgery and percutaneous intervention. To examine the limitations of currently available treatment modalities and need, as well as opportunity, for ongoing evolution and improvement of surgical and percutaneous therapies. To highlight the importance of the heart team in facilitating complex, shared decision making in treating these conditions which carry very high morbidity and mortality. Introduction Major advances in reperfusion therapies after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have resulted in dramatic reductions in the rate of mechanical complications including ventricular septal defect (VSD), free wall rupture (FWR) and papillary muscle rupture (PMR). However, the drastic decline in their incidence has not been accompanied by a...
Source: Heart - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Education in Heart Source Type: research