Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect: a nonsurgical approach to the care of the patient with acute ventricular septal rupture.

Acute ventricular septal rupture is a potentially fatal complication of myocardial infarction. In the past, surgical repair was the only treatment option for this life-threatening event. However, not all patients are good surgical candidates. Transcatheter closure of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) with a prosthesis called the Rashkind Patent Ductus Arteriosis Occluder System allows closure of the VSD without the possible complications associated with open-heart surgery. This treatment has potential as a temporary measure for patients awaiting surgical repair of VSD. Transcatheter closure may also be used as a permanent treatment for those patients considered to be poor surgical candidates. This case presentation addresses the use of a state-of-the-art nonsurgical approach to VSD closure. The focus is on the unique medical and nursing interventions used in caring for the patient suffering from a myocardial infarction complicated with postinfarction ventricular septal defect.