Double patch technique for repairing postinfarction ventricular septal defect.

We report 2 cases in which the double patch technique was used to repair an anterior postinfarction ventricular septal defect. To do this, we modified infarct exclusion as follows: In addition to a conventional patch excluding the infarcted muscle, another small patch is used to directly close the septal defect. Gelatin-resorcin-formal glue is applied between the double patches, which prevent the glue from being washed away and enhance it to polymerize stably, thereby rapidly stabilizing the infarcted myocardium with the endocardial patch. Echocardiography immediately after operation showed the infarcted septum had completely adhered to the endocardial patch. Both patients demonstrated satisfactory postoperative hemodynamics. Although 1 patient did well, the other died 6 months postoperatively due to complications of pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to colon carcinoma. This double patch technique appears useful, although further experience is needed to verify its safety and efficacy.